Ranking
8th
in UK in REF 2021 for History
Course overview
Investigate questions about the past while advancing your historical research skills. On our MRes you'll deepen your knowledge of historical periods through taught modules with the freedom to pursue your research interests.
Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. On this MRes you'll develop your critical and analytical abilities via taught modules, and you’ll complete a major individual research project supervised by a specialist in the field.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time on campus. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Two-thirds of your degree is your research thesis. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your research thesis during term one.
You’ll also take three taught modules during the first two terms of the MRes.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of historical research and complete a project on any aspect of History.
Our History Department’s significant strengths include: Medieval and Early Modern History; Global History and US History; Modern and Contemporary History.
The History Department is also home to many research centres exploring key historical periods. Discover the latest research from visiting academic speakers and our staff at our research centre seminars.
- Join a Department with a global reputation for research – ranked 8th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
- Choose optional modules related to your chosen historical area from a wide variety of modules across history.
- Develop your independent research abilities and analytical skills before undertaking a PhD or to gain transferable skills for your career.
- An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.
Top 100 History department in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Expertise in British, European and world history from the early medieval period to the present.
Potential to upgrade your MRes to doctoral research following a formal review process.
Put knowledge into practice
On this MRes you'll learn techniques you can apply to your own advanced research. You'll put this knowledge into practice by designing and completing a 20,000 word independent research thesis, supported by your supervisor. You can draw on our specialist strengths and enhance your knowledge of a particular period of History. During the MRes you'll develop your analytical skills and become confident at evaluating and critiquing current research in the field.
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.
An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career. You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a research thesis. Modules run for one term, and you’ll take three modules during the MRes alongside your research thesis.
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.
The 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.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Research Preparation | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students will choose 40 credits of optional modules. Part time students will choose at least 20 credits in year 1.
Students must choose ONE 20 credit optional module from the following list of modules, relevant to the area of specialism for the Thesis. Part-time students will choose this in year 1:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Approaches to Medieval Studies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Autumn Option (Masters): History & Heritage | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Critical Histories of the Present | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM From Reformation to Revolution – an Introduction to Early Modern History | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Global Histories: Comparisons and Connections | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Special Subject: Britain at Bay in the Age of the Dictators. From Appeasement to World War Two, 1931-1942 A | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Special Subject: Britain at Bay in the Age of the Dictators. From Appeasement to World War Two, 1931-1942 B | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM U.S. History and Historiography | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must also choose ONE 20 credit LM optional module offered within the School of History and Cultures, or the College of Arts and Law, relevant to the area of specialism for the Thesis. Part-time students will usually choose this in year 2, but may choose it in year 1:
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 a relevant area.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
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
- £7,017
Full-time
- £3,509
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 over two or more years, 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.
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.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Before you make your application
Please refer to our six-step process on applying for PhD, MA by Research and MRes opportunities for Arts subject areas, which includes detailed advice on research proposals and how to write them.
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.