Our taught programmes involve regular seminars, in which you’ll work with a small group of like- minded students on given topics (this is similar to an undergraduate Special Subject). You will be able to select from a range of modules, each led by a research-active member of staff. You’ll be required to conduct research for each seminar, and be prepared to report your findings back to the group.

Seminar debates are a crucial feature of taught modules, where you’ll develop your communication and interpersonal skills.

Assessment will involve a series of essays on the subject of the module. In addition, you’ll take part in the core module for History postgraduates, Methods and Interpretations in Historical Research, another seminar- based module which introduces you to key themes in higher level historical research and will give you the opportunity to think deeply about the philosophy of history.

Finally, you’ll write a 15,000-word dissertation under the supervision of a suitable research-active member of the School of History staff. This dissertation is expected to be an original contribution to knowledge and should be based on your own research of primary material related to the dissertation’s subject. Your supervisor will be able to advise you on your approach and the materials that you’ll use, but you will be expected to be the driving force behind the project.