MA History of Ideas

The MA History of Ideas at Birkbeck University of London offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of key ideas and intellectual movements throughout history. This course examines the development of major philosophical, political, and cultural trends, from ancient Greece to modern times. Students will gain a deep understanding of the complex interactions between philosophy, politics, and culture, as well as the ways in which these have shaped our contemporary world. The program is designed for students who are interested in exploring the history of ideas and their impact on society, politics, and culture. With a diverse range of modules to choose from, students can tailor their course to suit their individual interests and career goals.

Additional Information

The MA History of Ideas at Birkbeck University of London is a highly respected program that has produced many distinguished alumni. The course is taught by expert scholars who are actively engaged in research and have a deep understanding of the subject matter. Students will have access to a range of resources, including the Birkbeck Library's extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, as well as state-of-the-art facilities for research and study.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Past: Why Choose Birkbeck University of London for Your MA in History of Ideas

Birkbeck University of London is an ideal choice for students interested in the history of ideas due to its rich intellectual tradition and cutting-edge research. The university has a long history of excellence in the humanities, and the MA History of Ideas program is a testament to this commitment. With a diverse student body and a vibrant academic community, Birkbeck provides an inspiring environment for students to learn and grow.

Our MA History of Ideas is concerned with excavating and understanding the lived reality of ideas. We consider how the study of the history of ideas can help us to interpret individual thinkers and their ideas and how these have shaped past societies. The history of ideas is a dynamic and expanding field and this program enables you to pursue an exciting program of study, exploring ideas comparatively and in their geographical, social, and historical contexts. If you want to understand and investigate the relationship between ideas and actions across a wide variety of historical periods, geographical places, and theoretical and methodological perspectives, then this is the degree for you. The introductory compulsory module explores key topics and questions within the history of ideas and will introduce you to the conceptual background needed for the historical study of ideas at the postgraduate level. We offer a wide range of option modules, covering topics in periods from classical antiquity to the present day, including ancient philosophy, politics and ethics, Judaism and antisemitism, early modern politics, Darwinism and race in the nineteenth century, psychoanalysis, modernity, and technology, and Islam and the politics of fundamentalism. You will also receive training in research skills to enable you to undertake the research and writing of a dissertation on the topic of most interest to you.

At least a second-class honors degree, with good supporting references. We offer a one-year Graduate Certificate in History, which can be used as a conversion course if you want to study history at the postgraduate level but have a degree in a significantly different discipline.