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Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

MA in History

Course code: F89

The MA in History provides you with the opportunity to explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern (c.1500-1780) or modern (c.1750-1970) period. Using our world-class collection of online primary source materials together with collections of documents and artefacts in local and national repositories, you will produce an independent research project on a topic of your choice.

  • Develops your ability to present a sustained argument in clear, logical prose
  • Builds your skills of analysis, critical thinking and practical research
  • Provides a firm foundation for further research studies
  • Applicable to a wide range of careers
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and pass part 1 before progressing to part 2:

Compulsory modules Credits Next start
MA History part 1 (A883)

Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. 

See full description

Register
 90 06 Sep 2025
MA History part 2 (A884)

This module supports you in planning, researching and writing a dissertation on an aspect of British and/or Irish history during the period 1500–1970.

See full description

Register
 90 06 Sep 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module A825 may be used in place of A883.

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you. Due to the structure of this qualification 90 credits will be required.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study.  You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded the Master of Arts in History, entitling you to use the letters MA (Hist) (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

You must hold an honours degree (or equivalent) to study our MA in History. Although your degree does not need to be in History or a closely related subject, you will need some knowledge of the subject to successfully complete this qualification as the MA in History assumes all students have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level.

An honours degree of at least 2.1 (or equivalent) will greatly increase your chances of successfully completing the MA in History.

Alternative entry
Applications from candidates who don't have an honours degree but do have knowledge and skills relevant to studying history at postgraduate level, demonstrable through a track record of prior study and/or work experience (paid or voluntary), will be considered. Applicants must include the following information when returning requested entry check documentary evidence.
  • Details of why you are interested in studying our MA in History, details of any skills and knowledge you have relevant to studying history at postgraduate level, and any further information that you feel might support your application (e.g. membership of historical societies, publications on historical themes).
  • A CV (2 pages max)
  • Evidence of prior study, if applicable (e.g. copies of certificate or transcript higher education, further education or professional qualifications).

Additional considerations
If your degree or background is not in history or a related subject, you can take this self-diagnostic test. If, after trying the test, you are not confident about starting this masters degree, we recommend that you complete the Preparatory work listed in the Entry requirements for MA History part 1 (A883).

It is expected that your spoken and written English will also be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language testing system (IELTS). Please see their website for more details.

How long it takes

Most students study the MA in History part-time, completing 90 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 20–25 study hours each week.

You must complete the MA in History within 10 years.

Career relevance

In addition to specific study of history, this degree will provide you with practical skills in the use of print and online primary source material, research analysis, methods and dissertation writing. The module also provides opportunities to develop and practice communication, collaboration and project management skills. An MA in History will be useful for a range of careers in which grappling with complex ideas and texts is important, including careers in teaching, journalism, the civil service and public administration, libraries, archives, museums, heritage, travel and tourism. It is also excellent preparation for doctoral studies in history.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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