History Degrees Online

Aim of the programme

This programme aims to give students the opportunity to work on an extended dissertation on a topic of their own choosing, working with experts in a range of historical fields from the early modern period to the 20th century. It provides a basis for progressing to MPhil/PhD study.

Programme highlights

Opportunity to work with experts in a range of historical fields
Means for students to pursue a detailed research project
Access to the university’s library and electronic resources
Opportunity to join a thriving postgraduate community

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold at least a second-class honours degree in the study of History or a related subject, or a degree of a comparable standard from a university in another country. IELTS of 7 or equivalent.

MRes Architectural History can be taken either full time over 12 months or part time over 24 months. The MRes Architectural History programme comprises three assessed modules: research methods in architectural history, research in the arts and humanities, and a masters thesis, or approved research project. Full time students take research methods in architectural history in term one, research in the arts and humanities over terms one and two, and their thesis across the full academic year. Part time students take the two taught modules in year one and carry out their thesis in the second year.

The primary assessment of the MRes Architectural History programme is the submission of a thesis or approved research project relevant to the study of architectural history. The thesis, or approved research project, is taught via one-on-one supervision during term time and through agreed tutorials up to the final submission in September. Students are also encouraged to attend seminar groups and postgraduate training opportunities.

Aim of the programme

MRes Architectural History aims to provide students with an academic understanding of the current ideas and debates specific to architectural history and a practical knowledge of the research methods and skills required as an academic or professional historian in the heritage sector.

Programme highlights

Offers the opportunity to work with a specialist teaching staff whose extensive academic research expertise and practical heritage industry experience covers a broad range of specialist areas

Entry requirements

Proposals are welcome in all aspects of architectural history. Applicants should provide satisfactory references and an honours degree from a UK university or recognised body in another country. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

The programme is based on four taught modules (each worth 30 credits), plus a dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice, negotiated in agreement with programme tutors (60 credits).

A module on research methods and approaches to History will be followed by three modules taken from (subject to availability each year): ‘Family and society in early Modern Britain’; ‘Celtic society and religious change, 1500-1700’; ‘Irish social and cultural history since 1890′; and ‘Sport and society in Britain since c1880’. The programme culminates in the independently-researched dissertation, which tests student ability to manage a large-scale project and to evaluate complex ideas in an original way.

Students must achieve 180 credits for an MA award, but may be awarded a postgraduate certificate upon successful completion of 60 credits or a postgraduate diploma when completing 120 credits.

The programme employs a range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies, aimed at fostering high-level written and oral communication skills and academic debate. Assessment methods include essays, projects and oral presentations.

Aim of the programme

This programme aims to provide an understanding of social history since c1450. It is designed to appeal to a variety of students, including recent graduates, teachers looking to enhance their professional qualifications and those with a long-standing enthusiasm and passion for history.

Programme highlights

This is the only MA of its kind in the region
It embraces both long-standing areas of interest to social historians, such as those of religion and family, as well as relatively newer concerns such as the history of sport

The MA provides an approach that will give students a detailed knowledge of aspects of social history in Britain and western Europe from the 15th century through to the present day, exploring issues such as religion, family life, gender, crime, poverty and sport
It draws from, and is based upon, considerable staff research expertise in the field of social history. The teaching team are all actively engaged in research relating to the MA, contributing to a range of publications in their respective areas of expertise
It will provide training and transferable skills that will be of value either in employment or in conducting further research, such as proceeding to registration for a PhD
Further study, research and employment opportunities

MA Social History will prepare the ground particularly for those wishing to pursue a career in research and/or academia, acting as a bridge between undergraduate work and MPhil/PhD programmes (in which the History team at Plymouth University has been actively engaged, with several completions, for many years). In addition, MA Social History offers opportunities for continuing professional development, notably for teachers of history in primary or secondary schools, and for lecturers in further education colleges, who are seeking to augment their qualifications.

The University Careers Service provides an information library, organises workshops and visiting speakers from the professions and has a qualified Careers Advisor who gives individual guidance. Students on the programme will be made fully aware of the assistance and resources available, and discussion of career options will form an integral part of the tutorial support.

Graduates are also eligible to apply for Knowledge Transfer Partnership positions. These are generally 2-3 year projects and a great opportunity to launch your career by getting involved with business development. Companies looking for that competitive edge work in collaboration with the university, who select a specialist graduate with the right skills and experience.

Year 1
Politics

Study the main concepts and theories of British and European politics and understand questions like ‘what is politics?’ ‘what is power?’ and ‘what is a political system?’
Develop your computing and study skills and the basic concepts and practices of political research
Year 2
Politics

Develop a theoretical and methodological knowledge of politics
Opportunity to undertake a student exchange programme in the Czech Repulic or Poland
Topics include Britain and the EU, modern liberal democracies, political analysis and strategy, public policy, international political economy and political ideologies.

Year 3
Politics

Study options include the EU, the new politics of East Central Europe, British politics, Third World politics, comparative politics, public choice, local government, electoral behaviour, and sub-state nationalism
Undertake a comprehensive piece of research on a topic of your interest for your final-year dissertation

Why study Politics? Politics has a major influence on our rapidly changing global society. You will study how different countries are governed and ruled, the relationships between nations, the prosecution or avoidence of war and be able to identify political issues and events and critically debate political processes and systems.

Course highlights

In the second year of the course, there are opportunities to participate on International Student Exchange Programmes organised by the Department to the Czech Republic and Poland
What the students say

“I had a fantastic three years studying Politics at Plymouth University. Studying for a degree is, however, very different to anything I had done before and I am enjoying the challenge. The set up is very much geared towards the students.”
Penny Howard - Graduate
Career opportunities

Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills for employment/careers working in a variety of environments including local, national and European government administration, journalism and the media, management, financial services, law, politics and public relations.

The Department of Politics & International Relations has pioneered the introduction of graduate skills into this course, designed to enable graduates to take control of their own future career development, in a world of employment that is marked by rapid organisational and technological change.

Student may choose to continue studing after graduating. The Department of Politics & International Relations offers students the opportunity of taking a Masters (MA) in International Relations which can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.

Entry requirements

A level/AS level/Vocational A level: 240 pts (including a minimum of 160 pts from two A levels or a 12-unit Vocational A level). Other combinations and non-A level qualifications considered.

Year 1
International Relations

Study the theories of the international system and the post-Cold War political environment
Develop your computing, study and research skills and gain a broad grounding of international relations
Topics include international institutions and regimes, sovereignty to global governance and contemporary international relations

Year 2
International Relations

Cover topics including international security, peace and conflict resolution, imagining global society, north-south relations and international political economy
Participate in an International Student Exchange Programme in the Czech Republic, Poland, Canada, US or Australia
Year 3
International Relations

Study options include peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, refugee studies, arms control, European security, maritime studies, Asia-Pacific, Middle-Eastern and postcolonial studies
Undertake a comprehensive piece of research on a topic of your interest for your final year dissertation

International Relations summary

International Relations looks at our rapidly changing world in terms of the political, economic and social issues that affect all our lives. You will be introduced to key events and debates in contemporary International Relations and have the opportunity to study a number of relevant themes and issues.

These may include International Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, North-South International Relations, International Political Economy, the United Nations, Refugee Studies, Foreign Policy, Theory and area studies such as Africa, Middle East and South East Asia.

Course highlights

There are opportunities to participate on International Student Exchange Programmes to Canada, The Czech Republic, Finland, France and the USA
Career opportunities

Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills for employment/careers working in a variety of environments from peacekeeping, NGO’s the European Union, United Nations, civil service, local and central government to multinational/global corporations.

We want our graduates to be informed, detached, critical and sophisticated observers and analysts of contemporary international relations. The growing interdependency of our world means that such attributes are increasingly in demand by a wide variety of employers, including multinational businesses and both government and non-governmental organisations.

Students may choose to continue studying after graduating. The Department of Politics & International Relations offers students the opportunity of taking a Masters (MA) in International Relations which can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.

Entry requirements

GCSE: Maths and English Language grade C. Plus:-

For 2009 entry:-
A level/AS level: 240-280 points (including a minimum of 160 points from two A levels or a double award).

For 2010 entry:-
A level/AS level: 240-300 points (including a minimum of 160 points from two A levels or a double award).

Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered

Year 1

Develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to teach children
Study modules for all four strands(see summary)
Spend two weeks in a school of your choice and then undertake a two-week and five-week school placement across the primary age range, both with a fellow student
In addition, there is an induction week to help you get to know other students and staff and the Students’ Union arranges a number of social, cultural and sporting events
All students are allocated a professional tutor to support you through the course

Year 2

Build on the foundations laid in year one in working towards achieving the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Study all four strands in greater depth
Have a longer school experience in your preferred age phase, with the opportunity of an overseas placement
Year 3

Continue working towards achieving the standards for QTS
Extend your expertise in all four strands, particularly in your subject specialism and special educational needs
Do a seven-week school experience with increased responsibility outside your preferred age phase with the opportunity of a London placement

Year 4

Undertake a final assessment of the standards for QTS
Gain support in obtaining your first post and preparing a Career Entry and Development Profile
Extend your expertise in all four strands, including school management of Humanities
Do an 11-week school experience, with full responsibility, in your preferred age phase