MRes History

The MRes History program at Birkbeck University of London is a one-year, full-time or two-year, part-time research degree that provides advanced training in historical research and scholarship. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or the heritage sector, as well as those who want to develop their skills in historical research and analysis. Students on the MRes History program will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of historical topics and methodologies, and will receive guidance from experienced historians and researchers throughout the program. The program consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision, and students will also have access to a wide range of resources and facilities at Birkbeck's School of History, Culture, and Language.

Additional Information

The MRes History program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students. Students can choose from a range of modules that align with their research interests, and can also tailor their dissertation topic to suit their career aspirations. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision, and students will have access to a wide range of resources and facilities at Birkbeck's School of History, Culture, and Language.

Unlocking the Past: A World-Leading History Program at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is a world-renowned institution for the study of history, with a long tradition of excellence in research and teaching. The university's School of History, Culture, and Language is home to some of the world's leading historians and researchers, and offers a unique and dynamic learning environment for students. Birkbeck's location in the heart of London provides access to a wealth of historical resources and cultural institutions, and the university's commitment to interdisciplinary research means that students can explore connections between history and other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and literature.

The MRes History is a taught postgraduate research course that sits in between our MA provision and Ph.D. research degrees. It equips you with the advanced historical research skills and conceptual framework needed to complete an individual, large-scale research project. The course centers on the research and writing of a 30,000-word dissertation which allows you to demonstrate the advanced historical research skills learned in the two core modules.

The core modules extend your analytical skills and project management skills through, first, the planning and writing of a long literature review which advances your critical knowledge of your chosen field of research; and second, the development of a detailed research proposal. You will be taught practical historical skills and techniques, including locating and retrieving historical material, critiquing primary and secondary sources, and examining and organizing historical information. Both modules are taught by experienced, research-active academics using a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches. You will work with an internationally renowned specialist supervisor in your chosen field of research and will be invited to events organized by, and for, our vibrant MPhil/Ph.D. community, thus broadening your range of academic and intellectual contacts.

Graduates can pursue career paths in research and archiving, education, the heritage industry, publishing, journalism and the media, and the charity sector. Possible professions include:

historian

higher education lecturer

archivist

journalist

heritage manager

politician’s assistant

academic librarian

museum/gallery curator.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.