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level: masters top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: September location: Distance Learning

History MA

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG MA

  • Duration

    Distance Learning Full Time: 1 year
    Distance Learning Part Time: 2 years

  • Starting

    September

Updated 13/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 13/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The University of Northampton’s History MA programme is delivered online rather than on campus and we use an exciting range of online tools to amplify your learning experience.

This online, MA history course is designed for those who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of history across a range of periods, regions and theoretical perspectives. The History MA provides you with opportunities to study the subject at an advanced level.

You will have the chance to study a range of periods and topics, from Early Modern England to Fascism in modern Britain, from the Decline of the Aristocracy to warfare and memories of war and the role of history in the construction of British national identity.

While studying for your masters in history, you are encouraged to think not only about the diversity of the past, but also how history itself is constructed.

Highlights

  • Flexible evening study time to fit around your schedule.
  • Study a range of in-depth specialist topics.
  • Alumni 20% fee discount available on this MA History course.
  • Follow us on X at @HistoriansUON or visit our blog site for more updates from the History team at the University of Northampton.

Entry Requirements

To join the MA History distance learning course, we normally accept a second class degree in History or related discipline.

  • We also welcome applications from ‘non-standard entrants’, including those with experiential learning. Interviewing all applicants ensures that each has the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to complete the programme successfully.

    For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a University of Northampton course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent)
      for study at master’s level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • The University of Northampton’s History MA is taught via distance learning online, on a a full-time and part-time basis, with the opportunity to complete in one and two years respectively. The year is split into three trimesters.

    You will develop the skills necessary to understand, critique, utilise and communicate concepts and theories used within the discipline of History. You will acquire methodological skills for historical research, particularly the selection, evaluation and interpretation of primary sources.

    The History MA course comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Students must take the History Research Methods module and complete a dissertation. The remainder of the programme is made up from a selection of specialist modules (normally three 30 credit modules) which reflect staff research expertise.

    Methods of Learning

    At Master’s level study, we aim to encourage student-led debates and exchange of ideas. Each module incorporates a variety of teaching methods in class, including workshops, student presentations and discussions of primary and secondary materials (such as film, images, documentary sources and online resources). Learning activities include a variety of online methods.

    Full-time students get six hours of timetabled contact per week, part-time students will have three hours. This does not include individual tutorials or dissertation supervision.

    Independent study and assessment time equate to approximately 18 hours per week full time or nine hours part time.

  • How is this MA History course taught online?

    Our distance learning History Masters programme is delivered online rather than on campus and we use an exciting range of online tools to amplify your learning experience.

    How will I be assessed?

    Assessment for the History MA is by coursework only, consisting of assessments such as essays, student presentations, book reviews and seminar portfolios.

    To complete a masters in history, students must accumulate a total of 180 credits, including a 15,000 word dissertation, undertaken under the supervision of an appropriate member of the course team. A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded for 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma for 120 credits.

    Are there any specialist facilities and features?
    • teaching takes place in evening classes, with online learning activities, providing a convenient programme for master’s learners
    • students study a range of specialist topics in-depth with staff who are engaged in research and publication
    • much of the teaching is centred on the use and interpretation of primary sources, giving students the opportunity to engage in active learning

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and International – Full Time Distance Learning: £8,500
  • UK and International – Part Time Distance Learning: £1,420 per 30 credit module

  • There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • If you are starting a master’s course in 2024/25 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a master’s loan through Student Finance England.

    *Please note that the maximum period of study allowed for part-time courses is two years.

     

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK and International – Full Time Distance Learning: £8,250
    • UK and International – Part Time Distance Learning: £1,380 per 30 credit module

Careers and Employability

Previous History Masters distance learning students have used their qualification in a variety of ways. It can be a bridge to further study – with several former students having gone on to do a PhD. As a prestigious qualification, it can enhance career opportunities in a wide range of occupations, for example, teachers have used the course to gain curriculum knowledge and career progression; History MA is also useful for law, journalism and a range of other careers. Many students take the course purely because they have enjoyed History as a degree or as a personal interest and wish to pursue the subject further.

Is this course for you?

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