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MA West Midlands History

The part-time MA in West Midlands History from University of Birmingham is the only degree in the world to focus specifically on the History of the West Midlands. It provides an opportunity for study if you are interested in any aspect of the region such as, for example, political activity, industrialisation and women’s history as well as buildings, landscapes and localities.

Quick Facts

  
Part-Time Duration: 2 years
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: TBA
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

The West Midlands History programme from University of Birmingham is broadly chronological and covers the history of the region from the 11th century to the end of the 20th. It does not aim for a complete century-by-century coverage but will allow you to gain a detailed knowledge of key aspects of social, political, industrial, religious and cultural history.

The programme interprets the West Midlands to include the historic counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire although it also touches on adjacent counties as well.

As well as delving deep in to the history of the region, it also provides a distinctive overview of British history over a thousand years as the programme relates to national developments in British History, such as Black Death, the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution.

The course is delivered by Saturday schools and taught by leading scholars. Students come from many different backgrounds and previous academic knowledge of history is not required. It is suitable for recent graduates and those who are retired, semi-retired, experience disabilities or have family and work commitments which make full-time study difficult.

Courses included:

  • People and Places in the West Midlands c. 1000-1500
  • Reformation, Social Change and Civil War: The West Midlands in the 16th and 17th Centuries
  • Transforming the Region: Economy, Society and Politics in the West Midlands in the 18th and 19th Centuries
  • Turmoil and Change: Economy, Society and Politics in the West Midlands in the 20th century
  • Sources and Research Techniques for the History of the West Midlands in the Medieval and Early Modern Periods

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

Requirements

  • Most students will have a good honours degree normally of an upper second-class standard or above, prior to entry. A history degree is not required. Alternatively appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience in high-level historical research are taken into account. Each applicant is considered on their merits.

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