History MRes
1 Year Full-Time | September Start

The History MRes course allows you to embark on a closely supervised research project, whilst participating in taught modules that will further your knowledge and understanding of this subject.

With a key focus on research, you will acquire generic research skills that are applicable not just to history, but a broad range of other subjects. The taught aspect of this course will be primarily delivered by group seminars, which will be assessed via a mix of oral and written presentations, critical reviews and portfolios of work.

Your dissertation will form a large part of the assessment process and learning will be delivered by one-to-one tutorials with an expert supervisor.

In addition to the mandatory modules of this course, you will have the option to choose a pathway subject and two discipline-specific modules to allow your learning to be focused around your own areas of interest.

Our History department’s teaching team is made up of a large number of experts, each with their own specialist area of interest, and throughout the duration of this course you will have unprecedented access to their knowledge and expertise.

When undertaking your dissertation you will be assigned a dedicated supervisor with specialist knowledge of your chosen subject area. They will guide you through your project with the help of our team of support staff.

Our academics are not only teaching their specialist subjects but also writing textbooks and adding new knowledge and perspectives to our understanding of the past. Boasting doctorates and extensive academic knowledge in their particular specialism, you can rest assured you are learning from the best.

Throughout the duration of your course you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support your learning experience.

Further facilities are available at the Institute for the Humanities, a special research space in the University’s Lipman Building. These include a resource room, specialist computing equipment and interview rooms. You will also have access to a designated Humanities Student Hub, providing space for self-study, group work or a rest in between teaching sessions.

You will receive support at every step of your learning journey through our on-campus facilities and innovative e-Learning Portal, Blackboard, which will allow you to access electronic versions of your course’s supporting documentation.

We provide a supportive and informal learning environment, offering feedback at all key stages of your course.

The History MRes course is centred around research-rich learning and delivery.

Delivered by our team of renowned academics, you will be learning from research-active experts who boast specialisms in all aspects of history.

Our staff are actively involved in research, often through funded projects and awards, and participate in a diverse range of research groups within the department. Several staff members are also engaged in collaborative research projects, many of which are part of national or international research networks.

Northumbria is in the top ten nationwide for the quality of its research publications in history where 90% our research publications are world-leading or internationally excellent.History at Northumbria is ranked 26th in the UK for research power, according to 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

On completion of this course you will possess a broad understanding of research methods and contemporary digital literacies, in addition to expert professional skills in communication, self-management, and project planning.

In-line with the UK Research Council’s training requirements for research students, you will leave equipped with the necessary skills to progress to the next level of your career.

Throughout the duration of your course you will be encouraged to build relationships and experience with cultural partners such as New Writing North, the co-operative movement, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, and Handy Hall to further enhance your career edge.

Your previous qualifications and the specialist nature of this course will provide a strong foundation for your future work and study.

The History MRes course has been designed to form the basis for those wishing to progress to PhD level and we offer advice in writing PhD and funding applications should you decide to take this route.

Northumbria is part of the UK’s only Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Heritage, led by Hull and consisting of a consortium of universities in the North of England.

The broad range of skills and knowledge acquired on this course can help to enhance promotion prospects in many professions, most notably teaching, professional research, museums or archives, public policy and project management. It should also enhance your prospects of employment should you wish to move into such vocations.

You will also leave prepared for a career as a researcher or employment within a broader business environment.