History MA

Postgraduate

Three students studying a monument in the Coventry Cathedral ruins

Explore the past from a truly global perspective. Deepen your knowledge and broaden your ability to think critically, engage in research and communicate your knowledge to a wide range of audiences.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST010

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course is for those passionate about considering history through a global lens. Engage with significant themes that shape our understanding of the modern world and develop a broad portfolio of experience, from writing to content creation, designed to support your employability.

Key course content includes:

war, conflict, and the media
primary and secondary source analysis
environmental movements and debates on sustainable development
resistance of Indigenous peoples
public and cultural history
slavery and non-freedom around the world
injustice in the international system.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Expertise: learn from historians with proven teaching excellence and high-quality publications. (Staff subject to change.)
Diverse themes: gain insights into wartime media, environmental and indigenous history of the Americas, gender/social change, and global slavery.
Employability: prepare for postgraduate study and careers requiring strong research and analytical skills.
Ethics and values: engage with a range of sources and methods to understand structural inequalities and amplify marginalised voices.

Collaborations

Endorsement: Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning security, warfare and rebellion. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the module Security, Warfare and Rebellion, you will receive an RSA digital credential.

Coventry Degree Showcase 2024

The Coventry Degree Showcase is an annual event to celebrate and showcase our graduating students’ work.

Learn more about the Degree Showcase

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What you'll study

Through an experiential learning approach, collaborate with peers to explore the interconnected nature of today’s world, tackling real-world issues through debate, crisis simulations and problem-solving exercises.

Modules

War and Society – 30 credits

Gain an advanced understanding of the key debates and concepts surrounding the role played by warfare and its impact upon historical societies. Examine how wars have shaped societies and culture, challenging and creating social contracts that affect everything from gender relations to labour organisation. This module will also consider the role played by the media in representing and understanding conflicts. In a world in which state-on-state conflict and war is becoming more common, this module offers you a timely insight into the relationship between war and society.

Compulsory

Thinking Critically about the Past (and the Future) – 30 credits

By carefully studying primary sources, historians open windows not only to our past but create insights that shape who we are today – and who we may become. In the era of the climate crisis, this has never been more essential. Across the world, vulnerable communities must now face the consequences of centuries of colonialism and environmental degradation. The future and the past (and how we understand them) are intimately linked. To understand modern resistance, from Extinction Rebellion to Indigenous resistance in Amazon rainforest, the historian’s craft is essential. Find out how historians ply their trade, how that process shapes how we think about our past, and how it shapes the future.

Compulsory

Cultural Heritage and Public History – 30 credits

Consider what cultural heritage and public history (e.g., archaeological sites, artefacts, buildings, landscapes) means to its constituent communities and how it's defined, understood, managed, and protected. This module covers theoretical concepts and debates, focusing on often overlooked aspects like minority, intangible, and contested or unwanted heritage. Develop in-depth knowledge about how history is remembered, understood, curated, and displayed.

Compulsory

Global Affairs in Action – 30 credits

Explore the critical issues of warfare, rebellion, and international security. Examine key case studies, assessing the historical and contemporary factors that shape global conflict and security. This module compares policy and the cultural aspects of conflict and rebellion, studying them as responses to the political and social impacts of a dynamic, often unstable world where state and non-state actors clash. Gain the analytical and research skills needed to bridge the gap between theory and practice in international security, preparing you for both academic research and professional roles in the security sector.

Compulsory

Global Slavery, Historic Memory – 30 credits

Uncover the global history of early modern slavery and how the long-term impact of that phenomenon has been understood and remembered. You'll compare slavery systems/non-free labour in the Atlantic World, Russia, Poland and India during the 17th and 18th centuries. Reflect on the forces behind these systems, analyse the forms they took and investigate those who supported and resisted them. Challenge your understanding of history by considering what gets remembered and forgotten, and the impact this has had upon later generations.

Compulsory

Fighting Injustice in the International System – 30 credits

Democratic institutions are under threat around the world. Alongside this, a wide variety of injustices are threatening individual freedoms and further endangering vulnerable populations. This module explores threats to democratic and justice institutions whilst examining methods through which they can be protected, and individuals liberated from unfree labour and exploitation.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
practical coursework
assignments
presentations
digital content creation.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a social science or humanities related discipline.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a social science or humanities related discipline.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The George Eliot building sits at the heart of campus, behind The Hub. It plays host to a range of modern humanities teaching and learning spaces with industry-standard facilities. The Delia Derbyshire complex offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Successful graduates may seek positions in education, the civil service, museum curation, publishing, journalism and writing, broadcast research, content creation, research and academia, cultural advocacy.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

demonstrate a critical understanding of modern social and cultural history
evaluate advanced scholarship and methodologies in history
analyse and critically evaluate diverse historical perspectives and interpretations
recognise diverse historical, social, and cultural contexts while practicing ethical research skills
conduct independent research using advanced methods, including critical synthesis and dissemination
communicate complex concepts to both specialist and non-specialist audiences through various formats
exhibit transferable independent learning and organisational skills, including time management and performance evaluation
critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of our history programmes have gone on to work for companies including:

National Trust
a wide range of schools and educational institutions
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Derby City Council
Civil Service
HM Prisons and Probation
BBC
NHS
Home Office
Nationwide Building Society
Department for Education.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.