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Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
MA(Res) On-Campus Full-time, Part-time 1 - 2 years October, January, April, July £5006 per year £19000 per year

About History, MA(Res) - at Swansea University

An MA by Research in History enables you to undertake a substantial research project, led by your own historical passions and interests. 

Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as an isolated culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research in form of a PhD.

Supervised by an expert, you will submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the past. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

We specialise in medieval, early modern and modern history including British, European and Global History. The research of our staff and postgraduates is integral to the life of the department, making Swansea a dynamic and stimulating place to study.

The Department of History organises a large number of seminars, conferences, and other research activities which you are able to attend to enhance your research project.

A number of research groups also offer focus and community for staff and postgraduates:

•  The Richard Burton Centre for the Study of Wales
•  The Health, History and Culture Research Group (HHCRG)
•  The Conflict, Reconstruction and Memory Research Group (CRAM)
•  The Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Research (MEMO)
•  The Centre for Research into Gender in Culture and Society (GENCAS)

You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in the field of history, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the Postgraduate conference.


Entry requirements

Contact Swansea University to find course entry requirements.


Why study at Swansea University

There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.

  • Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
  • Ranked within the Top 300 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  • Voted 6th safest city in England and Wales (Complete University Guide 2024)
  • UK Top 10 of the People and Planet University League (Times Good University Guide 2025)

Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.

Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.