Master of Arts - History

Whether students are interested in the making of the modern world or witchcraft through the ages, at the University of Essex they give students the freedom to explore the history that excites them. Essex's geographic spread, topic diversity and social reach gives students an unrivalled opportunity to pursue their historical passions and discover new ones.

The University of Essex MA History is rigorous, flexible and wide-ranging, so that students can choose the modules and thesis topic which best suit their interests. Alongside four optional modules which enable students to explore the latest in historical research in Essex's specialist areas, students also study a practical module in research techniques, and write a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice. Historical research at Essex concentrates on the period from 1500 to the present, and covers a wide geographical area that includes British and European history, as well as Latin America, the USA, China, Russia and Africa. The Department of History provides students with opportunities to explore local history, and they have strong links with the Essex Record Office, one of the best county record offices in the UK. Alternatively students can focus their study on a more specific area by following one of the following pathways: Public History Pathway, Cultural and Social History Pathway, and Local and Regional History Pathway. Essex's staff are among world leaders in their field, and their enthusiasm for this subject is infectious. The flexible course is combined with a supportive structure which helps students to pursue the modules best-suited to their interests.

Essex has excellent links with the research community, both in the UK and worldwide, so many of their students have gone on to teach in higher education institutions. Others have found employment in archives, research, managing research funds, other forms of educational provision, the Civil Service, the National Health Service, and management.