Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MA History
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA History | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MA History is designed to allow you to benefit from the key strengths in historical research in the Department of Archaeology and History. As one of the largest communities of historians in the UK, we offer a huge depth of expertise clustered around a number of research centres:
- Medieval Studies;
- Early Modern Studies;
- Histories of Violence and Conflict;
- Imperial and Global History;
- Medical History;
- Maritime Historical Studies;
- South Asia
- Research on Africa
Within these centres, we have expertise in economic and social history, international history, religious and cultural history, political history, and gender history covering Britain, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. You can choose modules allowing you to explore how historians have approached these key areas of research alongside studying a large variety of topics and themes within these areas. You can either pick the modules that attract you or follow routes through the degree associated with the research centres above. In addition, distinct features of the MA History programme are the opportunities to learn new skills such as palaeography and oral history; experience a work placement in a history-related industry; and work alongside an expert to undertake research into topics that interest you.
Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your academic tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can use for this purpose.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To provide you with a sophisticated understanding of the discipline of History, together with the opportunity to study in depth those aspects which particularly appeal to you.
- To produce graduates who will be useful, productive and questioning members of society; who have an advanced conception of the main themes of the discipline and who understand the methods which historians use to study the past; and who can conduct advanced analysis of past societies.
- To combine an advanced training for postgraduate research in history with the development of your particular historical interests.
- To provide research-led teaching, primarily through seminar-based learning.
- To assess your abilities and achievements through a wide variety of methods, from essays and a dissertation to book reviews and presentations.
- To produce graduates who are highly competent in subject-specific, core academic, personal and professional skills, capable of continuing to an advanced research degree in the subject or entering other professions.
- To encourage specific skills through activities such as presentations or work placements that will enable you to stand out from those graduating from other institutions.
4. Programme Structure
MA History programme is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). If you are taking the programme part-time, you are expected to take 60 credits in Year 1 and 60 credits plus a further 60 credits (dissertation) in Year 2.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
History modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=history
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows, and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. A choice of pathway affects the options you are expected to take: consult section 7 below.
Subject to approval by the Programme Director, you may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module, and you have not already taken credits outside of History in your chosen pathway
Stage 1
75 credits of compulsory modules and 105 credits of optional modules
A choice of pathway affects the options you are expected to take: consult 'Regulations' below. The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree programme based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new emergent areas of study, timetabling and student demand.
a You may select a Latin module appropriate to your understanding of Latin.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HASM026 | Research Skills in Archaeology and History | 15 | Yes |
| HISM400 | Dissertation in History | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HASM025 | Historical Masterclass Term 2 | 15 | No |
| MA History - Critical Approaches Modules 2025-6 Term 1 | |||
| HASM024 | Critical Approaches to Medieval Studies | 30 | No |
| HISM001 | Critical Approaches to Early Modern History | 30 | No |
| HISM003 | Critical Approaches to Imperial and Global History | 30 | No |
| HISM187 | Critical Approaches to Modern British History | 30 | No |
| MA History - Thematic Modules 2025-6 Terms 1+2 | |||
| HASM005 | The Legend of King Arthur | 15 | No |
| HASM006 | The Legend of King Arthur | 30 | No |
| HASM009 | The Book in Medieval and Early Modern Europe | 30 | No |
| HASM013 | Mental Health in Social and Historical Context | 30 | No |
| HASM014 | Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural | 15 | No |
| HASM015 | Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural | 30 | No |
| HASM019 | Oceanic Histories | 30 | No |
| HASM021 | Violence and Conflict: Histories, Memories, Legacies | 30 | No |
| HASM023 | Disenchanting enchantment: Occultism, Science and Religion in the Long Nineteenth Century | 30 | No |
| HASM027 | In Sickness and In Health: Medicine and Disease in the Past | 30 | No |
| HASM028 | Food and Agriculture in Historical Perspective | 30 | No |
| HASM029 | Reproduction and Reproductive Justice: Past, Present and Future | 15 | No |
| HASM030 | Reproduction and Reproductive Justice: Past, Present and Future | 30 | No |
| HASM031 | Global Classrooms: Health Humanities | 30 | No |
| HISM479 | Sexual Discoveries: the Reception, Interpretation and Purpose of Queer History | 30 | No |
| MA History - Skills Modules 2025-6 Terms 1+2 | |||
| CLAM251 | Latin I | 30 | No |
| CLAM252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | No |
| CLAM254 | Latin III | 30 | No |
| CLAM255 | Latin IV | 30 | No |
| HISM039 | History in Public: A Workplace Project | 30 | No |
| HASM018 | Working with Medieval Manuscripts and Documents | 30 | No |
| ARCM107 | Digital Pasts | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Closely understand the record-keeping practices and patterns of record survival in the UK and elsewhere | The programme uses a variety of learning and teaching methods. The precise method of teaching varies according to module. At MA level seminar discussion is the primary method, supported by web and IT resources through the University’s virtual learning platform, ELE. In seminars your contribution is essential and you must prepare for class by reading the recommended texts. There is also opportunity for feedback on draft materials before work is assessed. You are expected to meet regular deadlines and to produce well-presented work for each seminar. Many modules include group or individual presentations as part of the assessment. You will undertake research training to support you in work for the dissertation. Specifically, 5-9 are developed through essay and seminar work on all modules, and particularly in the compulsory dissertation. 10 is developed through the optional modules. | 1-4 are assessed through assignments on the Research Skills in Archaeology and History module and the option modules. 5-9 form part of the criteria of assessment for all modules, but particularly that of the compulsory dissertation. 10 is assessed in the essay work and seminar presentations on the optional modules. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
11. Work independently with primary sources at an advanced level | See above. Whilst all skills are developed through all modules: 11-15, 17-18 are specially developed through the Research Skills in Archaeology and History module and term 1 optional modules. 13-15, 17-18 are specially developed in term 2 optional modules. 11-16 are specially developed in the dissertation. | All these skills are assessed informally through seminar preparation for both core and optional modules, and formally through assessed assignments and the dissertation. Specifically, 13-15, 17-18 are specially developed in the assessment for the optional modules. 11-18 are specially developed in the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
19. Think independently at an advanced level | See above. Specifically, 20 and 21 are core requirements of all modules, especially the dissertation. 22 is developed through seminar and group work on the taught modules. | 19-21 are assessed in all modules by all work, especially essays and the dissertation. 22 is reflected in seminar work and presentations. |
7. Programme Regulations
Our programme enables you to choose either a specific pathway or a selection of modules, which might be at a much later date than date of entry to the MA in History. All students graduate with an MA in History, but if you elect to specialise, you will have one of the following pathways named in your degree title:
Early Modern Studies
The pathway comprises at least 45 credits from these specialist modules. The HISM400 Dissertation in History, must be relevant to the field of Early Modern Studies:
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HISM001 |
Critical Approaches to Early Modern History |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
|
HASM009 |
The Book in Medieval and Early Modern Europe |
30 |
|
HASM012 |
An Introduction to Early Modern English Palaeography |
15 |
|
HASM014 |
Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural |
15 |
|
HASM015 |
Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural |
30 |
|
CLAM251 |
Latin I |
30 |
|
CLAM252 |
Classical Language and Texts: Latin II |
30 |
|
CLAM254 |
Latin III |
30 |
|
CLAM255 |
Latin IV |
30 |
Medieval History
The pathway comprises modules of at least 45 credits from these specialist modules. The HISM400 Dissertation in History must be relevant to the field of Medieval History:
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HISM042 |
Working with Medieval Manuscripts and Documents |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
|
HASM024 |
Critical Approaches to Medieval Studies |
30 |
|
HASM014 OR HASM015 |
Past Magic: Histories and Archaeologies of the Supernatural |
15/30 |
|
HASM005/6 |
The Legend of King Arthur |
15/30 |
|
CLAM251 |
Latin I (as appropriate) |
30 |
|
CLAM252 |
Classical Language and Texts: Latin II (as appropriate) |
30 |
|
CLAM254 |
Latin III (as appropriate) |
30 |
|
CLAM255 |
Latin IV (as appropriate) |
30 |
Medical History
The pathway comprises modules of 45 credits from these specialist modules. The HISM400 Dissertation in History must be relevant to the field of Medical History:
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HASM027 |
In Sickness and In Health: Medicine and Disease in the Past |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
|
HASM013 |
Mental Health in Social and Historical Context |
30 |
|
HASM023 |
Disenchanting enchantment: Occultism, Science and Religion in the Long Nineteenth Century |
30 |
|
HASM029/030 |
Reproduction and Reproductive Justice: Past, Present and Future (only one of these can be taken) |
15/30 |
|
HASM031 |
Global Classrooms: Health Humanities |
30 |
Maritime Historical Studies
The pathway comprises modules of 45 credits from these specialist modules. Both the HISM400 Dissertation in History, and HASM011 Historical Masterclass, must be relevant to the field of Maritime Historical Studies:
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HASM019 |
Oceanic Histories |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
Imperial and Global History
The pathway comprises modules of 45 credits from these specialist modules. Both the HISM400 Dissertation in History, and HASM011 Historical Masterclass, must be relevant to the field of Imperial and Global History:
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HISM003 |
Critical Approaches to Imperial and Global History |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
Violence and Conflict
The pathway comprises modules of 45 credits from these specialist modules. Both the HISM400 Dissertation in History, and HASM011 Historical Masterclass, must be relevant to the field of Violence and Conflict:
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HASM021 |
Violence and Conflict: Histories, Memories, Legacies |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
Modern British History
The pathway comprises modules of 45 credits from these specialist modules. Both the HISM400 Dissertation in History, and HASM011 Historical Masterclass, must be relevant to the field of Modern British History.
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
HISM187 |
Critical Approaches to Modern British History |
30 |
|
HASM025 |
Historical Masterclass* |
15 |
* For HASM025 Historical Masterclass to be counted towards fulfilling the requirements of a given pathway, the option selected must be relevant to that field.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All students in History have an academic tutor for their entire programme of study and who are available at advertised ‘office hours’ (staff changes are likely due to research leave etc.). There are induction sessions to orientate you at the start of your programme. An academic tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Programme handbooks and other useful information, such as information on library skills, essay writing, and research skills, can be accessed via the HASS Student Gateway on the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): https://ele.exeter.ac.uk
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA History
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 28/04/2009 |
Date of last revision | 03/03/2025 |
|---|
