Life at History

Our MA programmes offer unique insights into the richness and variety of human experience. When engaged in this exciting process of discovery, you will encounter a wide range of subjects and approaches to history while also having the opportunity to pursue you own enthusiasms.  Leading scholars will guide you through the latest developments in the discipline from the end of the ancient world to the new millenium.

As a postgraduate student in the Department of History at Reading, you will be joining a thriving research community.  Our Department's research interests cover Early Modern British and European History; Modern British and European History; American History and Russian History.  Thanks also to the close cooperation with historians based in other departments, our students benefit from a truly interdisciplinary and vibrant research environment.  All our students are regularly invited to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences within our University and are encouraged to take part in national and international networks.

The Centre for Early Modern History, the Centre for Economic History and the Centre for the Advance Study of French History offer exciting seminars, reading groups and conferences throughout the academic year.

The History Postgraduate Room is based within the Department and offers all our students the chance to work independently on their projects in a friendly and supportative atmosphere, in close contact with other students and members of staff.

Each MA student is assigned an academic supervisor.  They offer guidance, support and monitor the progress of your research.  They are there to ensure that you master all the appropriate research skills and that the project comes to its successful conclusion.  In addition the MA Director keeps in regular touch with all the MA students and is available to offer academic feedback and pastoral care.  Particular attention is dedicated to part-time and modular students and we take great pride in making sure that all our students feel part of the Department.

Last but not least, because of the high number of successful postgraduate programmes that attract a large number of students to our University each year, you will meet many young researchers coming from various parts of the UK and from abroad.  The Postgraduate Welcome Event in early October will help you settle in and find your way around our beautiful campus.