This rigorous Master’s programme is designed to develop students’ specialist knowledge of history alongside advanced research skills that are transferable to a variety of careers paths, including PhD study.
Students can specialise in the history of gender and sexuality, media history, contemporary British history, or pursue a general programme of study instead. Through cumulative research, students can develop the relevant skills and an enhanced capacity for informed citizenship, critical thinking, and simple awareness.
The city of Lincoln is rich in history and heritage making it the perfect setting in which to conduct historical research. Students can benefit from the historical resources available in the city, including an extensive archive of materials at the on-campus Media Archive of Central England (MACE), the International Bomber Command Centre, and The Wren Library at Lincoln Cathedral which houses several thousand early modern books.
Students on the course are expected to undertake an in-depth independent research project and produce a detailed dissertation.
How You Study
The taught modules are delivered through a series of seminars. Students are supported in researching and writing their dissertation with a series of tutorial meetings with their supervisor.
Students on this course should expect to receive three to four hours of contact time per week. The postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend two to three hours in an independent study.
Core modules:
Historical Research (12 weeks)
Themes in Contemporary British History OR Themes and Issues in Media History OR Themes and Issues in the History of Gender and Sexuality (12 weeks)
The Dissertation Map (six weeks)
The Public Historian (six weeks)
In addition to the core modules, students are invited to choose one 12-week optional module. Optional modules can include:
Early Modern Manhood
Sex and Science in the Western World, 1800-present
The Making of Contemporary Britain: From Sexual Liberation to Deindustrialisation 1970-1990
Gender and Material Culture in Modern Britain
Photographing Empire
Every day Britain: MACE (The Media Archive For Central England) and the Historian
The History of the Book: Media and Print Culture in Early Modern Europe
The Study of Political History in Britain
Break Ranks! Antimilitarism, Pacifism and Resistance to War
The British Image of the United States (1896-Present day)
Literature, Politics, and Identity in Interwar Europe
Print Culture and the Book in the Nineteenth Century
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Dissertation (MA History) (Core)
Historical Research (Core)
The Dissertation Map: Dissertation Preparation (Core)
The Public Historian (Core)
Break Ranks! Antimilitarism, Pacifism and Resistance to War (Option)†
Early Modern Manhood (Option)†
Every day Britain: MACE (The Media Archive for Central England) and the Historian (Option)†
Literature, Politics and Identity in Inter-War Europe (Option)†
Photographing Empire (Option)†
Print Culture and the Book in the Nineteenth Century (Option)†
Sex and Science in the Western World, 1800 to the present (Option)†
The British Image of the United States (1896-Present day) (Option)†
The History of the Book: Media and Print Culture in Early Modern Europe (Option)†
The Making of Contemporary Britain: From Sexual Liberation to Deindustrialisation, 1970-1990 (Option)†
The Study of Political History in Britain (Option)†
Themes and Issues in Media History (Option)†
Themes and Issues in the History of Gender and Sexuality (Option)†
Themes in Contemporary British History (Option)†
Themes in Global History (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
A variety of forms of assessment are used during this programme, including research projects, essays, public engagement projects, presentations, book reviews, portfolios, and the 15,000-20,000 word dissertation.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date (unless stated differently above).
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake fieldwork or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation and your meals may be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional you will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay your own transportation, accommodation and meal costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
2:1 honours degree in History or a related subject.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
The School of History and Heritage MA Bursary
The School of History and Heritage is pleased to be able to offer up to three bursaries, by competition, to students who wish to undertake one of the MA degree programmes offered by the School (MA History, MA Medieval Studies, or MA Conservation of Cultural Heritage).
Features
Students will be encouraged to take an active part in the academic life of the School by attending events and research seminars organised by the School of History and Heritage and by research groups in the College of Arts.
Career Opportunities
The skills and knowledge acquired from studying history are valued by many professions. This programme aims to develop the advanced knowledge and expert research skills valued in both the public and private sectors.
As effective writers and communicators, historians can go on to careers in journalism, communications, and marketing. Research and organisation skills produce outstanding librarians, information managers, and researchers, while many historian graduates also go on to complete additional study to become lawyers, diplomats, and public officials.
