Early Modern History MA

University of East Anglia

Overview

Don’t just study history: write it. Our Early Modern History Master’s degree will equip you with the tools you need to examine and interrogate primary and secondary sources, so that you graduate with the skills to develop refined and informed original historic research.

Our Master’s programme focuses on early modern culture, politics, religion, and society between 1500 and 1750. Taught by our eminent historians, whose seminars relate directly to their research, you’ll be learning at the very forefront of historical debate.

Our School has a vibrant postgraduate community, attracted here by our specialist academics and our research output. In fact, we have one of the UK’s highest concentrations of historic expertise, and in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) UEA’s research in History was rated third in the whole UK.

About This Course

Focusing on Britain, continental Europe, and the Atlantic world between 1500 and 1750, our Early Modern History MA covers a wide variety of topics including religion and politics, gender history, power and social relations, mentalities, orality and print culture, questions of authenticity and forgery, and material culture.

Our programme is characterised by its intensity, rigour, and creativity of study. Through it, you’ll not only acquire a deeper and more advanced knowledge and understanding of early modern history, but you’ll also develop and improve your understanding of the problems and opportunities posed by primary sources and documents. You’ll discover, as well, how you can apply these skills in the heritage industry and other professional contexts.

You’ll learn how to apply complex historical theories and concepts to test hypotheses against detailed examples and case studies. You will also acquire the ability to discriminate between conflicting interpretations and perspectives, and to discuss findings and communicate them in a clear manner, both in discussion and in your work. In our English Paleography module, you’ll even learn how to decipher handwriting of the past.

Through our taught modules and your own independent research, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need to undertake advanced independent historical research, which you’ll demonstrate through your Master’s dissertation. You’ll graduate ready to take your studies on to doctoral level, and with qualities that are in high demand in the workforce, including problem-solving, self-discipline and time-management, the ability to work with others, and excellent oral and written skills.

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