History

This course is delivered primarily through small group seminars, with some larger classes and lecture-style sessions where appropriate. Core content is taught through a series of seminars and will familiarise you with the skills and problems that are associated with advanced historical work.

Small seminars constitute the vast majority of class time for optional modules. They encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas and you should expect to carry out a substantial amount of independent study in order to be able to contribute fully in the sessions. Occasionally, lectures might present key information, which can then be followed up in the smaller seminars.

The nature of timetabled contact time varies from module to module with the majority of optional modules providing 20 contact hours.

Your dissertation includes a further seven hours of one-to-one contact time with a supervisor who has specific knowledge in your topic of choice.

Assessment

Assessment is rigorous and ongoing during the course. Although methods of assessment vary by module, the majority include essays and presentations. You will also complete a dissertation which is worth either one-third or half your total marks, depending on the dissertation route you choose.

You will be expected to have at least a 2:1 (or international equivalent) undergraduate degree, with an overall average of 65% or above, in a History related discipline from a recognised institution. Applicants with an overall average of 60-64% (or international equivalent) may be accepted, subject to the submission of a writing sample of up to 5,000 words

A 500-word personal statement which should include the following:

• Why are you interested in studying in the Durham History department
• What skills and knowledge you would bring to the course
• What skills and knowledge you would hope to acquire on the programme
• An indication of your planned area of research

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

Part Time Fees

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Life as a postgraduate in the Department of History is an excellent preparation for continuing research at a higher level or to pursue a professional career in the public or private sector if that is where your aspirations lie.

During your time studying here, you will develop skills, knowledge and personal attributes that are equally applicable in either career path, such as critical thinking, comprehension, analysis and communication of information and the ability to make knowledge-based decisions.    

Our postgraduates enter a variety of academic and academic-related careers as well as areas such as the arts and heritage sector, law, the Civil Service, accountancy, teaching, the charities sector and business.

Our postgraduate study opportunities examine the subject of history from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. The depth of expertise among our renowned academic staff allows the subject to be considered from political, religious, economic and social perspectives.

The Department of History is a highly successful academic community that places a huge value on the contribution postgraduates make to its ever-growing research output covering a wide range of historical contexts.

Specific areas of expertise in the Department include medieval, early modern and modern history in Britain, continental Europe, North America, Africa, and East and South Asia. They consider a wealth of themes including gender, culture and race as well as political, religious, economic and social topics.

Our postgraduates benefit enormously from being taught by staff who work at the cutting edge of their respective subject specialisms. This enables them to incorporate the most up-to-date findings into their teaching. Our Masters qualifications in Global History, History, and Social and Economic History (Research Methods) offer choice, flexibility and the opportunity to specialise.

You will also benefit from the relationships the department has with University research institutes and centres, such as the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, the Centre for Nineteenth Century Studies, and the Centre for Visual Arts and Culture.

We consider our postgraduate community to be committed and active, contributing to academic activities through its own discussion groups and organising annual conferences and meeting with external keynote speakers.

Facilities

The Department is located in the heart of the city of Durham, next to Durham Cathedral and Castle, which together form the UNESCO World Heritage site. We occupy a group of historic town houses on North Bailey and Palace Green.

Our students have access to the Department’s specialist libraries and online resources, enabling historical research up to and including doctoral level. In addition, the University Library, with its archives and special collections, and the Durham Cathedral Library and Archives hold historical resources of international significance.

Durham is also home to an extensive and diverse range of archives and special collections, from Magna Carta to the Sudan Archive.

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