Course summary

This new online programme offers the opportunity for those interested in regional and local history to gain an award from a top UK university that is renowned for its expertise in this field and has significant experience in delivering high quality distance programmes. Regional and local studies offer a well-defined way to approach important historical themes and techniques. Whether you are interested in rural areas or urban centres, counties or kingdoms, uplands or lowlands, this programme will equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence that you need to conduct primary research of your own in this vibrant and varied field. You will build up your knowledge and skills through two taught modules, one rooted in medieval history and one at the dawn of the modern era. These modules will enhance your understanding of a broad sweep of history, develop your critical awareness in dealing with historical scholarship, and improve your ability to interpret various types of historical sources. You will then have the chance to put these skills into practice, with the guidance of a tutor, in an independent research project. The programme will appeal to anyone who is enthusiastic about History, particularly those who wish to deepen their awareness of the importance of local experience in shaping our understandings of national and international trends. Programme focus and modules The programme consists of three modules which are focused on the history of the North of England, ranging from the Viking Age to the Victorian industrial era. However, the skills and contextual knowledge that you should develop through this course are applicable to regional and local studies more widely. The final module is a substantial independent research project with individual support and supervision from your tutor. You can find out more about these modules in the programme structure section. While there are no optional modules for this programme, the independent research project provides the opportunity to pursue your particular interests and carry out your own research, with support from our expert tutors. How will I study?

• You will access a range of fascinating learning materials online and will be able to study at a time and place to suit you. A wide variety of primary sources will be introduced and discussed, for example:

• medieval texts, including chronicles, legal material and manorial records;

• later written records such as: parish registers; census tables; tithe records; enclosure awards; agricultural statistics; farm surveys; agricultural reports and commissions;

• other kinds of sources and evidence such as oral testimonies, place-names and medieval buildings including castles, abbeys and pele towers.