MA British First World War Studies

The First World War, or Great War, has been described as ‘the seminal event of the twentieth century’.  In Britain the war is often regarded as the worst event in our history.  The dominant perception is still captured by A.J.P.Taylor’s famous phrase ‘brave, helpless soldiers; blundering, obstinate generals; nothing achieved’. 

The purpose, conduct and outcome of the First World War are inevitably compared to its disadvantage with those of the Second World War, what Studs Terkel called ‘the good war’, the inevitable and heroic struggle against evil and tyranny, a morality tale with a happy ending. At the root of these perceptions are, of course, the scale of the First World War’s casualties, which were unprecedented and – happily – remain unique in British history. It is the casualties that make the war so fascinating and appalling.  Even before the guns ceased firing there were attempts to explain how such a human catastrophe came about and why the scale of loss was so great. Popular explanations have often seemed content with blaming the quality of military leadership – especially British military leadership. This MA programme rests on the belief that a tragedy as great as the First World War deserves less superficial analysis.

Assessment 

To gain a masters degree you will need to complete 180 credits. For the MA in British First World War Studies this consists of six taught modules, worth 20 credits each, and a supervised 12,000 word dissertation, worth 60 credits.

Each of the 20-credit taught modules will be assessed by an essay of not more than 4,000-words

If for whatever reason you are unable to complete the full programme you will be eligible for an interim award: either the Postgraduate Certificate in British First World War Studies (after successful completion of 60 credits) or the Postgraduate Diploma in British First World War Studies (after successful completion of 120 credits).

Delivery

Each of the six taught modules will be delivered through three intense Saturday Schools (dates will be published shortly), held on the campus of Birmingham University between 10.00 and 18.00. The Saturday Schools will involve lectures, student presentations, student-led discussion and small group workshops. Prior to the start of each module students will receive a Module Handbook, detailing teaching arrangements and providing a full reading list.

Module descriptions for our British First World War Studies MA.

Research Skills: Methodology and Sources

This module introduces you to the historiography of the First World War and to a variety of different research methodologies and research sources. A series of case-studies will focus on key research sources (published and unpublished) for the British experience of the First World War, including: the Official History; the diaries, memoirs, letters and autobiographies of contemporary actors; archival sources, especially the National Archives of the United Kingdom: Public Record Office

‘Brass Hats and Frock Coats’: British Strategy in the Great War

The module will analyse The determinants of British strategy during the First World War, paying particular attention to historical, political, economic and diplomatic factors. The evolution of British strategy under the discipline of events (including the divisions that this produced among the political and military high command). The conditions and difficulties of coalition warfare and the extent to which British war aims were fulfilled at the Paris peace conference.

Operational Development in the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front, 1914-1918

The module will analyse the methods the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front used to plan and execute battles and how these methods changed over time. Particular attention will be given to the evolution of C3I (Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence), weapons systems and doctrine.

Training, Tactics and Technology in the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front, 1914-1918

The module will analyse the recruitment, training and tactical development of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front during the First World War. Particular attention will be paid to the period of voluntary recruitment (August 1914-January 1916) and the introduction of conscription, the British army’s pre-war and wartime methods of training and tactical preparation, and the impact of new technologies on training, tactics and weapons systems.

Bullets and Billets: The British Experience of the First World War

This module analyses the war experience of different groups and classes including the combat soldier and his officer, the military commander, the civilian and women. Particular attention will be paid to issues of discipline, morale and dissent (and its management).

Research Skills: Dissertation Preparation

The module introduces you to the techniques necessary for the location of literature and sources relevant to your dissertation research. You will become familiar with the relevant bibliographical aids for the location of secondary and primary sources, and will be introduced to a range of libraries, archives and data sources.

Disclaimer

Modules and courses are constantly updated and under review. As with most academic programmes, please remember that it is possible that a module may not be offered in any particular year, for instance because a member of staff is on study leave or too few students opt for it. The University of Birmingham reserves the right to vary or withdraw any course or module.