Course overview
You explore the methodologies of historical research, preparing you to produce original research. Focus on a subject of your choosing and discover a variety of theoretical approaches, practical and critical thinking skills. The transferrable skills you develop on this course are highly valued by employers and support you in a number of sectors, such as teaching, heritage and museum work, and management.
Top reasons to study this course:
> Expert teaching: our teaching team are highly-rated research-active historians who support the work of the Centre for Culture and Creativity.
> Real-world opportunities: you take part in public engagement activity, such as exhibitions, websites, theatre scripts and educational resources as part of your assessment, meaning your skills and knowledge are centred in real situations you may face in your career.
> Supportive environment: as a member of our online community, you are encouraged to find your voice as a researcher, writer and critic with support specific to your needs, from professional to personal supervision.
* Subject to University approval
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
This module marks the culmination of the MA History programme, requiring you to produce an extended example of historical research. This may take the form of a dissertation of 15,000 words, or an equivalent knowledge exchange project.
You address various theoretical and practical approaches to history and focus on the acquisition of interpretive and historiographical skills and their application to some of the narratives, themes, periods and theories that engage historians at the current time.
You choose one of two specialist options relating to the specific research interests of the teaching team, giving you an opportunity to examine the subject in depth with an expert in the field. You discuss and debate your ideas within a seminar setting and design your own research questions.
This module comprises an independent study. This is initiated by you, negotiated with your supervisor to enable you to study a particular topic in greater depth.
You develop skills as a researcher with practical sessions on the framing of research questions, research methodologies, and aspects of presenting your research and applying for research funding. You undertake a primary-source analysis to deepen your archival and analytical skills and develop a knowledge exchange project to broaden your communication skills.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
This course is delivered completely online. You learn through lectures, seminars, guided discussion and assigned reading.
How you are assessed
You receive continuous feedback from tutors and peers through discussion forums.
You complete a range of informal and formal assessments. Formal assessment includes a dissertation project, primary source analyses, short independent research projects, essays and knowledge exchange projects.
Entry requirements
You should have an undergraduate degree of 2.2 or above in history or a relevant subject, or have other equivalent experience or qualifications. You can discuss the flexibility of entry requirements with tutors.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
You can expect to work in sectors including teaching, museum work, heritage management, government, the third sector and/or administration. You may consider further academic study such as an MPhil or PhD.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
