Modern History (MA) (2023 Entry)
Explore our Modern History taught Master's degree.
Warwick offers a Modern History MA, an advanced study into the history of the modern world. You will investigate historical change within a broader conceptual and theoretical framework. This course will particularly appeal to those who wish to conduct further research in history.
Course overview
This MA offers you an in-depth knowledge and overview of how the world in which we live has been formed over the course of the modern age. You will investigate economic, cultural, social and religious change from 1800 onwards. You will be introduced to key thinkers and theoretical models that have been used to make sense of modern societies. Our 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 two 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 Modern History’ interrogates the concept of ‘modernity’ across the world, giving you the opportunity to focus on the writings of some of the most influential thinkers, historians and political figures of the modern age.
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 will be able to take advantage of the Department’s six research centres, including participating 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.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- 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 qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Historical Research: Theory, Skills and Methods
This compulsory 30 CATS one-term MA module will equip you with the methodological skills needed to carry out an extended piece of historical research and writing. As a student on one of the four MA History courses, you are required to follow it during the Autumn Term. Teaching will be delivered in one lecture and one seminar each week.
Themes in Modern History
This module explores modernity - both as a historical period and an intellectual project. We explore a different aspect of modernity – such as race, gender or sovereignty – each week by reading one seminal historical or theoretical work, in dialogue with the broader historiographical debates to which it speaks. The module is relatively unusual in offering students the opportunity to engage in depth with a single text, in order to acquire a strong grasp of the intellectual interventions that have defined the modern period. The strong theoretical focus of the module complements that of the other core module: Theories, Skills and Methods. Students will be encouraged to undertake critical analysis of texts and to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses. Teaching will be delivered in weekly two-hour seminars.
Dissertation
The dissertation (60 CATS) is the most important a piece of work you will produce in the course (a 15,000 word project). You should view it mainly as an opportunity to do in-depth research on your favourite topic and to develop research techniques and methodologies as well as to present the research in an appropriate format. It is helpful to begin the course with a clear, if general, idea of your dissertation topic.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- 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
You are required to take two of the above.
Teaching
Historical Research: Theories, Skills and Methods
This one-term compulsory 30 CATS one-term MA module will equip you with the methodological skills needed to carry out an extended piece of historical research and writing. As a student on one of the four MA History courses, you are required to follow it during the Autumn Term. Teaching will be delivered in one lecture and one seminar each week.
Themes in Modern History
This module explores modernity - both as a historical period and an intellectual project. We explore a different aspect of modernity – such as race, gender or sovereignty – each week by reading one seminal historical or theoretical work, in dialogue with the broader historiographical debates to which it speaks. The module is relatively unusual in offering students the opportunity to engage in depth with a single text, in order to acquire a strong grasp of the intellectual interventions that have defined the modern period. The strong theoretical focus of the module complements that of the other core module: Theories, Skills and Methods. Students will be encouraged to undertake critical analysis of texts and to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses. Teaching will be delivered in weekly two-hour seminars.
Dissertation (60 Credits)
The dissertation (60 CATS) is the most important a piece of work you will produce in the course (a 15,000 word project). You should view it mainly as an opportunity to do in-depth research on your favourite topic and to develop research techniques and methodologies as well as to present the research in an appropriate format. It is helpful to begin the course with a clear, if general, idea of your dissertation topic.
Reading lists
Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
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
History at Warwick
Each year, we attract excellent students like you to Warwick.
We will help you develop the skills needed to conduct research, including in the archives, engage critically with your sources, and support you in developing critical thinking and writing skills.
Whether you’re working with classmates in seminars and workshops, or getting involved with the History Society, at every turn you’ll find like-minded people who share your fascination with the past and its significance in the present.
Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.Link opens in a new window
Our courses
- Early Modern History (MA)
- Global and Comparative History (MA)
- History (MA by Research)
- History (MPhil/PhD)
- History of Medicine (MA)
- Modern History (MA)
Read more about our courses on the History website:
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Taught course fees Research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
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Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
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