Course summary

The MA in Social and Economic History (Research Methods) fuels your interest in the past and develops the essential skills and knowledge you need to undertake in-depth research into the aspects of social and economic history that most interest you. The course offers the highest quality training in social research methods and applies this knowledge to the study of the past. It is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council, the UK’s largest funder of economic, social, behavioural, and human data science activity. It is also part of our four-year funding scheme offered through the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership that culminates in a PhD in any aspect of the subject. The course, which is completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, is shared between the Department of History and the Department of Sociology. Core areas of learning include an in-depth introduction to the study of research, themes, readings and sources from a historical perspective as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. You can choose further optional modules from a selection of research and historical themed options in areas ranging from Computational Social Science to Elections in Africa, and from Multilevel Modelling to Power and Society in the Late Middle Ages. You also carry out independent research on a related area of your choice in the form of a dissertation. You will have access to the extensive learning resource made available via various libraries, archives, and special historical collections housed in the University and in the city itself. The postgraduate communities in both departments are vibrant and committed, and contribute in a major way to the academic environment with their active involvement in discussion groups, annual conferences and other events.