COURSE CURRICULUM

The core modules of the History MA in Local History provide a strong foundation in historical research, analysis, and specialised study of regional and community histories. Historical Research, Historical Writing introduces students to essential research methods, critical thinking, and advanced academic writing, equipping them to engage effectively with primary and secondary sources and produce well-structured, evidence-based arguments. Families and Communities in England and Wales, c. 1600-1900 examines social structures, family life, and community organisation during a period of significant political, economic, and cultural change. Students explore how local populations adapted to broader societal transformations, investigating topics such as kinship, social networks, economic activity, and regional identities. Landscapes and Identities in Medieval and Early Modern England focuses on the interaction between people and their environment, considering how landscapes shaped social, political, and cultural identities and how communities influenced their surroundings. This module encourages students to engage with material culture, historical geography, and comparative analysis to understand the interconnectedness of society and place. Together, these modules combine methodological training, historical knowledge, and analytical skills, preparing students to conduct independent research, interpret complex historical evidence, and critically assess the relationships between communities, families, and landscapes. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, heritage, education, public history, and further academic study.