MA Historical Research

The MA Historical Research program at Birkbeck University of London provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to contemporary events. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical research methods and techniques, as well as the skills necessary to conduct independent research. Students will learn how to analyze primary sources, evaluate historical evidence, and construct persuasive arguments. The program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in academia, museums, libraries, or other cultural institutions.

Additional Information

The MA Historical Research program at Birkbeck University of London is designed to be flexible and accommodating, with a range of course options and research areas available. Students can choose from a variety of topics, including British history, European history, global history, and the history of specific regions or cultures. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, allowing students to explore connections between history and other fields such as politics, sociology, or anthropology. In addition, the program includes a range of research methods training, including archival research, oral history, and digital humanities.

Discover the rich history and culture of London at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is an ideal place to study historical research due to its rich history and cultural heritage. The university has a long tradition of excellence in the field of history, with faculty members who are experts in their respective areas of study. Birkbeck also has extensive resources for historical research, including rare books and manuscripts, special collections, and access to major archives and libraries in London. Additionally, the university's location in central London provides students with easy access to a wide range of cultural institutions and historical sites.

The MA Historical Research is our most flexible postgraduate history degree, offering you the opportunity to develop a pathway that best suits your needs and interests. You will take our flagship Mastering Historical Research module, with lectures from our leading specialists, and then choose from the full range of options offered by our Department of History, Classics, and Archaeology. You can formulate a bespoke program that ranges across regions and periods or take a research route specifically designed to give you the intellectual foundations, practical techniques, and confidence to pursue a Ph.D. or independent historical research in a particular area.

In the core Mastering Historical Research module, you will critically examine major themes and approaches used in historical research today, exploring key issues such as:

historical narrative

objectivity and relativism

causation

the relationship of history to other disciplines

the rise and impact of social and cultural histories

new directions in historical research and writing.

The culmination of this historical research course is an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice under the guidance and supervision of one of our research-active academics.

This Master's in historical research will equip you with subject expertise that may be especially relevant to jobs in:

private and public consultancy

education

policy and government

NGOs and the charity sector.

It also gives you the opportunity to develop advanced critical thinking and analysis and high-level oral and written communication skills relevant to a wide range of other career paths. The research pathway of the MA Historical Research is specially designed to equip you with the skills and background to pursue doctoral research in history.

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.