MA in History
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F28
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
Please note that the structure of the MA in History is changing.
If you started studying before 2009 and have gained (or expect to gain) 120 valid points before the end of the year, then you should complete your degree with A827 (which will be presented for the last time in February 2010). The second half of this qualification description applies to you.
If you plan to start studying from October 2009, then you should start with the new course A825, and the first half of this description applies to you.
This degree will enable you to develop your research and analytical skills and upgrade your qualifications. It will suit you if you have the appropriate entry qualifications, a passion for history and are looking for an intellectual challenge.
Planning your studies
You must hold an honours degree to be accepted for the MA in History programme. Your first degree need not be in history, but you must have the basic skills expected of a graduate in that area. The foundation course brings you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches in history but does not offer remedial undergraduate training for those who have an inappropriate bachelors degree or inadequate experience. Before you enter the degree you must be able to:
- write clear, concise, grammatically correct and accurately spelt prose
- read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
- classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
- argue logically, consistently and sceptically
- assemble and synthesise various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.
If you are in any doubt about whether you possess these skills, you should consider taking one or two of our higher level undergraduate courses first. Alternatively, the Advanced Diploma in Local History (COXR305), offered in collaboration with Oxford University Department of Continuing Education, would provide a suitable preparation if your degree is not in history or a closely related subject (for further information please visit our collaborative schemes website). If you want help to assess your preparedness please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You must include at least 60 credit points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU qualification you have been awarded.
You must complete the required credit for this qualification within ten years.
Career relevance and employability
This course will provide you with theoretical and practical training in major themes in local and regional history, research methods, project planning and writing a dissertation. It will be valuable if you are, or are planning a career as, a teacher, librarian, museum or heritage professional, or have an interest in the subject and want to develop your historical skills. Careers where history would be useful include journalism, writing, and careers in the civil service or public administration. History can open up options to a wide range of careers.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
From 2009
For this masters degree you require:
180 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Postgraduate compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
120 | Oct 2010 |
|
60 |
You must pass A825 before studying A826.
If you started studying for this 180-point masters degree prior to October 2009
For this 180-point masters degree you require:
At least 30 points from the discontinued postgraduate foundation courses A820, AA820, subject to the rules about excluded combinations
And at least 30 points from the discontinued courses A821, A822, A823, A824, A833, A834, subject to the rules about excluded combinations
And 60 points from the following compulsory course:
| Postgraduate compulsory course | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Feb 2010 FINAL |
You must normally complete the required credit for this qualification within ten years. To claim this qualification under this structure, you will have to complete all the credit and ensure your courses are linked to this qualification by the 31 December 2012.
You must include at least 60 credit points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU qualification you have been awarded.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of 180 points’ worth of required courses you will be awarded the Master of Arts History, entitling you to use the letters MA (Hist) (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- MA in History
- Schedule B to the Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Arts and Humanities.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
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