What you will study
The purpose of this masters-level module is to equip you to undertake higher-level study in British and Irish local and regional history. Part 1 covers key theoretical and methodological issues and develops analytical skills through the close study of influential books, followed by three thematic studies (from a choice of six themed units, outlined below), using set books and associated materials.
It offers a distinctive approach by bringing together ‘old’ and ‘new’ histories, and by covering, as appropriate, developments in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries. By successfully completing this module, it will enable you to carry out supported independent study and provides progression to a research project and the preparation of a dissertation in MA History part 2 (A826).
You will learn that local and regional history has contributed to a better historical understanding of what was happening not only in localities at different points in time, but also nationally; thereby providing a greater understanding of national trends or developments, in the broader political, social, economic or cultural history of the nation (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales). The module will explore sources for local history, providing a review of the resources on which historians draw, and an introduction to the types of primary and secondary sources that are available, including: published books and articles; local and regional history libraries; archives/record offices; other repositories; and online resources. For each, it deals with the best ways that these sources can be accessed and used.
You will also study a choice of three out of the following six units:
Crime and policing
In the last quarter of the twentieth century, crime, policing and penal policy became major areas of interest for social and cultural historians. This unit will introduce you to crime and policing, using set books to review the topic and examine current debates. It will then look at the research agenda and suggest potential subjects for research projects and the kinds of sources available.
Urban history
The theme of this unit is the study of what has been called the ‘Urban Renaissance’: the way that between about 1700 and about 1850, towns in the British Isles changed the way that they fitted into the local and national economy. These changes expressed themselves in both the social and the built environments. As well as considering the relevance of this concept, the unit will also introduce methodologies and debates that will enable you to cover later developments in urban development up to c.1900.
Industrialisation
This unit will explain the importance of understanding the major ideas and debates about industrialisation nationally, so that you can better understand what was happening in localities and regions at different times. It will outline how historians have described the broad developments in the period, including some of the ideas and debates about the origins, progress and outcomes of industrialisation.
Poverty and welfare
The purpose of this unit is twofold - to introduce you to the changing nature of welfare provision during the period c.1750-1914 (and to some of the historiographical debates this has engendered), and also to consider the poor themselves, the nature of poverty and how far it is possible to unearth the authentic voices of the poor from the past.
Families
This unit focuses on families as central to notions of belonging and security. It draws attention to the way governments consider family relationships to be key formal means by which citizenship is legally conferred. It points to the fact that for individuals, families are a key experience through which they are identified, and self-identify, as belonging to particular local, national, religious or other communities.
Religion
This theme surveys the major developments in the religious history of Britain and Ireland from approximately 1740 to 1960. Using local and regional examples, it will survey the various approaches that historians of religion have adopted to interrogate their field. You'll also consider the main historiographical debates in which historians have engaged, in particular secularisation and the notion of religious decline.
If you are considering progressing to MA History part 2 (A826), normally you must have completed this module.
Vocational relevance
The module will contribute to enhancing your prospects in careers such as: teaching, libraries, archives, museums, heritage and tourism industries, as well as providing content relevant to the continuing professional development of employees in public-facing roles (e.g. police, education, social and health services etc.).
Entry
You must hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent), preferably with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in History, you will need some knowledge of the subject as this module assumes all candidates have the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level.
If your degree or background is not in history or a closely related subject, you are strongly recommended to undertake the preparatory work indicated below prior to studying this module. If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
Outside the UK
Although this module is available to students’ resident outside the UK and Ireland, you will need physical access to historical records (such as those held in libraries, archives or record offices) within Britain or Ireland to successfully complete this module. If you are resident outside these areas, please ensure you can meet this requirement before enrolling on this module.
Preparatory work
You are encouraged to read the main set book (see the 'Study materials' tab for details) before beginning the MA and to locate any potentially useful research libraries in your local area.
If your degree or experience is not in History or a closely related subject, you are strongly recommended to study the Advanced Diploma in Local History (Online), offered in collaboration with Oxford University Department of Continuing Education, which should provide you with suitable preparation prior to studying this module. For more information, including how to apply for this course, please refer to our Collaborative Schemes website.