Course description
COURSE INFORMATION
The MA Humanities Research is a programme intended for graduates who have already defined their own area of research interest. It provides them with an opportunity to work on this project at Master's level, under the supervision of research-active academic staff.
The taught modules of the programme focus on the theoretical debates and current standards of practice in the Humanities disciplines. This material is designed to inform and help frame students' individual research projects. Research training is also provided as an integral part of the taught programme. Particular emphasis is placed on skills relating to locating source materials, using archives and libraries, formulating and planning a large research project, and writing and organising a dissertation. This training should offer a valuable grounding for those students intending eventually to proceed to doctoral research in the Humanities area.
The culmination of the programme is the production of a Master's dissertation of around 20,000 words. The dissertation should normally be submitted in September, at the end of students' scheduled course of study. The MA Research is part of a larger framework of Masters' programmes in the Humanities at Northumbria. Students should benefit from the experience of being a member of a dynamic postgraduate community. They are expected to work imaginatively and independently, and should be capable of articulating their ideas and grasp of the subject in both written work and group discussions.
MODULE INFORMATION
Year 1 Modules
HC0572 Advanced Theories, Methods and Practice (Humanities) (CORE, 30 Credits)
HC0592 Research Methods (Humanities) (CORE, 30 Credits)
HC0671 Theories and Approaches to the Humanities (CORE, 30 Credits)
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
Taught sessions will take a variety of formats, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual and group tutorials. However, for much of the time, students will work independently, studying and researching with the close support and guidance of their appointed supervisor.
Students may work in any area in which the School has expertise. This expertise ranges across various countries, periods and subjects including history, literature, film and histories of visual culture including architecture and design. Please look at the School of Arts and Social Sciences website for an indication of staff research expertise. Assessment is based on the dissertation (50%), as well as the shorter essays, projects and presentations associated with the taught modules.
CAREERS
Graduates take up careers in many areas including journalism, the media, teaching, writing and administration or further postgraduate study.
