MA (Res) Early Modern History

Full-time 12 months
Part-time 24 months

This new programme offers students a broad introduction to recent work on Britain during a period of time of enormous change. It then allows them to study some of the key areas of recent research in depth. The course emphasises the breadth of early modern history, placing recent research and scholarship within context which is both British and European, economic and social as well as political. The range of modules offers the possibility of more specialised pathways in such areas as political thought, religious history and rural history. The course also places a great stress on teaching students how to access the copious materials that survive- whether printed or manuscript- for themselves. Palaeography is taught as a matter of course: students can also take an option in Latin or computing. There is also the opportunity to take a module in Modern History or in English literary studies. We invite students to take part in a reading circle and the interdisciplinary seminars and annual conference arranged by the Centre of Early Modern Studies.

Overall, this MA (Res) has the same structure as the MA (Res) in Modern History with which it shares some modules. The MA (Res) offers a core module in Historical Skills and Resources which is orientated towards the specific needs of early modernists. The second core module, Early Modern History: Theory, Practice and Themes acts as an introduction to the diversity of recent work on the period and leads into the study of two options in the Spring Term. Options available may include Republicanism, The Anglo-Dutch world, Thomas Hobbs, The Beggar's Opera, The Scottish Enlightenment, Religious conflict in England, 1660-1730, Queenship in England, 1660-1737, Power in the English Countryside, 1500-1750, The Conundrum of Enclosure, The State and its Opponents 1500-1600 and The Levellers.

Assesment is by essays of 3,500 -4,000 words and there is a dissertation of 20,000 words. The course is therefore ideal for students who want to go on to a doctorate, but we also welcome those who want to undertake further independant research or who merely wish to refresh their knowledge of a fast changing and exciting area.