Postgraduate Taught Degrees

MA Modern British History

Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Master of Arts
School of Study:: History

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
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Why Study Modern British History at UEA?

Modern British History at UEA offers a unique blend of political, international and imperial history. It provides a rare concentration of expertise on nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century foreign policy, matched by strengths in imperial history and political history. This provides an ideal research environment for anyone with an interest in Britain’s role in the modern world and the political debates about it, from the mid-nineteenth century to the post-war retreat from Empire.

This course enables students to explore the latest developments in an area with vibrant debate and a rich historiography that has been growing steadily in recent years, not least through the work of scholars at UEA. The MA course provides the opportunity to examine in depth a range of topics in this field from the era of ‘gunboat diplomacy’ to the bitter debates about appeasement, its replacement by Churchillian commitment and, ultimately, imperial decline. Seminars are led by scholars who have extensive research experience and are based on a series of key sources for the period. Guided by specialist teaching staff, and supported by a trained archivist in the same discipline, students are encouraged to develop the skills essential for postgraduate research. The culmination of the MA course is the dissertation, undertaken in the second half of the degree. This independent study will be completed under the supervision of one or more members of the School.

Content and Structure of the Course

The MA, which can be taken either as a one-year full-time programme or a two-year part-time degree, aims to equip students with the advanced skills and intensive subject knowledge they need to proceed to further independent research. This preparation is provided by three main elements. The first is the dissertation, the completion of which will provide all MA students with the experience and expertise to go on to doctoral study should they so wish. The second is a core module, in British history, which runs over both semesters, all of which reflect the challenges these countries experienced in coming to terms with the modern age.

Core Modules

The Politics of British Foreign Policy, 1850-1940, runs over the course of two semesters. Here the following themes and topics will be covered, to a greater or lesser degree according to the needs and interests of those participating in the programme of study: the ‘Age of Palmerston’; Conservatism and foreign policy; the radical ‘Troublemakers’; the Great Eastern Crisis; Lord Salisbury and ‘Splendid Isolation’; the continental commitment and the first World War; the challenges to Empire; appeasement; the Churchillian alternative.

Optional Modules

Students also take a supplementary module, which runs either weekly for a semester or fortnightly over the whole year.

The Empire at Bay, 1939-1956 explores developments within the British Empire between the outbreak of the Second World War and the Suez Crisis of 1956, with particular emphasis on imperial questions in Anglo-American relations.

Themes in Global History explores key transnational interactions of the last two centuries. Rather than examining diplomacy between states, it focuses on global connections between markets and societies which have contributed to contemporary globalization.

The culmination of the programme is a dissertation on an approved topic of your own devising. It is undertaken mainly in the second half of the degree and supervised by one or more members of the School.

Course Tutors and Research Interests

Larry Butler: twentieth century British history and the history of the British Empire, especially British decolonization

John Charmley: modern diplomatic and political history; Britain and the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century

Geoff Hicks: British political history and foreign policy in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

Anthony Howe: free trade; William Cobden; William Huskisson and the British State; international and national political economy, 18th to 20th centuries

Thomas Otte: diplomatic and international history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

Course Organiser:Prof Thomas Otte

There are many reasons to choose us. An MA in the School of History combines breadth of choice with depth of study. Students can choose from five excellent courses: Medieval, Early Modern, Modern British, Modern European and Landscape History, all carefully constructed and taught by specialists with relevant research interests and reputations. Unlike some MA courses, which ‘mix-and-match’ large numbers of small modules, within each course option students take a year-long 60-credit module, which allows them really to explore the subject in detail. Research skills are taught in a packed training programme, which provides everything our students need to further their historical ambitions. In the Spring Semester, they also make short presentations on their dissertation subjects, which, because the audience is mostly made up of their peers, makes for an event more like an informal symposium than a viva voce examination (which it isn’t anyway). Everyone finds this event helpful and enjoyable. UEA is extremely proud of its lively research community, which includes not just MA students but PhD students and teaching staff. We all benefit greatly from this intellectually stimulating environment and would like you to as well!

Year 1

Compulsory Study (90 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 90 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
DISSERTATION PREPARATION	HIS-M22Y	0
This module consists of both generic training sessions for all students as well as course-specific exercises and training. A key requirement of the module is for students to make an oral presentation in the Spring semester, to be attended by all MA students, after which they will submit their formal dissertation proposal. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
MA IN MODERN BRITISH HISTORY DISSERTATION	HIS-M04X	90
90-credit dissertation for students taking the MA in Modern British History in the School of History.

Option A Study (60 credits)

Students will select 60 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
THE POLITICS OF BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY, 1850-1940	HIS-M06Y	60
Prof. John Charmley, Dr Geoff Hicks, Dr Thomas Otte. Within the context of party politics, this module will examine the development of British foreign policy, and debate about it, from Palmerston��s triumphs in the mid-nineteenth century to the nadir of 1940. Using primary sources - including material edited by the tutors �� the module will consider how party politics defined diplomacy as politicians faced international and domestic difficulties. It will also examine the problems posed by war, empire, and domestic upheaval as great-power politics became ever more volatile, challenging traditional interpretations of the period. Taught by historians with complementary areas of expertise, it will encourage seminar discussion and enable students to focus upon topics of particular interest against the broad canvas of geopolitics. The Autumn Semester would cover the period from Palmerston and Derby in the 1850s, through the age of Gladstone and Disraeli to Lord Salisbury in the 1880s and 90s. In the Spring, the module would look at the transition from Splendid Isolation to Britain��s commitment on the world stage in the run-up to the First World War, followed by the challenges of empire and the problems of appeasement in the interwar period.

Option B Study (30 credits)

Students will select 30 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
DISSERTATION PREPARATION	HIS-M22Y	0
This module consists of both generic training sessions for all students as well as course-specific exercises and training. A key requirement of the module is for students to make an oral presentation in the Spring semester, to be attended by all MA students, after which they will submit their formal dissertation proposal. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT IN THE MIDDLE AGES	HIS-M17Y	60
This team-taught compulsory module runs over the course of two semesters. In this module the following themes and topics may be covered according to the needs and interests of those participating in the programme of study: Society, 970-1066; Domesday Book; Letter Collections; Historical Writing; Charters; the Royal Household; Royal Record Keeping; Urban Communities 1200-1500; Rural Communities 1200-1500; Monasticism; the Church; Canon Law; Magna Carta. Teaching is mainly through the medium of the seminar; weekly preparation is, therefore, a requirement of the course.
ENGLISH PALEOGRAPHY	HIS-MA37	10
This module is essential for all historians and archaeologists who wish to be able to read the handwriting of the period that they are researching! This can be demanding, but also fun.
FROM THE ZENITH OF IMPERIAL PRESTIGE TO THE NADIR OF BRITISH POWER: THE BRITISH EMPIRE 1919-1956	HIS-M25Y	30
This module explores developments within the British Empire between the high noon of Empire following the settlement of the First World War to the Suez Crisis of 1956. It will examine the various challenges posed to the British imperial system from the growth of resistance and nationalism in India and the Middle East during the inter war period to the important role played by imperial questions in relations between Britain and the United States (the ‘Special Relationship’). Alongside the perceived internal threats to the Empire this module will consider Britain's responses to wartime US criticism of the British Empire and the redefinition of British Imperial policy, the roles planned for the Empire in securing Britain's economic and strategic interests, the scope for Anglo-American co-operation in the Cold War and possible sources of friction between the two powers, culminating in their disagreement over policy in the Middle East at the time of the Suez Crisis.
FROM THE ZENITH OF IMPERIAL PRESTIGE TO THE NADIR OF BRITISH POWER: THE BRITISH EMPIRE 1919-1956	HIS-M25Y	30
This module explores developments within the British Empire between the high noon of Empire following the settlement of the First World War to the Suez Crisis of 1956. It will examine the various challenges posed to the British imperial system from the growth of resistance and nationalism in India and the Middle East during the inter war period to the important role played by imperial questions in relations between Britain and the United States (the ‘Special Relationship’). Alongside the perceived internal threats to the Empire this module will consider Britain's responses to wartime US criticism of the British Empire and the redefinition of British Imperial policy, the roles planned for the Empire in securing Britain's economic and strategic interests, the scope for Anglo-American co-operation in the Cold War and possible sources of friction between the two powers, culminating in their disagreement over policy in the Middle East at the time of the Suez Crisis.
GERMANY 1880-1940: TRADITION AND MODERNITY	HIS-M10Y	60
The history of Germany from the last quarter of the ��long�� nineteenth century to the middle of the ��short�� twentieth remains one of the most dramatic and controversial periods in modern European history. One understanding of the problems faced by Wilhelmine Germany in particular, and the handicaps that this in turn posed for the fledgling Weimar Republic, stresses the absence of modernization and the malign influence on German society and politics of 'traditional' ideas and elites. The focus here is both on entrenched power of the landed, bureaucratic and military political elites, the political weakness of the German bourgeoisie and the survival of ��pre-industrial�� social groups and mentalities into the inter-war period. A rather different perspective is that Germany from the late nineteenth century onwards was gripped less by the power of tradition, but instead confronted an escalating 'crisis of modernity' that culminated in the collapse of democracy in 1930-1933 and the onset of a regime which appeared, at first sight, to constitute a complete rejection of the modern. In this module we shall examine the various ways in which the course of German history in these years has been understood, and how far the condition of pre-1914 Germany, Germany's bid for territorial empire in 1914-18, the dilemmas of Weimar democracy, or the Nazis' quest for a racial utopia were rooted in the clash between tradition and modernity. Assessment is by two essays of 4-5,000 words.
LATIN AND PALEOGRAPHY	HIS-M02Y	30
A good command of basic Latin and Latin palaeography are fundamental tools for the aspiring medievalist. The basic Medieval Latin element of this module is suitable for complete beginners, but more advanced tuition is available for students with a prior knowledge of the language. The palaeography element concentrates on the reading and interpretation of a range of original Latin sources from the late 11th to the early 16th century.
LIFE AND LABOUR - EXPERIENCES IN INDUSTRIALISING BRITAIN c1750-1914	HIS-M005	30
This module allows you to examine the urban and/or rural dimensions of people��s lifestyles and occupations from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries. These are set in the context of economic and demographic change and the transition from rural-based to urbanised society, with the focus upon lifestyles and grassroots experiences. Themes include Making a living and the issue of separate spheres; Sickness, health and welfare; Religion and philanthropy; Social class and politics; Crime and control; following themes are offered for tutorials, with an eye to overall coherence; your dissertation subject area and the need to minimise any overlap with material in the core Spring semester module. Additional sessions will be arranged, where necessary, dealing with source materials. Where it is feasible, you will also have the opportunity to undertake local or regional studies to enhance seminar and essay work and incorporate primary sources.
LIFE AND LABOUR - EXPERIENCES IN INDUSTRIALISING BRITAIN c1750-1914	HIS-M005	30
This module allows you to examine the urban and/or rural dimensions of people��s lifestyles and occupations from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries. These are set in the context of economic and demographic change and the transition from rural-based to urbanised society, with the focus upon lifestyles and grassroots experiences. Themes include Making a living and the issue of separate spheres; Sickness, health and welfare; Religion and philanthropy; Social class and politics; Crime and control; following themes are offered for tutorials, with an eye to overall coherence; your dissertation subject area and the need to minimise any overlap with material in the core Spring semester module. Additional sessions will be arranged, where necessary, dealing with source materials. Where it is feasible, you will also have the opportunity to undertake local or regional studies to enhance seminar and essay work and incorporate primary sources.
MA IN EARLY MODERN HISTORY DISSERTATION	HIS-M03X	80
80-credit dissertation for students taking the MA in Early Modern History in the School of History.
MA IN LANDSCAPE HISTORY DISSERTATION	HIS-M01X	70
70-credit dissertation for students taking the MA in Landscape History in the School of History.
MA IN MEDIEVAL HISTORY DISSERTATION	HIS-M02X	90
90-credit dissertation for students taking the MA in Medieval History in the School of History.
MA IN MODERN BRITISH HISTORY DISSERTATION	HIS-M04X	90
90-credit dissertation for students taking the MA in Modern British History in the School of History.
MA IN MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY DISSERTATION	HIS-M05X	90
90-credit dissertation for students taking the MA in Modern European History in the School of History.
MODERN BRITAIN: SOCIETY, POLITICS, CULTURE, 1800 TO 1980	HIS-M23Y	60
This team-taught module taught over two semesters aims to introduce students to the ways in which historians have studied and explained key events in modern British history. Our focus is not simply upon what happened, but also upon the intellectual and ideological trends that have shaped the ways in which historians have written about them. During the first semester, you will be introduced to some of the most hotly debated topics and events in modern British history, such as the dramatic ramifications of urban growth and industrialisation; the significance of electoral reform; the sources of Britain’s military, economic and cultural hegemony around the globe; the impact of the First and Second World Wars on British politics and society; the ramifications of new technologies of national defence and mass media; and the causes of Britain’s so-called sexual and social revolutions of the post-war years. In the second semester, we will explore topics such as the emergence of social and cultural history; the ways in which national identity, class and gender have been constructed and maintained; the treatment of marginal social groups such as the criminal and the insane; new approaches to political history; and the historical uses of memoir and oral testimony. The exact content of the course can be shaped within limits by the interests of the students enrolled. Assessment is based upon two 5,000 word essays, on contrasting topics chosen by the student.
MODERNITY IN RUSSIA	HIS-M09Y	60
The module will explore the revolutionary period and beyond in Russia, concentrating on the way in which Russian culture and society moved towards modernity. Drawing on the wide range of materials, including images, films and imaginative literature, the module will explore the pioneering aspects of Russia's modernist culture and society, as well as discussing the problems that Russia faced in fully embracing the modern age. The module will be taught by a weekly seminar.
PAST ENVIRONMENTS: THEORY AND PRACTICE IN LANDSCAPE HISTORY	HIS-M11Y	60
This year-long module examines the nature of past environments from prehistory to the present. It will focus on the theory and practice of Landscape History and examine a series of semi-natural environments, such as woodland, fieldscapes and parkland. It will also look at the impact of man-made structures - such as fortifications - on the landscape.
READING MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY	HIS-M08Y	30
This module will be taught as a reading group with close reference to original texts and the authors’ lives as well as to the wider historical context of their work. Students will be required to read ten books which relate to events in the first half of the twentieth century, focussing particularly on memoirs and the exploration of their value as historical sources. The module will examine the problems associated with personal narratives of historical events, and with questions of personal memory and introspection. The seminars will run in alternate weeks over the Autumn and Spring semesters. Students will make a 15-minute seminar presentation (20 per cent of their credits), and will submit an essay of 4-5,000 words.
READING MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY	HIS-M08Y	30
This module will be taught as a reading group with close reference to original texts and the authors’ lives as well as to the wider historical context of their work. Students will be required to read ten books which relate to events in the first half of the twentieth century, focussing particularly on memoirs and the exploration of their value as historical sources. The module will examine the problems associated with personal narratives of historical events, and with questions of personal memory and introspection. The seminars will run in alternate weeks over the Autumn and Spring semesters. Students will make a 15-minute seminar presentation (20 per cent of their credits), and will submit an essay of 4-5,000 words.
SKILLS IN LANDSCAPE HISTORY: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM	HIS-M002	30
This module takes place in the Spring Semester and is taught through a combination of practical group sessions and independent tasks. The main focus of the course is the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Landscape History and there is a strong emphasis on the practical application of GIS in examining Britain’s historic landscape.
SKILLS IN LANDSCAPE HISTORY: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM	HIS-M006	20
This module takes place in the Spring Semester and is taught through a combination of practical group sessions and independent tasks. The main focus of the course is the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Landscape History and there is a strong emphasis on the practical application of GIS in examining Britain’s historic landscape. This 20-credit module is ONLY available to students on the Environmental Sciences and Humanities course.
SOCIETY, POLITICS AND CULTURE IN EARLY MODERN ENGLAND	HIS-M04Y	60
This module focuses upon some key themes in English social, cultural and economic history. Individual sessions look at identities, sexuality and the household, witchcraft and magic, urban society and urban culture, migration and the politics of relief, the parish and religious identities, custom and local identity, crime and the law, rebellion, riot, protest and popular politics, the gentry and the nobility, power and social relations, party identities, literacy, print and oral culture, social and economic change in rural England.
SOURCES FOR LANDSCAPE HISTORY	HIS-M001	10
This is a specialist preparatory exercise, examining sources for landscape history, ranging from historical documents through to field evidence and maps. There will be a strong practical element to this component, with an emphasis on how landscape historians use their sources.
THE CLASSICS AND THE CONTROVERSIES: EARLY MODERN HISTORY READING GROUP	HIS-M03Y	30
This module introduces students to some key texts encompassing different approaches to early modern history, and engages them in broad debates with the wider community of early modernists about developments in the field. Each seminar will be held fortnightly and be based around the preparation of a text that everyone has read. Seminar participants (including staff) will be expected to make one short introductory presentation on the text as the basis for in-depth discussion about the text itself, and the issues raised by it. Texts may include authors such as Fernand Braudel, Natalie Zemon Davis, Norbert Schindler, Jan de Vries, Lisa Jardine, Michel Foucault, and Bob Scribner, covering a wide range of the social, cultural, political and economic history of Europe and the wider world. For some sessions in the Spring Semester students will be invited to suggest readings that they would like to discuss with the group. Students will be supplied with copies of all of the readings as well as a supplementary reading list on key themes and debates in early modern history. The aim is not only to introduce students to a broad range of theoretical perspectives and approaches to early modern history, but also to assist in developing skills of close reading, discussion, presentation, listening, and the application of different theoretical perspectives. Students will also acquire a broad knowledge of historiographical approaches to early modern history, although it is not a module in historiography. The module will be led by Drs Warde, Evangelisti and Williamson, but other staff members in the School and postgraduate students may also contribute to help engage students in a wider current of debate surrounding key themes in early modern history. Assessment will be by means of a 4-5,000-word essay at the end of the Spring Semester, which may take the form of: (a) a detailed analysis of one core text; (b) a discussion one or more of the core texts within the wider historiography of the field; or (c) a comparative discussion of the approaches embodied in different texts.
THE POLITICS OF BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY, 1850-1940	HIS-M06Y	60
Prof. John Charmley, Dr Geoff Hicks, Dr Thomas Otte. Within the context of party politics, this module will examine the development of British foreign policy, and debate about it, from Palmerston��s triumphs in the mid-nineteenth century to the nadir of 1940. Using primary sources - including material edited by the tutors �� the module will consider how party politics defined diplomacy as politicians faced international and domestic difficulties. It will also examine the problems posed by war, empire, and domestic upheaval as great-power politics became ever more volatile, challenging traditional interpretations of the period. Taught by historians with complementary areas of expertise, it will encourage seminar discussion and enable students to focus upon topics of particular interest against the broad canvas of geopolitics. The Autumn Semester would cover the period from Palmerston and Derby in the 1850s, through the age of Gladstone and Disraeli to Lord Salisbury in the 1880s and 90s. In the Spring, the module would look at the transition from Splendid Isolation to Britain��s commitment on the world stage in the run-up to the First World War, followed by the challenges of empire and the problems of appeasement in the interwar period.
THEMES IN GLOBAL HISTORY	HIS-M009	30
This module explores key transnational interactions of the last two centuries. Rather than examining diplomacy between states, it will focus on global connections between markets and societies which have contributed to contemporary globalization. This will include: the emergence of the modern world system; commerce and commodities in the 18th century; anti-slavery, 1780-1860; democratic nationalism; free trade and protection in the world economy, 1830-1914; missionaries; health and disease; imperial trade, communications, and the rise of the multinationals; post-1945 Americanization, Coca-colonization and McDonaldization; the revival of neo-liberalism in the late 20th century. The module will be taught by twelve seminars, weekly in the Autumn Semester. Students will be required to read widely and participate actively in seminars, including one oral presentation. Assessment will be by one essay of 4-5,000 words.
THEMES IN GLOBAL HISTORY	HIS-M12Y	30
This module explores key transnational interactions of the last two centuries. Rather than examining diplomacy between states, it will focus on global connections between markets and societies which have contributed to contemporary globalization. This will include: the emergence of the modern world system; commerce and commodities in the 18th century; anti-slavery, 1780-1860; democratic nationalism; free trade and protection in the world economy, 1830-1914; missionaries; health and disease; imperial trade, communications, and the rise of the multinationals; post-1945 Americanization, Coca-colonization and McDonaldization; the revival of neo-liberalism in the late 20th century. The module will be taught by twelve seminars, either weekly in the Autumn Semester, or fortnightly across the year. Students will be required to read widely and participate actively in seminars, including one oral presentation. Assessment will be by one essay of 4-5,000 words.

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree Subject:: History or a related subject
Degree Classification:: UK BA (Hons) 2.1 or equivalent
Special Entry Requirements:: Applicants must submit a sample of written work (in English). This should be a typed essay on a historical subject, 2-3,000 words long, preferably a photocopy of an assessment marked by a tutor, complete with critical comments and a percentage or grade. The essay should address a specific question, and must demonstrate an ability to construct a historical argument, familiarity with the conventions of academic writing, and competence in English. This should be uploaded to your online application.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 (minimum 18 listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 in reading)
PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.

Assessment

All applications for postgraduate study are processed through the Faculty Admissions Office and then forwarded to the relevant School of Study for consideration. If you are currently completing your first degree or have not yet taken a required English language test, any offer of a place will be conditional upon you achieving this before you arrive.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees for Postgraduate students for the academic year 2013/14 are £5,000 for Home/EU students and £12,500 for International Students.

If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home/EU students).

Please note that all the above fees are expected to rise for the year 2014/15. We estimate living expenses at £600/650 per month.

Scholarships and Awards:

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has a number of Scholarships and Awards. For further information relevant to the School of History, please click here.

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.