10Feb
PostgraduateCourse 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 the sciences and social sciences areas, as well as one further module from across the Arts & Humanities Faculty more broadly. 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. Course structure All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:
- a Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
- Core Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
- Elective Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.
Modules
Additionally, you must choose an additional 15-credit module from the list below: Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences; Advanced Ethnographic Research; Multilevel Modelling; Simulating Data in R; Systematic Review; Computational Social Science; Participatory Action Research; Finally, you will choose 30 credits of elective modules from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180.
Assessment method
Assessment is rigorous and designed to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of specific topics. The methods of assessment vary, depending on the modules that you select for study. They include essays, reports, and research analysis exercises, as well as exams and presentations for some subjects. You will also complete a dissertation which is worth one-third of your mark.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
Subject requirements are a 2:1, with an overall average score of 65% or above, or a GPA of 3.5 or above, or equivalent. An undergraduate degree in History or a related subject is required.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £14800 | Year 1 |
| International | £14800 | Year 1 |
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
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing on the Durham University website.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE