MSc Accounting and Financial Management
Designed for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds with quantitative training, th...
MA History
Clifton Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA History program at the University of Bristol is a flexible and academically rigorous postgraduate degree designed for students with a deep interest in exploring historical events, ideas, and movements that have shaped the modern world. This program allows students to specialize in a variety of historical periods and regions, from ancient to modern history, with the option to focus on specific themes such as cultural history, social history, or political history. The program is ideal for students who are passionate about historical research and critical thinking, preparing them for careers in academia, museums, archives, policy-making, and heritage industries. The MA History offers a combination of taught modules and a substantial independent research project, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct original research.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA History at the University of Bristol is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in both historical knowledge and research methodologies. The program begins with core modules that introduce students to advanced historiography, historical research methods, and the practice of writing history. Students then choose from a range of optional modules, which allow them to specialize in areas such as early modern history, medieval history, modern British history, global history, and the history of specific regions or cultures. These modules cover both theoretical and empirical approaches, enabling students to explore history from diverse perspectives. The culmination of the program is the dissertation, where students engage in independent research on a topic of their choice, supported by one-on-one supervision from faculty members. The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of historical contexts and the ability to critically analyze primary and secondary sources.
Research Focus: The MA History program at the University of Bristol places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to develop their own independent investigations into historical topics. The university’s Department of History is renowned for its expertise in a wide range of historical areas, including political history, cultural history, social history, economic history, and international relations. The department’s research strengths include British history, European history, the history of the Atlantic world, and post-colonial studies. Students are encouraged to engage with both traditional and innovative research methods, utilizing archival materials, digital sources, and interdisciplinary approaches. The program allows students to explore new areas of historical inquiry while building on the extensive research expertise within the department. The opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are internationally recognized scholars ensures that students receive expert guidance throughout their research projects.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an essential component of the MA History program at the University of Bristol. The program offers students opportunities to work with external partners, including museums, archives, cultural institutions, and heritage organizations. This collaboration allows students to apply their historical knowledge and research skills in practical, real-world settings. The department maintains strong relationships with various cultural and historical organizations, providing students with access to internships, placements, and networking opportunities that enhance their professional development. These industry engagements offer students valuable experience in fields such as heritage management, museum curation, archival research, and public history. In addition, students benefit from events such as seminars, guest lectures, and conferences, where they can interact with professionals in the field of history and related industries.
Global Perspective: The MA History program at the University of Bristol provides students with a global perspective on historical research and analysis. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of global events and movements, encouraging students to think critically about the ways in which local histories are shaped by global forces. The department’s diverse research interests allow students to engage with history from various cultural, geographical, and temporal contexts. Students can explore global history, including colonial and post-colonial studies, transnational histories, and the histories of migration and diaspora. The program’s international outlook is further enhanced by the opportunity for students to collaborate with scholars and students from around the world, fostering a rich, cross-cultural academic environment. This global perspective prepares students for careers in international organizations, global history research, and roles in museums and cultural institutions with an international scope.
Location
Clifton Campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 29300
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 85, with at least 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 with no individual score below 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Bristol offers a range of scholarship opportunities to both domestic and international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to high-achieving students who are starting their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Bristol. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
Think Big Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic merit and potential.
Sanctuary Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to asylum seekers, refugees, and their immediate family members who are seeking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Bristol. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
The MA History program equips graduates with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in various career paths.
Research and Academia: Graduates can pursue a career in academia, conducting historical research, and teaching at universities or research institutions. They may pursue further study at the doctoral level to specialize in a particular area of historical research.
Heritage and Museums: Graduates can work in museums, archives, or heritage organizations, curating exhibitions, conducting research, and preserving historical artifacts. They may also work in cultural heritage management or public history.
Education and Teaching: Graduates can pursue careers in secondary or further education, teaching history at schools or colleges. They can also contribute to educational publishing or develop educational programs in museums or cultural institutions.
Journalism and Media: Graduates can work as historians or researchers for media organizations, contributing to historical documentaries, journalism, or online platforms. They may also work as historical consultants for film and television productions.
Public Sector and Government: Graduates can work in government agencies, policy research, or public administration, utilizing their research and analytical skills to inform policy decisions or work in public history projects.
Cultural and Creative Industries: Graduates can explore careers in the cultural and creative industries, such as publishing, writing, editing, or content creation, where their historical knowledge and research skills are highly valued.
Private Sector and Business: Graduates can apply their research and analytical skills in fields such as market research, data analysis, consultancy, or corporate communications, where the ability to critically analyze information and communicate effectively is essential.
