Studying for a taught MA

School of History and Anthropology

Entry 2011-12

Why do an MA in History?• To pursue your personal interests in

History at a more advanced ‘Masters’ level

• To develop your own intellectual and communication skills in a postgraduate research environment

• To learn how to solve complex problems by different methods of research and analysis

• To distinguish yourself from other jobs-market entrants

Two ways of seeing an MA

1. As an end in itself

• To take your interest in History to a higher level, leading to a major research dissertation

• To obtain a taught postgraduate degree representing a higher level of intellectual achievement than the BA

• To acquire a higher level of skills in research, organisation and analysis of complex ideas and information, and in the communication of evidence at length

Two ways of seeing an MA2. As an essential stepping stone to a

higher research degree (PhD)

• Recognised by AHRC and DEL as part of 1+3 model for PhD research training

• MA provides essential research skills training for PhD/MPhil projects

• MA dissertation as dry run for PhD dissertation

Employment opportunities with an MA in History

Our postgraduate students have gone on to find employment in research (both academic and non-academic), archives, museums and other historically-related areas, as well as in teaching and in a wide range of public and private sector work.

• A Masters qualification is regarded by many employers as representing a higher degree of intellectual and research- related achievement than a BA degree.

• Internship placements are available on some MA programmes to enhance employability profiles

PRONI

Key Information on MA programmes

• Can be studied full-time over 12 months (September-September)

• Can be studied part-time over 31 months (September – May)

• Most assessment is by coursework, with a major dissertation

• Candidates who pass all taught units but don’t submit or who fail the MA dissertation may be awarded PG Diploma

How to apply

• Application criteria: You must have or be in the process of completing a BA in History/Ancient History (or as a joint subject) at minimum of 2:i level or equivalent

• You will need two academic referees who can comment on your suitability for MA-level study

• The applications deadline is c. Feb/March 2011 (but later applications from self-funding applicants are welcomed)

• Applications are made to the Admissions Office via the online system: www.qub.ac.uk/home/ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateStudents/ApplyingtoQueens/

Fees and fundingWhat does it cost?

Fees for 2010-11 were:

Full time (1 year): £3,460

Part-time fees are by module but areroughly equivalent

Fees can be paid in installments

There are higher fee rates for non-EU/UKresidents

Sources of funding• DEL (MA) Studentships

(fees and maintenance – UK residents fees only- EU) Applications deadline c. Feb/March 2011

• International Masters Bursaries (50% of fees – non-UK/EU students only) Application deadline as above

• Beckett Bursaries (fees only) MA Irish History only

• British Intelligence History MA Studentship- Available to applicants to this pathway on MA- Modern History (contact Keith Jeffery)

No separate application needed for funding applications

Why do an MA in History at QUB?QUB is one of the 20 research-led ‘Russell Group’

universities in the UK, and one of the leading centres for historical research in Ireland

Historical research at QUB was graded 5 (out of 5) by the Research Assessment Exercise in 2001. Ranked in top 20 departments by ‘Research Power’ in 2007 RAE

QUB has particular research strengths in Irish history, the history of modern Britain and its empire, the history of the US south, and in ancient and medieval history.

History has a large postgraduate body and a lively research and social culture, with numerous historical seminars and conferences.

Research and research training in History is supported by the Special Collections of the University Library and PRONI.

MA Programmes 2011-12

School of History and Anthropologywww.qub.ac.uk/history

MA Programmes in Modern HistoryMA Programmes in Ancient HistoryMA Programmes in Irish StudiesMA Programmes in Social AnthropologyMA Programmes in Cognition and Culture

Do consider other MA programmes in other Schools and Universities; information and prospectuses are available online

MA Programmes in History 2011-12

• MA Irish History

• MA Modern History

• MA Ancient History

MA Irish History

The MA in Irish History is studied through the Culture, Politics and Identity strand.

This is a general strand, with an emphasis on the relationship between cultureand politics in the history of modern Ireland from the 16th to the 20th centuries

Further information about this pathway and the MA Irish History in general is available from the co-ordinator, Dr Fearghal McGarry

This strand, which is designed as a flexible means of pursuing modern Irish history, can be tailored to allow students to focus on specific research interests in areas beyond the core themes of culture and politics. For example, students can specialise in such topics as Migration (drawing on the expertise of the Centre for Migration Studies which collaborates in the teaching of our MA programme) or women’s history and gender.

MA Irish History

As well as the Culture, Politics and Identity module, the MA Irish history include modules in Historiography, focusing on the development of Irish historiography within wider global perspectives; in Research Methods, offering training in practical research skills; a Historical Documents and Sources’ module offers an opportunity to learn archival cataloguing and calendaring skills through close study of primary sources; alternatively, the Internship in Public History module, focussing on applying theoretical skill in a practical work-placement can be taken; and the programme ends with a major research Dissertation of up to 20,000 words, supervised by a specialist tutor.

MA Modern HistoryCan be studied following one of four strands :

1. British HistoryFocuses on British domestic and imperial experience since c.1800. For further information, contact the strand convenor, Dr Sean O’Connell

2. American History

Focuses on United States history, especially that of the southern states of the US, and the themes of slavery, race relations, gender and labour. For more information, contact the strand co-ordinator, Prof. Catherine Clinton

3. British Intelligence History

Focuses on intelligence and spying in the 20th century, with case studies looking at espionage in Europe and Asia. Co-ordinator: Prof Keith Jeffery

4. Medieval History

Focuses on a variety of medieval topics and skills including from the seventh to seventeenth centuries, from Ireland to Constantinople. Co-ordinator: Dr James Davis

MA Modern History

All strands include a module focusing on the development of national Historiography alongside wider global perspectives; a Research Methods module; a Historical Documents and Sources module offering an opportunity to learn archival cataloguing and calendaring skills; alternatively, the Internship in Public History module, focussing on applying theoretical skill in a practical work-placement can be taken; and a major research Dissertation of up to 20,000 words supervised by a subject specialist. There may be the option of substituting an Individually Negotiated Topic module for one of the taught modules.

MA Ancient History

The MA has five components. There are four taught modules (assessed entirely by coursework), two of them driven by research skills and methodologies and the other pair devoted to a special period of either Greek or Roman history.

If all four modules are successfully passed, students then prepare and submit a dissertation – on a subject of their own choice – not exceeding 20,000 words.

Further information is available from the co-ordinator Prof. Brian Campbell

More informationHistory Postgraduate webpages:

www.qub.ac.uk/history

QUB Postgraduate webpages:www.qub.ac.uk/postgraduate

Or talk to the postgraduate co-ordinators:

Dr Fearghal McGarry (f.mcgarry@qub.ac.uk) Modern and Irish history

Prof Brian Campbell (b.campbell@qub.ac.uk) Ancient history