MA Early Modern History

Course Overview

Can you imagine delving into the red velvet bag that was said to have contained Sir Walter Raleigh’s decapitated head? If you’d like to explore early modern history, analyse sources – including material ones, like macabre bags – and learn new skills, this course is for you.

You’ll focus on culture, politics, religion and society between 1500 and 1830, spanning Britain, continental Europe and the Atlantic world. Guided by historians with internationally-recognised experience, you'll explore diverse topics and acquire the expertise for advanced historical research, as demonstrated in your dissertation.

Seminars will deepen your knowledge of early modern history, whilst tutorials will explore specialised areas, and practical sessions will include palaeography, helping you to decipher historical handwriting. We also offer training in using specialist historic maps and geographic information systems (GIS).

Our local region, rich in early modern history, provides fantastic opportunities. You’ll learn from partners at local archives, museums and heritage institutions. You’ll use material from the amazing collection held on campus at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, and you’ll be able to participate in activities led by our Centre for East Anglian Studies.

You’ll leave equipped to take many different pathways. You’ll discover how to apply your skills in the heritage industry and other professions, and we’ll provide you with placement and networking opportunities. You’ll also graduate ready to develop your studies at doctoral level, and with qualities that are in high demand by employers, including problem-solving, database user-experience, teamworking, and excellent oral and written skills.

This course is open to

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

Typical International Entry Requirements

Degree classification

UK Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent

Degree Subject

Humanities subject

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):  

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing & Speaking with 5.5 in the others)

Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement. 

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:  

• Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA  

• Academic English at INTO UEA 

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.

Employability

You’ll graduate ready to pursue a wide range of occupations, thanks to the breadth of the skills you’ll have acquired during your postgraduate Early Modern History Mater’s degree. Many of our graduates go on to pursue academic careers. Others develop careers in business, public service, teaching and management, or the heritage and tourism sector.

We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service, offering a number of events, workshops, and information sessions to help get your career off to the best start.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Teaching and research
• Civil service and local government
• Heritage and tourism
• Journalism
• Law
• Business and finance

Discover more on our Careers webpages.