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Modern History (MA) (2024 Entry)

This image shows a group of History students

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

2:1 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 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 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.

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

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

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

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.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support. 

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • 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.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

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Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

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A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.