COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA History program at Essex is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical research, theory, and practice, while allowing flexibility to focus on areas of personal interest. Central to the program is the dissertation, which carries 80 credits and enables students to undertake a substantial independent research project on a topic of their choice, applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course. Students also complete two compulsory modules that provide essential foundations for historical study. The first, “Making History, Sharing History: Sources, Methods, and Audiences for Historical Research,” equips students with practical skills in working with historical sources, understanding research methods, and communicating findings to varied audiences. The second, “Rethinking History: Approaches, Theories and Concepts,” introduces key theoretical frameworks and concepts that inform historical analysis and interpretation, encouraging students to engage critically with different approaches to history. In addition, students select optional modules from a broad list, allowing them to explore specialist topics in line with their research interests, whether in political, social, cultural, or global history. This combination of rigorous compulsory modules, flexible optional choices, and the substantial dissertation ensures that graduates develop strong analytical, research, and writing skills, preparing them for further study, research careers, or professional roles requiring advanced historical knowledge and critical thinking.