History MRes

Birkbeck, University of London

This MRes History is a taught postgraduate research course that equips you with the advanced historical research skills and conceptual framework you need to complete an individual, large-scale research project. Why choose this course? Ideal if you are self-motivated, committed and interested in research, this MRes centres on you completing a 30,000-word dissertation in which you demonstrate the advanced historical research skills you have learned on the course’s two core modules. This course sits between our MA provision and PhD research degrees, and is suitable if you already have an MA in a humanities subject. It provides you with a valuable opportunity to complete independent, professional research and can be useful preparation for research at PhD level and conducting research projects outside academia. What you will learn You will be taught practical historical skills and techniques, including: planning a large-scale research project locating and retrieving historical material critiquing primary and secondary sources examining and organising historical information. You will also develop the skills needed to complete your dissertation, including learning how to conceptualise a research project, write a proposal and plan your research. How you will learn This course’s core modules focus on developing your analytical skills and project management skills through the planning and writing of a long literature review and development of a detailed research proposal. Both modules are taught by experienced, research-active academics using a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches. For your research project, you will work with a supervisor who is an internationally renowned specialist in your chosen field. You will also be invited to events organised by, and for, our vibrant MPhil/PhD community, which provide opportunities to meet new academic and intellectual contacts. This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening.