20Jun
UndergraduateCourse summary
The MA in Historical Studies is designed to connect your passion for history with the skills needed in today’s changing world. This research-led degree builds your understanding of key historical themes and topics, covering significant eras in history. Throughout the course, you’ll explore fascinating subjects, while developing essential research skills in history that will prepare you for postgraduate work and beyond. Many modules focus on the narrative and representation of history. This includes learning how stories from the past are portrayed in media representations of history, such as films, museums, memorials, and online platforms. This approach to historical research lets you study how historical narratives can be created, questioned, or contested across different settings and cultures. With modules that cover chronological history from Ancient to Modern periods, you’ll be able to study a range of time periods and topics in depth. You’ll also gain methodological skills in history, learning how historians study the past using different approaches and techniques. This includes honing your technical skills in historical studies by using digital tools to discover more about our shared history. As part of this, you’ll examine the ways that new technology and digital humanities in history are reshaping our knowledge and understanding of the past. As you move through the programme, you’ll have the chance to specialise in areas that most interest you, helping you build expertise that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re intrigued by the historical narratives of the medieval world, or want to explore modern historical themes like conflict, nationalism, or environmental change, this MA offers a route for you to explore. The MA in Historical Studies offers a supportive environment where you can advance your skills, engage with complex historical questions, and explore the impact of technological advances on history. This degree encourages you to develop a critical and thoughtful perspective on the world and its history—qualities that are essential for any historian, whether you’re planning to continue in academia, or bring historical insights to a range of other fields.
Modules
Our MA in Historical Studies embraces a research-led, student-centred approach. We aim to develop advanced historical research and analytical skills through a deep exploration of historical themes, topics, and eras. Students gain both methodological skills and a critical understanding of how history is narrated, represented, and contested in various forms. Year 1 In the first year, students explore historical themes and topics that shape our understanding of the past, with an emphasis on methodological skills in history. Modules provide a comprehensive overview of historical research and guide students in examining how history has been represented in media such as film, literature, and public memorials. This foundation prepares students for advanced, specialised work, giving them the tools to interpret and question how historical narratives are constructed and communicated. Year 2 In the second year, students select module aligned with their specific interests. The programme culminates in a dissertation, where students apply their research skills in history to develop an original project on a chosen topic. Students gain confidence in historical research, critical analysis, and argumentation, preparing them for careers in academia, heritage, and beyond. Compulsory MA Dissertation (History and Heritage) Optional Work Placement (20 credits) Celtic Arthur and the Mabinogion Tales (30 credits) Women in the Middle Ages: Sources From the Celtic Regions (30 credits) Heritage in the Political World: Communities and Comparative Aspects (30 credits) Fact or Fiction? Literature and History Introduction to Digital Humanities Screening the Past: Film and History - Ancient, Medieval, Modern The Islamic Intellectual Tradition: Medieval, Modern and Contemporary Developments (30 credits) Welsh History and Heritage (30 credits) Writing the History of Power: From Democracy to Dictatorship Sufism and Islamic Spirituality: The Mystical Dimensions of Islam
Assessment method
The programme draws upon a wide range of assessment techniques, which aim to produce historians with a multifaceted set of skills and knowledge. Modules concentrate in particular on essay-writing, but also include the following assessments: book reviews; reflective journals; posters; group and individual presentations, web programming and design exercise; source commentaries and film analyses. The core assessment is the final 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation places a premium on originality and independent research. To equip students with the necessary knowledge and techniques for dissertation work, they are required to take a research methodology module early in their degree. This grounds students with the essential skills that are then finessed in other modules, culminating with the dissertation itself.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Entry requirements
2:2 honours degree or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6800 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £6800 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £6800 | Whole course |
| Wales | £6800 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £6800 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £6800 | Whole course |
| EU | £10500 | Whole course |
| International | £10500 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP