International History MA

Duration

13 Months

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Many of today’s most pressing international challenges have their roots in key moments of history. Our MA in International History will help you understand the crucial links between past and present.

The course spans the late 18th and early 19th centuries up to the contemporary era. You will explore international relationships and rapid changes over time, from regional microhistories to sweeping diplomatic affairs, and from cultural developments to military encounters.

It touches on core concepts like nationalism, imperialism, modernisation and globalisation, often through the prism of key case studies: the two unifications of Germany, the decline of Russia, the rise of China.

We’ve designed the course so you have the freedom to delve into the topics that most interest you. Using research skills and primary sources, you will produce your own historical narratives, drawing on artefacts and documents from the relevant period.

These skills will also help shape your dissertation, where you will answer a research question. Recent dissertation topics have looked at everything from socialist movements in early 20th century Europe to the Vietnam War and nationalism in Ukraine.

There is also the opportunity to choose a specialist pathway, in Intelligence, Contemporary China or Russian Studies. If you opt for the pathway route, your award title will reflect this.

The course is taught and assessed entirely online, giving you the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere. You will still get lots of tutor engagement and support.

It will involve using digital platforms for a weekly programme of study and debating key topics with fellow students.

You will also benefit from the guidance of internationally recognised staff, who bring a wealth of experience.

Whether you are looking to develop your professional profile in a related field, or you’re an enthusiast wanting to explore the relationship between history and politics, this MA is for you.

The course spans the late 18th and early 19th centuries up to the contemporary era. You will explore international relationships and rapid changes over time, from regional microhistories to sweeping diplomatic affairs, and from cultural developments to military encounters.

It touches on core concepts like nationalism, imperialism, modernisation and globalisation, often through the prism of key case studies: the two unifications of Germany, the decline of Russia, the rise of China.

We’ve designed the course so you have the freedom to delve into the topics that most interest you. Using research skills and primary sources, you will produce your own historical narratives, drawing on artefacts and documents from the relevant period.

These skills will also help shape your dissertation, where you will answer a research question. Recent dissertation topics have looked at everything from socialist movements in early 20th century Europe to the Vietnam War and nationalism in Ukraine.

There is also the opportunity to choose a specialist pathway, in Intelligence, Contemporary China or Russian Studies. If you opt for the pathway route, your award title will reflect this.

The course is taught and assessed entirely online, giving you the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere. You will still get lots of tutor engagement and support.

It will involve using digital platforms for a weekly programme of study and debating key topics with fellow students.

You will also benefit from the guidance of internationally recognised staff, who bring a wealth of experience.

Whether you are looking to develop your professional profile in a related field, or you’re an enthusiast wanting to explore the relationship between history and politics, this MA is for you.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA International History

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA International History

Part-time study

If you wish to study this course part-time, its duration is two years. You will be expected to complete modules totalling 180 credits.

Distance learning

While there is no expectation for you to attend our campuses, you are more than welcome to take advantage of our facilities, including our libraries, sports equipment and Students’ Union.

We have extensive experience in helping distance learning students, so you can access the same level of student support via our online learning platforms.

Part-time study

This course is run as part-time distance learning over two years.

The expected study pattern is to complete modules totalling 60 credits in each year of study.

Distance learning

While there is no expectation for you to attend our campuses, you are more than welcome to take advantage of our facilities, including our libraries, sports equipment and Students’ Union.

We have extensive experience in helping distance learning students, so you can access the same level of student support via our online learning platforms.

Course content

This course offers fresh insights by familiarising students with the latest developments in the field and encouraging them to craft their own historical narratives using the skills of the professional historian.

The core modules provide context for research concerns focused on international history. You will learn about a variety of historical figures, their experiences and their impact on events on international history. You will examine key concepts in modern historical study including nationalism, imperialism, modernisation and globalisation.

Your dissertation will be supervised and guided by staff but it is a student-centred piece of independent work. Topics may be drawn from the areas covered in your module selection, or aligned to your personal experience, and your tutors will support you with the development of your research question.

The MA International History degree allows you to specialise in your course of study through options or through pathway routes.

This course offers fresh insights by familiarising students with the latest developments in the field and encouraging them to craft their own historical narratives using the skills of the professional historian.

The core modules provide context for research concerns focused on international history. You will learn about a variety of historical figures, their experiences and their impact on events on international history. You will examine key concepts in modern historical study including nationalism, imperialism, modernisation and globalisation.

Your dissertation will be supervised and guided by staff but it is a student-centred piece of independent work. Topics may be drawn from the areas covered in your module selection, or aligned to your personal experience, and your tutors will support you with the development of your research question.

The MA International History degree allows you to specialise in your course of study through options or through pathway routes.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Concepts In International History 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits

Intelligence

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Intelligence In Policy And Practice 40 credits
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits

Russian Studies

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
International Lives 40 credits
Russia And Russian Security 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits

Contemporary China

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
China In Global Context 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Concepts In International History 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits

Intelligence

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Intelligence In Policy And Practice 40 credits

Russian Studies

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Russia And Russian Security 40 credits

Contemporary China

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Lives 40 credits
The Nation-State And Beyond 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
China In Global Context 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline (such as Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Human Geography, Literary Studies, Area Studies, etc.) or significant appropriate work experience.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you’ll be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.

A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline (such as Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Human Geography, Literary Studies, Area Studies, etc.) or significant appropriate work experience.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you’ll be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Careers

After completing the MA International History, you’ll be equipped with the critical and reflective skills, as well as a range of other transferable skills, that are attractive to employers. These can be adapted to a range of professions including, but not limited to:

  • Education
  • National, Foreign or Defence Ministries
  • Armed Forces
  • Security Services
  • International or Regional Organisations

Alternatively, if you wish to develop your dissertation further, you will be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

As a distance learning student you will be expected to study independently, but the content of the modules will be provided in a structured manner to support you through the material and to prepare you for your assessments. Support will be available when you need it and you can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.

Our teaching is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environments. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are and whenever works for your. This includes notes, recorded presentations, activities and discussion forums, where you can debate subjects with your tutors and fellow students.

As a distance learning student you will be expected to study independently, but the content of the modules will be provided in a structured manner to support you through the material and to prepare you for your assessments. Support will be available when you need it and you can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.

Our teaching is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environments. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are and whenever works for your. This includes notes, recorded presentations, activities and discussion forums, where you can debate subjects with your tutors and fellow students.

Assessment

During your course you will undertake two different types of assessments, informal assessments (also known as formative) and formal (also known as summative). Your formative assessments are designed to enhance your engagement with the taught content of your modules and to prepare you for your summative assessments. They also provide you with the opportunity to receive feedback on your progress.

Your summative assessments contribute towards your final grade and degree classification and will assess you based on the learning outcomes of your modules. Your summative assessments could include a combination of written assignments, contributions to discussion boards, critical reviews, digital poster presentations and dissertations.

During your course you will undertake two different types of assessments, informal assessments (also known as formative) and formal (also known as summative). Your formative assessments are designed to enhance your engagement with the taught content of your modules and to prepare you for your summative assessments. They also provide you with the opportunity to receive feedback on your progress.

Your summative assessments contribute towards your final grade and degree classification and will assess you based on the learning outcomes of your modules. Your summative assessments could include a combination of written assignments, contributions to discussion boards, critical reviews, digital poster presentations and dissertations.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide you with plenty of support during your studies. However, you can also access assistance from our Academic Skills team, who can help you online with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills, etc.)
  • Written English (including structure, punctuation, grammar, etc.)
  • Academic writing (including referencing skills)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision and assessment skills (including time management).

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that feedback is very important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to enable you to achieve your potential. To ensure that you can benefit from regular feedback, your tutors will provide a combination of written and verbal feedback, on both an individual and general assessment level.

We usually give you feedback on your formative assessments within 20 working days, but the format for the feedback will vary for each module.

We know that feedback is very important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to enable you to achieve your potential. To ensure that you can benefit from regular feedback, your tutors will provide a combination of written and verbal feedback, on both an individual and general assessment level.

We usually give you feedback on your formative assessments within 20 working days, but the format for the feedback will vary for each module.

For each of your taught modules, you will have specific sessions delivered through our online learning platforms. These engaging and interactive sessions will enable you to benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff and will signpost you to supplementary resources to support the content of the module. These sessions will also be recorded, so you can access the learning material at any time, giving you the freedom to study anywhere and anytime.

In addition to the module content, you will also be able to arrange online meetings with your tutors and dissertation supervisor, to review your progress on the course, to clarify module content, to provide support for assessments and to receive feedback on your work.

For each of your taught modules, you will have specific sessions delivered through our online learning platforms. These engaging and interactive sessions will enable you to benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff and will signpost you to supplementary resources to support the content of the module. These sessions will also be recorded, so you can access the learning material at any time, giving you the freedom to study anywhere and anytime.

In addition to the module content, you will also be able to arrange online meetings with your tutors and dissertation supervisor, to review your progress on the course, to clarify module content, to provide support for assessments and to receive feedback on your work.

Independent learning

In addition to your online sessions, you will be provided with a wealth of additional resources to enable you to experience a rich variety of perspectives and insights to share and discuss with your tutors and fellow students. You will be required to engage with the literature, videos, podcasts, activities and additional resources that will be provided on the virtual learning platform, and use this information to help you complete your formal and informal assessments.

In addition to your online sessions, you will be provided with a wealth of additional resources to enable you to experience a rich variety of perspectives and insights to share and discuss with your tutors and fellow students. You will be required to engage with the literature, videos, podcasts, activities and additional resources that will be provided on the virtual learning platform, and use this information to help you complete your formal and informal assessments.

Staff

We are a research-active department with internationally recognised expertise. This provides our students not only with world-class subject experts, but with considerable levels of research-informed teaching and pedagogical experience as well.

The curriculum design of this MA is structured around core modules which have been developed to reflect the key requirements of the subject discipline of International History as well as the research expertise of each staff member contributing to the delivery of the course.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake your dissertation under the supervision of our expert staff, which provides you an excellent chance to tailor your degree to your area of interest.

Alun Thomas

Associate Professor

Dr Alun Thomas is Associate Professor of Eurasian Studies, specialising in the modern history and contemporary politics of Russia and Central Asia. His research interests include border-making, state-building, and economic change.

Alun's profile

Dr Fiona Robertson-Snape

Senior Lecturer

Fiona's expertise is in international relations theory and international ethics. Her research interests cover international society, human rights and international criminal justice.

Fiona's profile

Dr Tony Craig

Associate Professor

Dr Tony Craig is Associate Professor in Modern History. His research primarily focuses on the contemporary security history of Britain and Ireland.

Tony's profile

Dr Anthony Mckeown

Lecturer

Anthony teaches International Relations in the Modern Era; Global Policy Analysis and Money, Trade and Development.

Anthony's profile

Dr Sarah Irving

Lecturer

Dr Sarah Irving is a Lecturer in modern Middle Eastern history, specialising in the social and cultural history of Late Ottoman and Mandate Palestine and the broader Levant region.

Sarah's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £9,165 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £9,135 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library and online resources, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library and online resources, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Full-time, distance learning 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

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