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Historical Research at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This MA Historical Research is our most flexible postgraduate history course, offering you the opportunity to develop a pathway through the course that best suits your needs and interests. Why choose this course?

  • It gives you the chance to formulate a bespoke course choosing from a wide variety of different option modules which explore topics ranging across different regions and periods.
  • You can also decide on a research route through this course that offers you the intellectual foundation, practical techniques and confidence to pursue a PhD or independent historical research in a particular area.
  • You will have the opportunity to develop your own independent research project, under the guidance and supervision of one of our experts.
What you will learn On our flagship Mastering Historical Research module, which includes lectures from leading specialists, you will examine the major themes and approaches used in historical research today. You will then tailor the course to suit your interests and ambitions choosing from option modules that cover different historical periods, geographic regions and historical specialisms. How you will learn Core modules on this course are taught via a combination of lectures and in-depth seminar discussion. Option modules are taught via seminars with module-specific coursework designed to develop your reading, research and writing skills. You will also receive one-to-one supervision for your independent research project. This course is available to study full- or part-time, with classes held in the evening. This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both. If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa. Highlights
  • This MA degree offers you practical training in advanced research skills that can support progression to PhD study.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Our research is unique in its range across geographical and chronological boundaries. We are the only university in London to include historians, classicists and archaeologists in the same team of academics investigating every period from prehistory to the early twenty-first century.
  • All Master’s students are eligible to apply for our prestigious Eric Hobsbawm Scholarships, subject to availability.
  • We are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources. Situated very close by are: the Institute of Classical Studies, the British Museum and the British Library.
  • We are home to a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this MA Historical Research you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • a solid grounding in historiography and history
  • training in critical reading and writing
  • training in the organisation of research and design of a research project.
Studying this course will prepare you for further postgraduate research or study, or for roles in a range of fields and professions including any role that requires critical reading and evaluation of texts and sources. You may decide to pursue or further a career path working in:
  • secondary or sixth form school teaching
  • the heritage sector
  • journalism
  • law.
Graduates from this course have gone on to be employed by the Historical Association, British Museum, BBC and Channel 4 News, and a number of different secondary schools.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Modules are assessed via coursework and/or an essay. You will write a dissertation of 15,000-16,000 words.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck. Please note, if you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) and references. We offer a one-year Graduate Certificate in History, which can be used as a conversion course if you want to study history at postgraduate level, but have a degree in a significantly different discipline. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £11070 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11070 Year 1
Scotland £11070 Year 1
Wales £11070 Year 1
International £20340 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

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Historical Research at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS