This module further develops the knowledge and skills introduced during MA History part 1. Your dissertation project should be related to one of the specialist themes addressed in that module and focus primarily on an aspect of British and or Irish history during the period 1500–1970.
Careful planning in the early stages of any research project is essential. With that in mind, this module commences with six units of teaching materials, which will take you through the steps necessary to develop your initial idea for a dissertation project into a coherent, refined and feasible research proposal.
The learning aims for these units are to:
Your research proposal will provide you with a solid foundation to proceed with the independent research phase of the module, when you will focus on researching and writing your dissertation. There are two dissertation options available on this module.
1: Standard dissertation
This is an original, extended piece of academic writing. It should demonstrate knowledge of a specific topic, put forward a clear, rigorous argument, and attempt to prove or establish something by means of analysis and the presentation of evidence.
2: Practice-based dissertation
This is a piece of work equivalent to a standard dissertation. It is comprised of a project report and a ‘research product' component. Research products should relate to the handling and analysis of primary sources (e.g. datasets, edited transcripts, data visualisations, oral history research). The two components of this dissertation option are expected to work together to offer an original, extended piece of academic research, demonstrating knowledge of a specific topic, putting forward a clear, rigorous argument, and attempting to prove or establish something by means of analysis and presentation of evidence.
Carrying out independent historical research is an exciting and rewarding experience. You will be supported throughout by your supervisor, module materials, online forums and module learning events.
This module will help you to further develop and practice advanced skills for:
The module will contribute to enhancing your prospects in careers such as teaching, libraries, archives, museums, heritage and tourism industries, as well as providing material relevant to the continuing professional development of employees in public-facing roles such as education, police, and social and health services.
It is also ideal preparation for higher-level doctoral study, and indeed, an MA qualification is usually required for admission to a programme of research leading to a PhD.
You will be allocated a supervisor during your time on this module. Your supervisor will help you decide upon a suitable dissertation topic and provide feedback on drafts of your work at set points in the module. Your supervisor will also support you via online forums (on the module website), by email or phone as appropriate.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Course work includes:
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll also have access to electronic resources for studying history, including access to our world-class collection of primary and secondary source databases and eBooks, as well as training in their use, via The Open University library.
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
A884 is a compulsory module in our:
MA History part 2 starts once a year – in September.
This page describes the module that will start in September 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in September 2034.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Normally you must have completed either MA History part 1 (A883) or the discontinued module A825 before you take this module.
If you're in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
Dissertation topics developed during this module should broadly correspond with one of the specialist theme options you studied during MA History part 1 (A883). As a result, reviewing relevant A883 study materials and following up on suggested further reading is advised by way of preparation.
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available on the module website. Some Adobe PDF components and electronic journals may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader; this applies in particular to historical records that may have been scanned for use online. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
During this module, you may need to use primary historical data sources (such as local archives) that may not yet be available as online resources; in which case, you may need to arrange physical access to their location (such as a library or other public record office).
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
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| 05 Sep 2026 | 30 Jun 2027 | 13 Aug 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
