The Theory and Practice of Historical Research (30 credits)
This module will help you navigate the world of historical theory and practice. You'll be encouraged to engage with the different ways that history is researched and presented within and outside academia; you'll be able to test different theories on your own research idea; and you'll be given the opportunity to refine your presentation, writing, and analytical and organisational skills through the assessments for this module. Designed to help you think through and even rethink your own historical research at each stage of its development, this core module encapsulates the expertise and support of the history team (and beyond) that is there to guide you through your Master's programme.

Research Methods in the Humanities, Media, and Creative Arts (15 credits)
This interdisciplinary module equips you with the skills that you need to conduct advanced research in your discipline. Taught by staff from across the School of Humanities, the module introduces you to concepts that are integral to successful research: research ethics, diversity in research, research methods, bibliographic and information skills, writing and performing for different audiences, managing large research projects, applying for research funding, and more! You will be in seminars with postgraduate students from across the School of Humanities, providing an opportunity to learn from those with different research backgrounds and perspectives. As well as preparing you for undertaking advanced research, this module gives you important transferable skills in developing plans and proposals for transforming ideas into completed projects.

Reflective Practice in the Humanities, Media, and Creative Arts (15 credits)
In the Humanities, we tend to work within our own disciplines – even those of us who truly work across disciplines usually identify ourselves as having a disciplinary ‘home’. But there is much to be gained from looking beyond our disciplines, to other approaches and theories adopted in, and beyond, the Humanities. In this research training module you will be exposed to a variety of approaches to Humanities research, and you will be encouraged to reflect on how those approaches might enhance your own research. What are the Humanities? Who are they for?

Work Placement for Humanities Postgraduates (30 credits)
This module is designed to give you an opportunity to contribute to the world beyond the University, in any workplace where the research, analytical, and communication skills developed as part of a postgraduate Humanities degree can be used. The chosen workplace may be, for example, a local museum, theatre, charity, library, school or education provider, marketing company, PR firm, local newspaper, local radio, or another suitable opportunity identified by you and approved by the module leader. While on the placement, you will produce a theoretically informed portfolio critically reflecting on and giving evidence of the activities/outputs completed at your chosen workplace. These may include, for example, researching and producing materials advertising or supporting current or proposed exhibits or performances, researching and producing written or audio pieces, and/or planning small-group educational activities on Humanities-related topics. Advice will be given on identifying and contacting placements and composing a CV in semester 1, and support will be provided throughout the placement, which will usually take place in Semester 2.

Professional Practice for History (30 credits)
In this module, you will first critically analyse public history as a key approach in the discipline, and then you will create your own public history project. In doing so, you will develop professional experience in your support of partner organizations' ongoing projects to apply History to engage their local communities. In the past, these partner organizations have included the V&A and the V&A Wedgwood Collection.

Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies in Social Science (30 credits)
Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies offers a comprehensive introduction to key research methods in the social sciences. You will explore the theoretical foundations, strengths, and limitations of each approach, gaining hands-on experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Sessions cover survey design, statistical analysis, interviews, focus groups, and thematic coding. Emphasis is placed on integrating methodological approaches to address complex social phenomena, enabling you to develop the skills necessary for conducting robust, rigorous research in diverse social science contexts.

The American South: US Summer School (Level 7) (30 credits)
Study Southern US culture on location! This summer school is a unique chance to immerse yourself in the Southern United States and complete an interdisciplinary module. The American South is acknowledged as a distinctive but difficult to define geographical and cultural entity. Attitudes to the South range from celebration to derision. The module takes an interdisciplinary, cultural studies approach, thinking through historical and current constructions of the US South through its history, literature, film, and wider culture. You have the chance not only to spend four weeks at one of our partner universities taught by Keele staff, but also to shape your own research project with the support of module tutors.

Dissertation (60 credits)
Through your Master's research project you will showcase the advanced historical skills that you have developed, and consolidate the type of Historian that you have become. You will work closely with a member of the Keele History team to produce either a 15,000-word History Master's dissertation, a digital, public-facing project, or a critical edition of an original text, allowing you to pursue a project to which your own skills and interests are best suited. All routes require you to use advanced skills in historical research, scholarly debate, and primary source analysis.

Dissertation (90 credits)
This extended dissertation module allows you to showcase deep understanding of a historical subject and to engage critically with a range of primary sources to build and sustain complex arguments. In choosing this dissertation option, you have the opportunity to produce an extended piece of writing (20,000 words) similar to that produced by professional Historians. This module will be invaluable both in developing skills in managing large research projects and writing extended pieces of work, and/or if you are considering going on to undertake a PhD in History or a cognate discipline.

Subject Specialism in History 1 (15 credits)
As a postgraduate History student, you will choose a subject specialism from a range of options and explore the theory, historiography, and source base for this topic in advanced ways. In building on and enhancing previous knowledge from your undergraduate work, and reflecting on the ways that your chosen topic informs your broader MA research, this module will underpin your MA dissertation research.

Subject Specialism in History 2 (15 credits)
As a postgraduate History student, you will choose a subject specialism from a range of options and explore the theory, historiography, and source base for this topic in advanced ways. In building on and enhancing previous knowledge from your undergraduate work, and reflecting on the ways that your chosen topic informs your broader MA research, this module will underpin your MA dissertation research.