Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA History

1. Programme Details

Programme name	MA History	Programme code	PTA1HPSHPS12
Study mode(s)	Full Time Part Time	Academic year	2023/4
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 of the History Department. As one of the largest departments in the UK, we offer a huge depth of expertise clustered around a number of research centres:

Medieval History;
Early Modern Studies;
War, State and Society;
Imperial and Global History;
Medical History; and
Maritime Historical Studies.

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 experience a work placement in a history-related industry and pursue independent study into topics of your choice.

Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment 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 them.
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 the particular historical interests of the students.
To provide research-led teaching, primarily through seminar-based learning.
To assess the abilities and your 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

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.

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/postgraduatetaught/modules/

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. We offer a number of modules which complement the pathways, including HISM037, HISM039 and HISM040; these modules offer you methodological training, work experience, and the opportunity to think about the place of history in the public sphere.

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

90 credits of compulsory modules and 90 credits of optional modules

A choice of pathway affects the options you are expected to take: consult section 7 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.

^b You may select either HISM185 or HISM186 (you cannot choose more than one module from this group).

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HISM016	Advanced Historical Research Skills	30	Yes
HISM400	Dissertation in History	60	Yes

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HISS MA History optional modules 2023-4 [See note a above]
ARAM251	Esotericism and the Magical Tradition	30	No
CLAM251	Latin I	30	No
CLAM252	Classical Language and Texts: Latin II	30	No
CLAM255	Latin IV	30	No
HISM001	Critical Approaches to Early Modern History	30	No
HISM002	Critical Approaches to Maritime and Naval History	30	No
HISM003	Critical Approaches to Imperial and Global History	30	No
HISM036	Gender, Society and Culture in Early Modern Europe	30	No
HISM037	Contested Pasts: History in the Public Sphere	30	No
HISM038	Navy and Nation: The Royal Navy in the Long Eighteenth Century, 1688-1815	30	No
HISM039	History in Public: A Workplace Project	30	No
HISM040	Introduction to Digital Humanities	30	No
HISM041	Food and Agriculture in Historical Perspective	30	No
HISM042	Working with Medieval Manuscripts and Documents	30	No
HISM043	Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict	30	No
HISM045	Medieval Masterclass	30	No
HISM046	Global Governance for Peace, Security, Cooperation and Development, 1914 to the present	30	No
HISM183	Interpreting the Middle Ages	30	No
HISM479	Sexual Discoveries: the Reception, Interpretation and Purpose of Queer History	30	No
HISM482	Empire and Globalisation	30	No
HISM483	European Empires and Proto-Globalisation 1200-1800	30	No
HISM048	Critical Approaches to the Medical Humanities: Health and Disease in the Past	30	No
HISM185	Supervised Independent Study in the Humanities [See note b above]	15	No
HISM186	Supervised Independent Study in the Humanities [See note b above]	30	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 2. Have an awareness of the ethical, copyright, archival and ownership issues impacting upon access to documents, and of how to identify and locate likely source material 3. Show a sophisticated understanding of the development of history as a discipline and of its relationship to other disciplines 4. Show a critical appreciation of the evolving nature of historical understanding, of the limits to historical knowledge, and of the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to historical research and writing 5. Compare and contrast in detail different approaches and their source materials, eliciting the value and limitations of each 6. Define a suitable topic for advanced research and pursue it to completion 7. Make sophisticated use of different types of historical source, evaluate different and complex types of historical source, and use primary sources in a professional manner 8. Present work in the format expected of historians, including footnoting and bibliographical references 9. Show an appreciation of how quantitative data can be used in historical research 10. Analyse particular aspects of history through detailed study of the complex subjects covered in the optional modules	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, 1-4 are developed through the Advanced Historical Research Skills module, through seminar discussions and assignments, and through the optional modules. 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 Advanced Historical Skills 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 (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
2. Have an awareness of the ethical, copyright, archival and ownership issues impacting upon access to documents, and of how to identify and locate likely source material
3. Show a sophisticated understanding of the development of history as a discipline and of its relationship to other disciplines
4. Show a critical appreciation of the evolving nature of historical understanding, of the limits to historical knowledge, and of the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to historical research and writing
5. Compare and contrast in detail different approaches and their source materials, eliciting the value and limitations of each
6. Define a suitable topic for advanced research and pursue it to completion
7. Make sophisticated use of different types of historical source, evaluate different and complex types of historical source, and use primary sources in a professional manner
8. Present work in the format expected of historians, including footnoting and bibliographical references
9. Show an appreciation of how quantitative data can be used in historical research
10. Analyse particular aspects of history through detailed study of the complex subjects covered in the optional modules

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,
1-4 are developed through the Advanced Historical Research Skills module, through seminar discussions and assignments, and through the optional modules.

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 Advanced Historical Skills 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 12. Approach documents critically through their context 13. Identify, analyse, understand, and synthesise widely different and problematic types of historical material and evidence 14. Have a critical understanding of key historical concepts, discourses and debates 15. Research for themselves and present independent accounts and interpretations of different and complex historical issues 16. Gather and deploy evidence for an independent and advanced research project. 17. Make effective use of libraries and the world-wide web to find information 18. Reference sources accurately in written work to a professional standard	See above. Whilst all skills are developed through all modules: 11-15, 17-18 are specially developed through the Advanced Historical Research Skills 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, 11-15, 17-18 are specially developed through the assessment for the Advanced Historical Research Skills module. 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 (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
12. Approach documents critically through their context
13. Identify, analyse, understand, and synthesise widely different and problematic types of historical material and evidence
14. Have a critical understanding of key historical concepts, discourses and debates
15. Research for themselves and present independent accounts and interpretations of different and complex historical issues
16. Gather and deploy evidence for an independent and advanced research project.
17. Make effective use of libraries and the world-wide web to find information
18. Reference sources accurately in written work to a professional standard

See above.

Whilst all skills are developed through all modules:

11-15, 17-18 are specially developed through the Advanced Historical Research Skills 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,
11-15, 17-18 are specially developed through the assessment for the Advanced Historical Research Skills module.

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 20. Construct and defend a sustained argument, both in written form and orally, using primary and secondary materials 21. Work as an individual on challenging material 22. Work as part of a team in a constructive and responsive way	See above. Specifically, 19 is a requirement of all modules, and especially the Dissertation. 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.

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
20. Construct and defend a sustained argument, both in written form and orally, using primary and secondary materials
21. Work as an individual on challenging material
22. Work as part of a team in a constructive and responsive way

See above.

Specifically,
19 is a requirement of all modules, and especially the Dissertation.

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

Programme-specific Award Rules

Our flexible 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 programme comprises modules of at least 60 credits from these specialist modules and the HISM400 Dissertation in History module must be relevant to the field of Early Modern Studies:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM001	Critical Approaches to Early Modern History	30
HISM036	Gender, Society and Culture in Early Modern Europe	30
HISM038	Navy and Nation: The Royal Navy in the Long Eighteenth Century, 1688-1815	30
HISM483	Empires: Europe’s Expansion Overseas 1450-1800	30

Medieval History

The programme comprises modules of at least 60 credits from these specialist modules and the HISM400 Dissertation in History module must be relevant to the field of Medieval History:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM042	Working with Medieval Manuscripts and Documents	30
HISM045	Medieval Masterclass	30
HISM183	Interpreting the Middle Ages	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 programme comprises modules of at least 60 credits from these specialist modules and the HISM400 Dissertation in History module must be relevant to the field of Medical History:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM048	Critical Approaches to the Medical Humanities: Health and Disease in the Past	30
HISM479	Sexual Discoveries: the Reception, Interpretation and Purpose of Queer History	30

Maritime Historical Studies

The programme comprises modules of at least 60 credits from these specialist modules and the HISM400 Dissertation in History module must be relevant to the field of Maritime Historical Studies:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM002	Critical Approaches to Maritime and Naval Historical Studies	30
HISM038	Navy and Nation: The Royal Navy in the Long Eighteenth Century, 1688-1815	30
HISM483	Empires: Europe’s Expansion Overseas 1450-1800	30

Imperial and Global History

The programme comprises modules of at least 60 credits from these specialist modules and the HISM400 Dissertation in History module must be relevant to the field of Imperial and Global History:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM003	Critical Approaches to Imperial and Global History	30
HISM046	Global Governance for Peace, Security, Cooperation and Development, 1914 to the present	30
HISM483	Empires: Europe’s Expansion Overseas 1450-1800	30

Violence and Conflict

The programme comprises modules of at least 60 credits from these specialist modules and the HISM400 Dissertation in History module must be relevant to the field of Violence and Conflict:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM043	Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict	30
HISM038	Navy and Nation: The Royal Navy in the Long Eighteenth Century, 1688-1815	30

Supervised Independent Study in the Humanities

Within each pathway you may also opt to take one of the Supervised Independent Study in the Humanities modules:

Code	Title	Credits
HISM185	Supervised Independent Study in the Humanities	15
HISM186	Supervised Independent Study in the Humanities	30

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 a personal 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. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Programme handbooks and other useful information can be accessed via the student intranet: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/taughthandbook/.

Other useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/login/index.php, which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.

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.

(Quality Review Framework.

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

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	12/07/2022

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA History

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge