Historical Research,MA

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

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408

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Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,340 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Historical Research,MA

About

Course Overview

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.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Historical Research (MA).

Requirements

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.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

International students: 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.

English Program Requirements

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.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

Career

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.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.