History by distance learning (Online)MA

This two-year programme offers you the opportunity to explore a number of historical themes and time periods from across the world, where you’ll take advantage of our broad range of expertise. Develop practical transferable skills so that your love of history can further your career and life ambitions. 

Course structure

When studying the MA History as a distance learning programme, you’ll benefit from the research and support available in our School of History and Cultures and through the University’s digital learning support.

Study in a Department ranked eighth in the country in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021, according to Times Higher Education. Research in the Department spans the medieval to the modern, including topics as diverse as archaeology and beliefs of medieval Iceland, the early modern body, the history of sexualities, and the Arab Spring. 

• Join a diverse community made up of different educational backgrounds – you don’t need a History degree to join the course.
• Explore your chosen area of study in-depth through your choice of modules and dissertation topic.
• Study independently with the support of your academic tutors and fellow students via online forums.
• Fit your studies around your other commitments. Access the course materials online from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you.

Develop new perspectives

Learn from our wide range of experts, covering diverse research methods, periods and places. You’ll explore history from a variety of viewpoints and disciplines, developing and creating new perspectives on the past. Whether you're following your passion for history to gain transferable skills or focusing on a career in the field, your future begins at Birmingham.

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.

• Online discussion boards – modules are mainly taught by small group discussions responding to reading and questions set by the module convenor.

• Online resources are uploaded in advance. You can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.

• Dissertation – you’ll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Year one

The following must be taken (in the autumn term):

You will choose one of the following modules in the spring term:

You will choose one of the following modules in the summer term:

Year two

The following must be taken (you'll take Dissertation Preparation in the autumn term):

You'll also choose one module from the spring term options and one module from the summer term options listed above.

You need to have an Honours degree in a relevant subject, normally at 2:1 or above.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.

Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.

Our History and Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:

• Events and Exhibitions Assistant and Heritage Guide
• Project Development Researcher
• Collections Assistant

Employers our History and Heritage graduates have worked for include:

• English Heritage
• Historic England
• Cottonwood Mansion Museum

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.