Revolution and Counter-Revolution (MSc-Postgraduate Diploma-Postgraduate Certificate)
ObjectivesThe MSc has been developed in order to give students the opportunity to study revolution and counter-revolution in a variety of geographical areas and historical periods, in order for them to develop a deeper understanding of the impact these processes have had on transforming nations and societies.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements Applicants are normally expected to have at least an upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in History, Politics, or a related subject.
Academic titleRevolution and Counter-Revolution (MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate)
Course descriptionStructure and Content
The degree can be taken full-time (1-year) or part-time (2 years). It involves two core modules in the first semester that explore the theory and practice of revolutions and counter-revolutions in the past, followed by optional topics in the second semester on specific revolutionary movements. Assessment is by coursework only. The degree culminates in a substantial, independent dissertation that involves primary research and is supervised by an expert in the field. Details of the modules currently on offer are listed below.
Core modules are as follows:
Historiography and Concepts: Introduces students to the abstract aspects of the history of revolution.
Comparative Studies: Introduces students to a set of historical revolutions and counter-revolutions as comparative case studies.
Optional modules will vary from year to year. In session 2008-9, the following will be offered.
Revolution & Counter-Revolution in Medieval and Early-Modern Europe
Revolution & Counter-Revolution in Communist and post-Communist Europe
The American Revolution 1775-1790
The Stalin Revolution, 1929-1941
A dissertation on a topic approved by the Programme Director and undertaken under the supervision of an expert in the field completes the requirements for the MSc.
Delivery and Assessment
Delivery is by weekly seminars which will normally be held in the evening. Assessment will be by coursework exclusively, comprising a mix of lengthy essays (4,000 words), extended comparative book reviews, a dissertation proposal, a reflective report on a seminar presentation, and a dissertation (10-12,000 words). These will be assessed using the standard University guidelines and external examiners will be involved at all stages of assessment.
Career Opportunities
Completing a Master’s degree as a prelude to further academic research is an increasingly common pattern of study for young scholars, and is a route encouraged by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Advanced education in the Arts, the practical experience of research and the production of a dissertation are significant transferable skills for many careers in business and the professions. The MSc in Revolution and Counter-Revolution, with its focus on enhancement of literacy and critical analytical skills, followed where appropriate by further professional training, offers excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations in the public and private sectors, ranging from commercial, industrial and financial management to journalism, teaching, PR and marketing, political research and analysis. Subject specific career opportunities lie in fields such as heritage management and interpretation, or commercial research work. The degree also forms the training programme for those seeking to advance to PhD study.