Ranking
8th
in UK in REF 2021 for History
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Course overview
Our MA Military History by distance learning will stimulate and challenge you to think about all aspects of the history of warfare. You’ll study flexibly from home, developing your expertise in military history and building the skills to become a confident independent researcher.
Explore conflicts across time, drawing on Birmingham's particular expertise in the history of the two World Wars and air power, and learn more about what happens to cultures and societies when they’re at war.
September - December (11 weeks)
You’ll take three modules across each year, one each term.
Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, assignment preparation and independent study.
Course highlights
Experience the flexibility of a distance learning degree. You can fit your studies around existing commitments, such as current employment and caring responsibilities. While you study at home, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge and resources at your fingertips, plus the support of a dedicated research centre, the Centre for War Studies.
Work with case-studies involving diaries, memoirs, letters and other archive sources, including the National Archives of the United Kingdom. Consider individual responses to war, from poetry to film and beyond. Then, using the latest research methods, you’ll conduct your own independent research project.
- Distance learning doesn’t mean studying on your own – you'll connect with students from all over the world online to share thoughts and ideas.
- Learn from military history experts from our Centre for War Studies.
- Our History Department is ranked eighth in the country in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average, according to Times Higher Education.
- Study at a time that suits you. Access recorded lectures and discussion boards at any time- it doesn’t matter which time zone you are studying from.
Study remotely and flexibly.
Receive ongoing support from your module tutors and personal supervisor.
Work with our dedicated Research Centre for War Studies.
Centre for War Studies
With our MA Military History by distance learning degree, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our academic researchers in the Centre for War Studies. Research in the Centre spans global warfare from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period. You’ll study subjects including command and leadership; tactics, operations and the use of technology; ethics and war; and the individual's experience of war.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Military History. This course is delivered via distance learning using the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Online discussion boards– modules are mainly taught by small group discussions responding to reading and questions set by the module convenor.
- All resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
- Dissertation - you will undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules (six modules at 20 credits each), and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term. Each module involves set reading and questions you’ll respond to via online discussion boards.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following modules must be taken:
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in History or an equivalent discipline.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry. Examples of professional experience include law, accountancy, management, or published work in a relevant field.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.
Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in History or Heritage at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to collate together information, strong written and verbal communication skills, and analytical skills.
Our History and Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:
- Events and Exhibitions Assistant and Heritage Guide
- Project Development Researcher
- Collections Assistant
Employers our History and Heritage graduates have worked for include:
- English Heritage
- Historic England
- Cottonwood Mansion Museum
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.