MA History part 2

This module provides an exciting opportunity to engage deeply with a historical topic that interests you through the preparation and execution of your own independent research project. This module has been designed to support you in the planning, research and writing of a dissertation on a topic that you choose yourself. This topic will build on the specialist themes that you have studied during MA History part 1 and take into account feedback from your supervisor.

What you will study

This module further develops the knowledge and skills introduced during MA History part 1. Your dissertation project should be related to one of the specialist themes addressed in that module and focus primarily on an aspect of British and or Irish history during the period 1500–1970.

Careful planning in the early stages of any research project is essential. With that in mind, this module commences with six units of teaching materials, which will take you through the steps necessary to develop your initial idea for a dissertation project into a coherent, refined and feasible research proposal.

The learning aims for these units are to:

develop your understanding of the research process
support you in the preparation of a viable research proposal
introduce skills and strategies to manage your research project effectively

Your research proposal will provide you with a solid foundation to proceed with the independent research phase of the module, when you will focus on researching and writing your dissertation. There are two dissertation options available on this module.

1: Standard dissertation
This is an original, extended piece of academic writing. It should demonstrate knowledge of a specific topic, put forward a clear, rigorous argument, and attempt to prove or establish something by means of analysis and the presentation of evidence.

2: Practice-based dissertation
This is a piece of work equivalent to a standard dissertation. It is comprised of a project report and a ‘research product’ component. Research products should relate to the handling and analysis of primary sources (e.g. datasets, edited transcripts, data visualisations, oral history research). The two components of this dissertation option are expected to work together to offer an original, extended piece of academic research, demonstrating knowledge of a specific topic, putting forward a clear, rigorous argument, and attempting to prove or establish something by means of analysis and presentation of evidence.

Carrying out independent historical research is an exciting and rewarding experience. You will be supported throughout by your supervisor, module materials, online forums and module learning events.

You will learn

This module will help you to further develop and practice advanced skills for:

locating, handling and analysing historical sources
communicating complex evidence, ideas and arguments
planning and managing an independent research project.

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 material relevant to the continuing professional development of employees in public-facing roles such as education, police, and social and health services.

It is also ideal preparation for higher-level doctoral study, and indeed, an MA qualification is usually required for admission to a programme of research leading to a PhD.

Entry

Normally you must have completed either MA History part 1 (A883) or the discontinued module A825 before you take this module.

If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.

Preparatory work

Dissertation topics developed during this module should broadly correspond with one of the specialist theme options you studied during MA History part 1 (A883). As a result, reviewing relevant A883 study materials and following up on suggested further reading is advised by way of preparation.

Qualifications

A884 is a compulsory module in our:

MA in History (F89)

If you have a disability

Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available on the module website. Some Adobe PDF components and electronic journals may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader; this applies in particular to historical records that may have been scanned for use online. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.

During this module, you may need to use primary historical data sources (such as local archives) that may not yet be available as online resources; in which case, you may need to arrange physical access to their location (such as a library or other public record office).

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

a module guide
an interactive week-by-week study planner
teaching text and activities for each week
video and audio recordings
assessment guidance
access to online forums.

You'll also have access to electronic resources for studying history, including access to our world-class collection of primary and secondary source databases and ebooks, as well as training in their use, via The Open University library.

Computing requirements

Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You will be allocated a supervisor during your time on this module. Your supervisor will help you decide upon a suitable dissertation topic and provide feedback on drafts of your work at set points in the module. Your supervisor will also support you via online forums (on the module website), by email or phone as appropriate.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box.

Students also studied

Students who studied this module also studied at some time:

Future availability

MA History part 2 starts once a year – in September. This page describes the module that will start in September 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in September 2034.

How to register

To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.

Regulations

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

PG Postgraduate

Course facts

About this course:
Course code	A884
Credits	90
OU Level	Postgraduate
SCQF level	11
FHEQ level	7
Course work includes:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
No residential school