Course details
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
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The Eighteenth-Century Worlds pathway will take you on an investigative journey through the history, literature and visual and material culture of Europe and its interactions with the wider world, from the Atlantic to Asia.
This highly original interdisciplinary postgraduate course gives you the opportunity to study in one of Britain’s leading Atlantic ports; a city rich in eighteenth-century history, architecture and culture. The city is also home to more national museums and galleries than any other English city outside of London.
The expertise of our research-active tutors and the combination of modules makes this a unique course, following the trajectory to a global world during the eighteenth century.
ERASMUS Exchange with Paris Diderot
There is an opportunity for students to spend semester 2 studying at the University of Paris-Diderot, taking modules there while preparing their feasibility study. Further details are available on request. For students who do not choose to go abroad, the course is enhanced by the presence of a visiting lecturer from Paris in each academic year.
Eighteenth-Century Research Centre
All MA students are encouraged to take part in the activities of the Centre. These include research seminars with invited speakers, workshops, and conferences, some designed specifically for postgraduates.
Please note: when applying for this programme, please choose ‘MA History’ on the online application form. You should specify the specific pathway which you wish to study in your personal statement.
This programme will appeal to a wide range of students, including those who’ve recently graduated in History or a related discipline or have decided to return to university later in life. The structure of the course provides a good grounding for those intending to proceed to doctoral research.
It will appeal particularly to those with a keen interest in history and culture of Europe and its interactions with the wider world. It will also appeal greatly to students who want to enhance their learning with cross-cultural exchanges outside the UK.
Taking the Eighteenth-Century Worlds MA will:
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take HIST521 (30 credits), HIST527 (15 credits) and choose a further 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Optional modules are taken from an approved list of modules available from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and can be provided on request to the pathway contact.
This module introduces students to key themes and methodological approaches in studies of the eighteenth century. It offers a range of disciplinary perspectives, including social, cultural and intellectual history and literary study, and encourages students to adopt an interdisciplinary approach.
Historians draw many of their theoretical frameworks from the social sciences, including sociology,economics, and political science, and from literary and gender studies. This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, both in framing research questions and in informing historians’ approaches to primary sources. It explores some of the major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism, and encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
Students take HIST522 (30 credits), HIST504 (15 credits) and 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Optional modules are taken from an approved list of modules available from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and can be provided on request to the pathway contact.
The subject of this module is revolution and social change in British, European and colonial North American societies between 1688 and 1840, and the ways in which the processes of change were informed by and shaped relations between Western society and the wider world. The period witnessed an explosion of trade, warfare and the development of a commercial culture that had a profound impact upon both European and colonial cultures. How did all this impact upon changing lifestyles, political discourse, protest and the material world? Taking the political revolutions in America and France as its starting point, the module examines revolution as an interdiscursive event. It not only analyses the impact on British and Continental European societies of the American and French and Haitian revolutionary wars (financially, politically, socially) but also how these events were used to define competing models of statehood and society within and outside the sites of revolution, including contested notions of gender and race. The module will also analyse the ‘afterlife’ of these events and how they were used to define emerging national identities. We also examine changes in material life to which the term ‘revolution’ has been applied, and we assess and critique the ways in which those developments have been used to distinguish Western modernity from Eastern backwardness at the time and by historians.
The Feasibility Study is an extended research proposal for the subsequent MA Dissertation. The study should therefore be focused on the topic that the student proposes to address in their dissertation. The Feasibility Study is designed to ensure that students are able to undertake their dissertation project successfully. It will ensure that they are well prepared when they start writing thier dissertation over the summer.
Sessions on research skills and methodologies will be held as part of the core modules offered by History. MA students will discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic and the implementation of the research with a member of staff with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the proposed topic during the period June to September. MARM students will have tutorial sessions and produce a feasibility study as part of the preparation for the dissertation before formal supervision begins in the period June to September.
Most modules, except HIST504, take the form of small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study. Most seminars are weekly two-hour sessions, and all are taught in small groups. We consider small group teaching essential to the learning and teaching experience at postgraduate level. Students lead discussions in class, and receive guidance on further reading from the module tutor.
The Feasibility Study (HIST504) and Dissertation (HIST550) demands a higher degree of independence, with guidance and advice from a dedicated supervisor through up to five 45 minute meetings.
Ongoing assessment is linked to work done primarily in seminars and through individual tutorials and supervisions.
Written assessments will vary according to the nature of the modules, research project and the needs of the student, but may include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections, and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries, and galleries, including the University’s own Special Collections and Archives.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Our History taught programmes are designed to meet the training requirements of the AHRC and the ESRC so equip you for further study towards an MPhil/PhD.
However, our MA students go into a wide range of professions, including media, public sector management, business consultancy, the civil service, NGO and development work, as well as academia.
Possible career prospects
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £11,700 |
Part-time place, per year | £5,850 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £24,100 |
Part-time place, per year | £12,050 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
To apply for one of our History MA programmes you should normally have a BA in History, Ancient History, English Literature, Modern Languages, Art History, Classics or a related discipline (UK classification 2:1 or above, or international equivalent). We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis. A Personal Statement which clearly demonstrates an interest in the programme and an understanding of the context of the programme is also required. Applicants may be called to interview and, if so, will be requested to submit a sample of their historical analysis (between 1500 and 2500 words) in English for discussion during the interview. Please note that being asked to interview is no guarantee of being offered a place. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Professor Mark Towsey
Last updated 30 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions