History

Entry requirements

The typical entry requirement is 2.1 degree in History or a relevant discipline, or equivalent.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MA in History at Swansea University allows you to explore a rich variety of historical periods from the middle ages to the late twentieth century. It covers themes as diverse as the history of art, culture, empire, warfare, society, heritage, and identity.

This programme is ideal for you if you are interested in the early modern (c.1500-c.1800) and modern period (c.1800-present). It explores the emergence of modernity and its characteristics (urbanisation, capitalism, bureaucracy, industry, science, technology, etc.).

You will benefit from the expertise of leading historians at Swansea, whose research encompasses medieval, early modern and modern history. Staff specialisms include Welsh, British, European and global history, economic and industrial history, questions of identity and nationality, imperialism, medicine, politics, sexuality, and sport.

Our MA in History programme will suit students who are looking to further develop their research, analytical, and presentation skills for a career in the public or private sector. It also provides excellent preparation for those with an aspiration to pursue doctoral studies.

Why History at Swansea?

Our History Department has an established profile, which attracts great numbers of respected historians to study, research, and teach at Swansea University.

You will study on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

You’ll be joining a leading department, with renowned research and expertise:

• 100% of our Research Impact is Rated as World-leading or Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)

At Swansea, you will find an impressive range of research resources for postgraduate study. As well as the general holdings in the University Library, students also have access to the on-site Richard Burton Archive and the holdings of the South Wales Miners’ Library. The National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth is within travelling distance, and we work closely with the National Galleries and Museums of Wales. There is also a dedicated postgraduate common room and an electronic resources room available in our James Callaghan Building.

Your History Experience

In the first part of the course, you will study six 20-credit modules, including both compulsory and optional modules.

Compulsory modules cover a range of approaches to early modern and modern history and introduce students to a range of different research methods.

You will be able to tailor your studies to your specific interests through the optional modules, which cover a range of themes including modern Welsh history, and the histories of social movements in the early modern and modern periods.

Our flexible approach also enables you to select optional modules from our other specialist degrees, such as the MA in Medieval Studies, the MA in Public History and Heritage, and the MA in War and Society.

In the second part of the course, you will undertake a 60-credit dissertation project on a topic of your choice, which is developed with the support of your supervisor. This component allows you to conduct in-depth research under the guidance of expert faculty. It culminates in a dissertation that showcases your findings and insights.

This MA utilises a variety of strategies designed to ensure that you feel welcomed, supported, and part of a collaborative learning environment, with a strong sense of community. Central to this approach is the Personal Tutoring System, where you will be assigned a Tutor who will guide your development, offering you tailored support throughout your studies.

You will be encouraged to participate in both academic and extracurricular activities, such as public lectures, seminars, research centre activities, and developmental sessions, which can include:

• Trips to relevant local and regional sites of interest, including archives and libraries
• Masterclasses with visiting expert speakers
• Events and meetings organised by our research groups, such as the Medieval and Early Modern Research Group (MEMO) and the Conflict, Reconstruction, and Memory Research Group (CRAM)
• Seminars from within the Department
• The annual pan-Wales staff-student medieval colloquium at Gregynog Hall
• The University’s Academic Success Programme
• The assistance of the Faculty’s Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow
• Contribution to the student-run History Department journal and blog, Gorffennol
• Volunteering at heritage sites through programmes run by organisations including the National Trust or the National Museums of Wales
• Student work placements, which are run on a competitive basis