West Midlands History

Entry requirements

Most students who begin the MA will have a good honours degree, but many professional qualifications are relevant alternatives. A history degree is not required prior to entry. A high standard of written English and willingness to read and research are essential requirements. Many students have engaged in historical research and this evidence of interest and commitment is an important part of assessment and each applicant is considered on their merits.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Have you ever wondered how the cities, towns and counties of the West Midlands developed? Do you want to find out about the changing experiences of local people and how they influenced the history of Britain as well as the region?

Our part-time MA in West Midlands History is the only degree in the world to focus specifically on the History of the West Midlands. It provides an opportunity for study if you are interested in any aspect of the region such as, for example, political activity, industrialisation and women’s history as well as buildings, landscapes and localities.

The programme is broadly chronological and covers the history of the region from the 11th century to the end of the 20th. It does not aim for a complete century-by-century coverage but will allow you to gain a detailed knowledge of key aspects of social, political, industrial, religious and cultural history.

The programme interprets the West Midlands to include the historic counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire although it also touches on adjacent counties as well.

As well as delving deep in to the history of the region, it also provides a distinctive overview of British history over a thousand years as the programme relates to national developments in British History, such as Black Death, the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution.

The course is delivered by Saturday schools and taught by leading scholars. Students come from many different backgrounds and previous academic knowledge of history is not required. It is suitable for recent graduates and those who are retired, semi-retired, experience disabilities or have family and work commitments which make full-time study difficult.

Information for international students

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component