MSc Economic History (Research)

About the MSc programme

The MSc Economic History (Research) provides training in methods including the role of theory, evaluation, analysis and explanation, quantitative techniques and computing, the use of sources and presentational skills, all of which give a foundation for more advanced research work in the subject. Applicants for our MSc programmes should have at least an upper second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in the social sciences. Students considering further graduate work and/or students who have received an ESRC 1+3 grant, must successfully complete the MSc Economic History (Research) degree.

Programme details

The programme comprises two compulsory half units, a dissertation and optional courses selected from a prescribed list. Please note that some options have prerequisites and some have a restricted intake.

Students leave the Department equipped for any profession that requires intellectual judgement, the ability to assess and analyse evidence and ideas, and good communication skills.

Compulsory courses

(* half unit)

• Historical Analysis of Economic Change* covers the central themes and key methodological and theoretical issues in economic history.
• Research Dissertation of 15,000 words (counts as two units).

One of the following research training courses:

• Research Design and Quantitative Methods in Economic History* is concerned with how economic historians have used quantitative methods and with how researchers design and structure a research project.
• Quantitative Topics in Economic History I: Cross-Section and Panel Data* provides an overview of quantitative approaches in economic history using primarily cross-section and panel data.
• Quantitative Topics in Economic History II: Time Series and Economic Dynamics* provides an overview of quantitative approaches in economic history using primarily time series and dynamic techniques.

Students will be expected to choose courses to the value of two full units from a range of options.

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc Economic History (Research) in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.

Graduate destinations

Economic history graduates can be found in management and administration in the public and private sectors; banking; journalism; economic consultancy; and library and museum services, to mention just a few.