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This is a part-time MA which you study over two years. It's all distance learning so you
don't actually have to come in to the University. You have the opportunity to be part of one
of the best History departments in the country, at one of the best universities in the country
- Times University of the Year last year - and as part of your studies you will pursue one
of three possible pathways. Global History, Contemporary History and History of Christianity,
with the opportunity to take some optional courses along the way as well.
I think a major strength of this programme is its broad appeal. If you've just completed
a BA and you want to take your studies further then this is the kind of thing which will
be ideal. Certainly if you're a history teacher, for example, and want to add to your repertoire
of skills or want to continue your professional development then again this kind of programme
is ideal. But it's also ideal for those who have worked and now want to pursue something
which is a great interest or a hobby. And what I would emphasise is that it opens the
door to a PhD for those who want to go on to pursue further research as well.
There'll be a selection of online lectures for each of the various topics which you'll
study for each course. Moreover, you will have a selection of core readings for each
week which will form the main part of your study and these will be available online.
You will also have access to the University of Birmingham's library and all the ebooks
which are available as part of that. And finally, and in many ways the most interesting part
of the course, the discussion forums where you get to talk to each other online and also
to me or to your various course convenors about things you find interesting about the
various discussion points that come out of each topic.
You get to be part of a large and vibrant academic community. You also get to interact
with students, literally from all over the world, students from all kinds of different
backgrounds. I'd really again like to emphasise the dissertation. I think this is a really
exciting opportunity for people, really to go in-depth into their chosen area of study.
You write a dissertation on a topic of your choice. You get to work with the supervisor
who is an expert in the field, so I would say this is the most rewarding part of the
experience, something really to look forward to.