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M.A. in History Student Handbook 2011-2012

M.A. in History Student Handbook 2011-2012

M.A. in History Student Handbook 2011-2012

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Our MA programme aims to provide you with the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate some key<br />

historical skills. You should be able to:<br />

(a) understand key methods and sources related to approaches to the study of the past, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

relevant theories and concepts aga<strong>in</strong>st which to test and evaluate empirical material;<br />

(b) assimilate and understand the advanced literature <strong>in</strong> one or more areas of history;<br />

(c) appreciate different models of explanation and historiographical traditions;<br />

(d) acquire and apply a practical understand<strong>in</strong>g of appropriate qualitative and quantitative skills<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>ter alia:<br />

• knowledge and understand<strong>in</strong>g of literary and non-literary primary sources (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

for example, artefacts, landscape, oral testimony, maps, visual images, sound, and<br />

web-based resources);<br />

• basic statistical and comput<strong>in</strong>g skills, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the creation and analysis of<br />

spreadsheets and databases;<br />

(e) <strong>in</strong>itiate, susta<strong>in</strong> and complete a substantial piece of research demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g an ability to:<br />

• formulate a research hypothesis or question;<br />

• identify appropriate resources and methodologies and to test that hypothesis;<br />

• susta<strong>in</strong> extended academic analysis;<br />

• compile and present a research bibliography;<br />

• demonstrate a mastery of professional conventions of presentation;<br />

• communicate <strong>in</strong>formation, ideas, arguments and <strong>in</strong>terpretations clearly.<br />

Teach<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Individual modules are taught as discussion-based sem<strong>in</strong>ars or, <strong>in</strong> some cases, as practical workshops,<br />

through which you are encouraged to pursue your own <strong>in</strong>terests.<br />

Individual supervision is provided for the dissertation, whether you choose the 4:5 or 6:3 pathway.<br />

Assessment<br />

All deadl<strong>in</strong>es must be adhered to unless an extension has been agreed by the Director of Postgraduate<br />

Studies. Extensions for coursework cannot be extended after week 3 of summer term.<br />

In order to complete the degree <strong>in</strong> 12 months and graduate with<strong>in</strong> the normal timescale extensions to<br />

dissertations cannot be extended beyond the 30 th September.<br />

Submission of Coursework<br />

All coursework should be handed <strong>in</strong> to Ghisla<strong>in</strong>e O'Neill <strong>in</strong> the Postgraduate Office (B106)<br />

where its receipt (and date) will be recorded and NOT to module tutors.<br />

Please ensure that you attach a coursework cover sheet to your work.<br />

Mark<strong>in</strong>g Procedures<br />

Coursework is marked <strong>in</strong>ternally, by your module tutor or dissertation supervisor, and second marked<br />

by another member of staff. Later <strong>in</strong> the year, it will be sent to an external exam<strong>in</strong>er for moderation<br />

or f<strong>in</strong>al decisions on marks.<br />

8

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