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Global and Comparative History (MA) (2021 Entry)

Picture of history students



  • Course Code
  • P-V201
  • Course Type
  • Postgraduate Taught
  • Qualification
  • MA
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 1 year
  • Part-time: 2 years
  • Location of Study
  • University of Warwick


Global and Comparative History MA investigates one of the most dynamic areas of historical enquiry and debate. Warwick's History Department, ranked 1st in the country for the highest concentration of world-leading research activity (REF 2014), has expertly designed one of the first courses in the UK to focus specifically on global history, examining how the global can be investigated in relation to the regional and local.


This innovative MA course is one of the first in the UK to focus specifically on global history, offering you the chance to investigate one of the most dynamic areas of current historical enquiry and debate. Most modules are taught by a team of experts, ensuring that you are exposed to as many different viewpoints and approaches as possible.

In the first term you will study 2 core modules. ‘Theory, Skills and Methods’ provides a foundation in historical methods and theoretical frameworks used to study society and culture from the early modern period to the contemporary world. ‘Themes in global history’ examines this emerging field, the methods it adopts, the subject areas it addresses and the criticisms it has attracted. Throughout, you are encouraged to explore how the global can be investigated in relation to the regional and the local, as part of wider debates on historical methods and interpretation. This provides a route into studying major regions of the globe, including Latin America, India and China.

In the second term you will select two optional modules in which you can explore themes and approaches to the historical study of religious cultures; gender and sexuality; science and technology; empire; consumption and the medical humanities.

The final key element is the dissertation - here you have a large amount of freedom to develop a project of your own choice with help and guidance from your supervisor who will meet with you throughout the third term. Throughout the year you’ll be able to take advantage of the Department’s six research centres, especially the Global History and Culture Centre , and participate in the lively schedule of academic research seminars, lectures and conferences.

The programme will appeal equally to those wishing to undertake further postgraduate study and those pursuing a career outside of the University, equipping you with research, writing and critical thinking skills vital in a range of professions.


Core Modules

  • Historical Research: Theory, Skills and Methods
  • Themes in Global and Comparative History
  • Dissertation (60 Credits)

Optional Modules

You are required to take two of the following:

  • Matters of Life and Death: Topics in the Medical Humanities
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Religious Cultures
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Consumption
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Empire
  • Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Gender and Sexuality
  • Themes in the History of Science, Technology, Environment and Society, 1500-today

Minimum requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject

English language requirements Band C
IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.


For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.


History Master’s graduates have pursued careers in the civil service, NGOs, education, law and in a range of research roles across the private sector.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • A Career to suit you
  • Discovering Careers in the Creative Industries
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.