Programme overview
Location
Streatham Campus, Exeter
The MA History will allow you to focus on a particular period or geographical area, or to study a specific theme such as economic and social history, international history, religious and cultural history, political history, naval and maritime, or gender history.
A wide range of optional modules are available which reflect the varied research interests of academic staff. These interests range widely from the early medieval period to the twentieth century and cover Britain, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. All aspects of the discipline are represented, from social, religious, cultural and gender history to the study of politics, economic development, international relations, and military conflict in a variety of contexts and eras. Particular areas of strength include early modern history, naval and maritime history, medical history, and the history of the connections between war, state and society.
You choice of optional modules may include subjects as diverse as ritual in the Middle Ages; witchcraft and the supernatural in the 16th and 17th centuries; maritime and naval history; sexuality; health, medicine; gender and the body; party politics and international diplomacy; and the impact of modern wars on culture, economy, society and memory.
Programme features
- offers an excellent education in a very wide range of historical subjects and geographical locations over a broad time-span from Anglo-Saxon England to modern Western and Eastern Europe, some parts of Asia, North and South America, and Africa
- produces graduates who are highly competent in subject-specific, core academic, and personal and key skills that are both relevant and transferable to employment.
- draws on the expertise of a number of highly respected research centres which are at the forefront of their respective disciplines
- participation in joint seminar programmes offering insights into a very wide range of research cultures and specialisms
- excellent preparation for students intending to continue on to doctoral-level research with a good track record in obtaining funding for further study
I am studying for an MA History, with a focus on Medieval Britain. I originally chose the University of Exeter as my study abroad destination from my home university in the United States; American University, Washington, DC.
When I was planning to study abroad in 2009, I knew that I wanted a radically different experience from the urban feel I was getting in Washington and to have a more authentic experience, so I chose Exeter over universities in London where many of my undergraduate friends were planning to study. After having an incredible semester in Exeter, I decided to come back here for my Master’s degree.
I knew the transition from the USA to UK, combined with the shift from undergraduate to postgraduate study would be challenging, but I believe my professors have made this much easier. They appreciate diversity and recognise that I provide different perspectives on matters because of my cultural background, encouraging me to voice my opinions.
Andrew Addison, study abroad student 2009; MA History 2010/11
Having completed my undergraduate degree at Exeter and choosing to continue on to postgraduate level, the familiarity of surroundings has helped to make my transition from undergraduate study to Masters level enjoyably smooth.
Having completed my undergraduate degree in Politics, the challenge of transferring to MA History has been thoroughly rewarding. It has been refreshing to get a historians perspective on academic techniques, whilst being able to test and develop the skills I learnt during my Politics degree.
The enjoyable nature of the experience thus far has been aided by the approachability of not only the History department staff, but all the people at the University of Exeter who help to make studying here a positive experience.
Daniel Ampaw, MA History 2010/11
