About This Course
This modular course is designed to allow students to further their undergraduate interest in history or a related subject by developing a particular specialism in the History of Wales. The course may be taken in its own right or as a preparation for further research in this area. It combines training in research techniques and theoretical and historiographic analysis, with taught courses and a substantial dissertation. There is a choice of specialist modules covering a range of periods, matching the research interests of the teaching staff.
This programme aims to provide a detailed knowledge and understanding of a specific academic area of the history of Wales through rigorous research training. Students will become acquainted with relevant historical theoretical issues and methods of interpretation and the use of evidence. It also provides the student with the necessary research skills to carry out an original piece of historical research in the chosen area of study, under supportive supervision.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
Part One:
In the first part of the Welsh History MA programme, all students are required to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules.
All students study the following compulsory modules:
- Themes and Issues in History (20 credits): This module encourages an understanding of current ideas and debates through in-depth and critical discussion and engages with the theoretical and philosophical context of different approaches. Discussions will be grounded, where appropriate, in specific examples and students will be encouraged to apply the ideas and critiques to a range of different case-studies. The module will develop skills in critical thinking and the ability to participate in debates on issues of interpretation and methodology.
- Research Skills (40 credits): This is an advanced level skills module that has three aims: to train students to initiate research projects, to familiarise them with how to critique a research seminar paper and to supply them with skills that will enhance their employability.
- Global Wales: Places Passions and the Past (20 credits): Themes explored on this module may include but will not be limited to the following: conceptual approaches to global history and transnationalism; migration; nationhood, colonialism and identity; material culture and the heritage of Global Wales.
- Mastering Historic Sources (20 credits): This module introduces students to a wide range of sources and the problems of interpretation, transmission, reception and survival.
In addition, students are required to choose one optional modules from those on offer. While modules may vary from year to year, recent options include:
- Re-interpreting the Country House
- People, Power and Political Action: Protest Movements in Europe 1817-1989
- Work Placement
- World Heritage – protection, management and sustainability
Part Two:
After the completion of the modules which make up Part One of the programme, Part Two consists of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation (60 credits) on a subject of your choice, researched and written under the individual supervision of a subject specialist.
Please note modules are subject to change from year to year, and the above is for guidance purposes only.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Welsh History MA Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
Good undergraduate degree at least 2.ii normally required. For non-native speakers of English an IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with no element below 5.5 is required).
Careers
An MA in Welsh History will give you a detailed understanding of the discipline of Welsh History and the ability to conduct research at various levels of historical analysis. It will enhance your career opportunities in media and communications industries, teaching, publishing and research.
The transferable skills acquired through this programme are beneficial in a range of other careers, including advertising, journalism, consulting etc. After successful completion of the MA in Welsh History you may also decide to pursue an academic career in history, by applying for a place to study for a PhD in Welsh History.
