History Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The MRes in History at Birkbeck, University of London, is a distinguished postgraduate research programme that provides students with the advanced skills necessary for conducting significant historical research. This course is tailored for individuals who are self-driven, dedicated, and have a keen interest in exploring historical narratives. The programme culminates in a substantial 30,000-word dissertation, showcasing the advanced research techniques acquired throughout the course.

Why History at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck stands out as one of the top eight universities in the UK for its History research, as highlighted in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The university offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together historians, classicists, archaeologists, and art historians to investigate a broad range of historical periods, from prehistory to the early 21st century. This collaborative environment fosters a comprehensive understanding of the past, which is essential for interpreting contemporary society, culture, and politics.

Students benefit from access to unparalleled research resources in central London, including the Institute of Historical Research, the British Museum, and the British Library. Birkbeck also hosts several affiliated research centres, which actively organise seminars and conferences, allowing students to engage with leading scholars in the field.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MRes in History are as follows:

• Full-time international students: £20,850 per year
• Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
• Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,000 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to equip students with essential historical research skills through two core modules and a dissertation. Students will engage with the following core modules:

• Planning Historical Research
• The Historian's Craft MRes

These modules focus on developing analytical and project management skills, preparing students for their dissertation and future research endeavours.

Careers with History

Graduates of the MRes in History will acquire a diverse set of transferable skills, including analysis, research, project management, and writing. This programme prepares students for various career paths, such as:

• Historian
• Higher education lecturer
• Archivist
• Journalist
• Heritage manager
• Author
• Librarian
• Museum/gallery curator

Alumni have found employment in notable organisations, including educational institutions, think tanks, the BBC, and Reuters, highlighting the programme's strong career prospects.