University of Warwick

What you'll study

The MA History is organised around a mixture of compulsory research training, optional specialised modules and an extended dissertation. Teaching emphasises historiography, research methods and thematic or regional specialisms so you can build a tailored programme of study.

Typical structure

• Research methods and historiography module covering archival skills, critical theory, source criticism and approaches to narrative and interpretation.
• Optional advanced modules drawn from topics such as British political and social history, modern Europe, empire and decolonisation, global and transnational histories, cultural and intellectual history, gender and sexuality, economic and labour history, and comparative approaches.
• Training in digital humanities approaches, quantitative and qualitative methods for historical research, and practical archival practice—often including engagement with the Modern Records Centre’s collections.
• A major independent dissertation (substantial research project) supervised by a member of staff, giving experience in primary-source research and long-form academic argument.

Assessment

Assessment typically combines essays, source-based exercises, presentation or portfolio work from taught modules, and the final dissertation. Emphasis is placed on original research, critical reading and clear written argumentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in history or a closely related discipline (typically an upper second-class honours degree or its international equivalent). Applicants with a degree in another subject plus demonstrable experience of historical study or relevant research training may also be considered.

• A clear personal statement outlining your academic interests, proposed dissertation topics and reasons for applying.
• Academic references that can speak to your suitability for postgraduate study and research potential.
• Evidence of ability to work with primary sources and undertake independent research is advantageous.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, a recognised English language qualification at a level appropriate for postgraduate study is required.

Offers are made on the basis of the whole application; strong applications may be invited for interview or asked to submit a short writing sample.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA History leave with advanced research and communication skills valued in a wide range of professions. The programme prepares students for doctoral study and academic careers, but also for non-academic roles that require analysis, project management and strong written presentation.

• Academic research and PhD study
• Museums, archives and heritage sector roles (curation, collections management, public engagement)
• Publishing, media and journalism
• Public policy, think tanks and the civil service
• Education and teaching (often combined with further professional qualification for school teaching)
• Legal, consultancy and communications roles where historical research, evidence appraisal and clear argumentation are important

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick’s Department of History is research-active and known for its interdisciplinary strengths, allowing students to work with scholars across modern history, global history and cultural studies. The department runs a lively programme of seminars, workshops and research training, giving MA students access to current debates and methodologies.

• Strong research-led teaching: staff publish across a wide range of fields and supervise postgraduate research at all levels.
• Unique specialist resources: access to the Modern Records Centre and strong library holdings that support original archival research.
• Interdisciplinary links with other departments and research centres, enabling study in areas such as digital humanities, politics, sociology and area studies.
• A supportive postgraduate community with structured research training and opportunities to present work in departmental events.