Ranking
8th
in UK in REF 2021 for History
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Course overview
Take your study of History to the next level and benefit from Birmingham’s stellar teaching and research reputation from anywhere in the world with our flexible online course.
This two-year programme offers you the opportunity to explore a number of historical themes and time periods from across the world, where you’ll take advantage of our broad range of expertise. Develop practical transferable skills so that your love of history can further your career and life ambitions.
Course structure
September - December (11 weeks)
You’ll take three modules across each year. You’ll take your first module in the autumn term of year 1.
Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, assignment preparation and independent study.
Course highlights
Your MA is completely adaptable to your interests. You’ll have a choice of topics including ancient history, medieval studies, global history, contemporary and modern history, and the history of Modern Britain.
When studying the MA History as a distance learning programme, you’ll benefit from the research and support available in our School of History and Cultures and through the University’s digital learning support.
Study in a Department ranked eighth in the country in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021, according to Times Higher Education. Research in the Department spans the medieval to the modern, including topics as diverse as archaeology and beliefs of medieval Iceland, the early modern body, the history of sexualities, and the Arab Spring.
- Join a diverse community made up of different educational backgrounds – you don’t need a History degree to join the course.
- Explore your chosen area of study in-depth through your choice of modules and dissertation topic.
- Study independently with the support of your academic tutors and fellow students via online forums.
- Fit your studies around your other commitments. Access the course materials online from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you.
Study History at Birmingham from anywhere in the world.
Choose from a diverse range of modules.
Be part of an active and supportive community.
Develop new perspectives
Learn from our wide range of experts, covering diverse research methods, periods and places. You’ll explore history from a variety of viewpoints and disciplines, developing and creating new perspectives on the past. Whether you're following your passion for history to gain transferable skills or focusing on a career in the field, your future begins at Birmingham.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in History and Heritage.
- 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.
- Online resources are uploaded in advance. You can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
- Dissertation – you’ll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules, at 20 credits each, and a 60-credit dissertation.
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.
Year one
The following must be taken (in the autumn term):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Historical Approaches DL | 20 |
You will choose one of the following modules in the spring term:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Early Modern History DL | 20 |
| Approaches to Medieval Studies | 20 |
| Global Histories: Comparisons and Connections | 20 |
| Mass Society and Modernity, 1914-45 | 20 |
| New Directions in Modern British History | 20 |
|
Approaches to Ancient History & Cultures |
20 |
You will choose one of the following modules in the summer term:
Year two
The following must be taken (you'll take Dissertation Preparation in the autumn term):
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Dissertation Preparation (History) | 20 |
You'll also choose one module from the spring term options and one module from the summer term options listed above.
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 need to have an Honours degree in a relevant subject, normally at 2:1 or above.
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.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
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.