pg history brochure web

8/13/2019 PG History Brochure WEB

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School of HistoryFACULTY OF ARTS

Postgraduate Study


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Since its foundation over a century ago, the School

has been home to many distinguished academics.

We continue to recruit leading scholars, both as

research students and as academic staff. With

more than 30 full-time academic staff, this is one

of the largest schools of History in the UK, with an

international reputation for research excellence.

We offer a diverse range of programmes and research areas,

stretching from the earliest times to the present and across the

boundaries of culture, society and politics. These include the

social, cultural and political history of Britain and Europe; the

history of Africa, Japan, North America, and South Asia; military

history; and Colonial and Post-Colonial history.

The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise judged 65 per cent

of our research as world leading or internationally excellent.

The School of History is an ideal place for historical research,

thanks to the excellent Brotherton Library, our proximity to many

important archives regionally, and easy access to London.

What are the benefits of studyingHistory at Leeds?We are a research-led school, so you will be taught and

supervised by academics that are at the cutting edge of research

in their field. Our staff are engaged in a wide range of research

projects (many funded by external bodies such as the Arts and

Humanities Research Council, the British Academy and the

Leverhulme Trust). For more details see the research area of the

Schools website www.leeds.ac.uk/history

Facilities within the Schooland UniversityThe Schools dedicated facilities for postgraduates are extensive

and include:

lTwo postgraduate work spaces: one intended primarily for PhD

students, and one for MA students. Both rooms include a PC

cluster and printing facilities;

lPostgraduate Fund:all postgraduate students can apply for

100 per academic year from the School towards the cost

of attending conferences, travelling to archives, external

training, etc;

lThe Historians Workshop: a group run by, and for,

postgraduates, which meets regularly to provide a place

for you to get together for discussions or to hear/giveshort papers;

lA variety of other student-led groups within the School,

including various foreign language reading/discussion groups;

lThe History Society (open to History students of any level):

Organised events include: social evenings; day trips to places

of historical interest; an annual summer holiday; sports teams;

film nights; a Christmas ball. Winner of the award for Best

Departmental Society in 2008.

Research SeminarsWe sustain a vigorous research culture with regular seminars

given by invited academics, staff and current research students

which all students are encouraged to attend. These seminars

cover a wide range of historical and interdisciplinary interests,

including (but not limited to): America; the Eighteenth Century;

Imperial and Colonial history; Medieval history; Modern history;

Renaissance and Early Modern history. Seminars are followed

by refreshments and attendees often go on for a meal together.

Full details of upcoming seminars can be found on the

Schools website www.leeds.ac.uk/history, in the News and

Events section.

The Universitys LibrariesLeeds University Library is a world class research library

with over 2.8 million books and publications, and a wealth of

manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special

Collections. The Library invests 5 million a year in developingits collections, and ranks as one of the top libraries within the UK

for provision of electronic books, journals and databases. There

are nearly 700 computer workstations in the Library, and all

library buildings are wireless enabled, with laptop lockers. There

are quiet study areas, and group work facilities, plus an excellent

Library training programme to help you exploit all the resources

on offer.

For a description of some of the sorts of sources available to

you, please see the research section of the Schools website

www.leeds.ac.uk/history

You can take a closer look at the Library, including taking a

Special Collections virtual tour, and finding out more about

the specific library support available for history, at

http://library.leeds.ac.uk.

The School of History

The range of seminars, lectures, working

groups and collaborative research projects

taking place within the Faculty of Arts at

Leeds is extremely impressive and meansreal value is placed on the exchange of

ideas across different disciplines. The

School of History in particular has a large

staff with a diverse range of interests, and

many of the tutors are considered world

authorities in their respective fields. The

expertise and advice on offer has been

consistently impressive over the years Ive

been at Leeds.

Richard Boffey, MA by Research

The School of History .....................01What are the benefits of studyingHistory at Leeds? ..........................................01Facilities within the School and University .....01Careers ........................................................02

Postgraduate Opportunities ..........................02

Introduction to Taught Masters ........03Postgraduate Profile .....................................04

Masters Programmes ......................05MA in Medieval History ................................05

MA in Modern History ..................................06MA in Race and Resistance .........................07MA in Social and Cultural History .................08

Research Degrees ..........................09Postgraduate Research student specificfacilities, opportunities and events ...............09Postgraduate Profile .....................................10

International .................................11Supporting you.............................................11Postgraduate Scholarships ...........................11English Language requirements....................11

Admissions and Funding ...............12How to apply ...............................................12Entry requirements ......................................12What next? ...................................................12Fees and funding .........................................12Open days ...................................................12

Contact Us ...................................................12

Life in Leeds .................................13University Life ..............................................13Accommodation ...........................................13The City of Leeds .........................................13

Contents

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Regional Libraries and ArchivesBeyond what our own libraries offer, there are a number of

other collections within easy reach. The British Library has a

Document Supply Centre in Boston Spa, which is just a bus

ride away. The West Yorkshire Archives (in Leeds, Wakefield,

Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield) contain extensive records

of the city and region, numerous societies and voluntary bodies

and churches and chapels, as well as the papers of influential

families such as the Lascelles and the Vyners. The Royal

Armouries Museum and Archive has crucial holdings for military

historians, while medievalists and early modernists can benefit

from the Yorkshire Archaeological Societys extensive collection

of estate, manorial, public and family records.

CareersUndertaking postgraduate study at Leeds enhances your

career prospects. In addition to the skills, contacts and broad

professional awareness you gain in a postgraduate course at

Leeds, we offer refined support and activities to help you achieve

your career goals and make the most of your History skills in the

world of work:

Career GroupsYou can join any or all of our Career Groups. These are

comprised of history students interested in a specific career

who meet regularly, on-line and in person, to share advice and

discover how to progress towards their chosen professions.

Student interns run these groups and organise events and

talks, often from ex-History students, to give you a sense of theactual expectations of employers, the most effective application

and interview strategies and top tips on how to progress within

competitive professions. We currently have five groups: teaching;

law; media & journalism; politics & government; business &

enterprise; and aim to expand this range.

We also have a History Postgraduate-specific group where

ideas about academic and professional progress are discussed

and shared, placing career o pportunities alongside issues of

academic funding and employment. This group also organises

career events throughout the year.

Mentor SupportLeeds Alumni Mentoring Network gives you the opportunity to

pair up with an experienced mentor from the world of work to

receive personalised support. You explore career options, gain

tips on entry into specific careers and receive supportive advice

on developing your career plans.

Faculty of Arts Careers EventsThe Faculty of Arts hosts a number of careers events,

workshops, taster sessions and fairs which attract leading

graduate employers.

Studying for the PhD gave me a set of skills which are directly

relevant to my current career as a Lecturer. Above all, I learned

how to work independently on a long-term project and how to

present and communicate my work to a range of audiences

(students and academics) in different formats (at seminars,

and in published journal articles). I also learned a number of

languages during my PhD, and gained my first valuable teaching

experience in the department all of which has greatly benefited

me in my current post.

Paul Oldfield, PhD 2003-6

I was very lucky in that I worked part time throughout both my

degrees, so had a good deal of work experience when I came to

my current job, but the biggest thing the MA did for me was toboost my confidence: standing in front of an audience o f other

historians to explain my dissertation, dealing with archives in

order to find original sources, and taking part in serious class

discussions all helped to assure me not only of my historical

knowledge, but also my ability to speak publicly and contribute

to academic discussions. The MA is also good preparation for

any kind of work in terms of its demands: theres a lot of work

involved and theres no choice but to discipline yourself and

stick to timetables to manage your workload.

Jen Wallis, MA in Modern History 2006-7

Postgraduate OpportunitiesWe offer various employment opportunities which give you

valuable work experience and help finance your studies

whatever your chosen career destination:

Induction Week TutoringAll postgraduate students are invited to provide mock tutorials

for Level 1 undergraduates during Induction week, where

you introduce students to the expectations and criteria of

undergraduate learning.

Mentoring Level 3 Undergraduate Dissertation(s)All postgraduate students are invited to become paid

academic mentors within the school, offering advice to Level 3

undergraduates as they research and write their dissertations.

Mentors will be paired with Level 3 mentees with similarresearch interests and asked to provide advice on primary

research, archival and electronic resources, thesis planning

and writing.

InternshipsWe have several paid internships which run for a year or

more and offer you the opportunity to learn skills such as

marketing, group leadership, journalism, recruitment, careers,

administration, newsletter production, events management and

website development, all of which enhance your employability.

History Open Days and other school events provide opportunity

for more casual employment throughout the year.

Our MA courses will:

ldevelop your interests in greater depth than is possible at

undergraduate level

lprovide an additional qualification for career development

You may also be a history enthusiast who wants to do something

interesting to do with your spare time!

The School offers the following taught Masters degrees:Masters in Medieval History

Masters in Modern History

Masters in Race and Resistance

Masters in Social and Cultural History

(We also run a Masters by Research programme:

please see page 9 for details.)

All of these degrees:

lwill train you in research methods

lwill require you to research and write a 15,000-word

dissertation on the subject(s) of your choice, with regular

supervision

lwill prepare you for doctoral research and help you attract

external funding (our courses are recognised by the AHRC)

lcan be taken full time (12 months) or part time (24 months)

During your studies, you are encouraged to consider ways

to refine your existing skills towards academic progress,

publication and conference presentation. For Masters

students, this development is focused upon in the HIST5000

Research Methodology module which you take in your first

semester. (MA in Medieval History students do not attend

HIST5000, as this course includes a more specifically

medieval-focused dissertation and research skills module.)

The course incorporates workshops on primary research,

academic writing, publication and spoken presentations,

and introduces you to historiographical debate. The course

ends with a two-day conference where you will get the

chance to present research outlines to staff and students,

and to receive collective advice and encouragement.

Introduction to Taught Masters

The on-campus facilities are extensive

and easily accessed: from the numerouscomputer clusters, available to all, to the

vast libraries. Whats really important to me

is that the off-campus learning facilities are

equally good. As a research student,

being able to access materials remotely

is very helpful.

Danielle Coombs, MA by Research

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Our MA in Medieval History equips you with research skills in

Latin, palaeography and the interpretation of medieval source

material. We have strong and well established traditions of

research in medieval history, particularly in early medieval

history, southern Italy, British Isles, Iberian, religious, monastic

and medical history. You are taught by Medievalists from

the School of History and the Institute for Medieval Studies,

an internationally renowned centre for postgraduate study

and research and home to both the International Medieval

Congress, Europes largest annual gathering of medievalists,

and the International Medieval Bibliography, the worlds leading

interdisciplinary bibliography.

Course structureYou study three compulsory modules and two optional modules:

Semester One

(September December)

Semester Two

(January May)

Introduction to Medieval Latin (taught across both semesters)

Dissertation and Research Skills

(studied for throughout the year)

Op tiona l Modu le Pa laeogr aphy: Read ing

Medieval Manuscripts

Optional Module

Teaching and assessmentlIntroduction to Medieval Latin is assessed through class tests

(10%) and an exam (90%)

lPalaeography: Reading Medieval Manuscripts is assessed

through three written assignments, involving transcription of

documents, of a combined length of c.2,500 words

lOptional modules are generally assessed with the submission

of two 3000-word essays

lThe dissertation is of 15,000 words in length, to be submitted

at the end of the academic year

Course contentAs well as the three compulsory modules, you also choose two

optional modules from a selection, for example:

lPolitics, Piety, and Profession: The Church in Late-Medieval

England, c.1350c.1540

lChristian Society and the Crusades, 1185-1230

lLifecycles: birth, death and illness in the Middle Ages

lThe Age of Arthur: The History of Britain from 410 to 650

lThe Bayeux Tapestry: images and meanings

lCultural Intersections in the Medieval Mediterranean

lMonasticism in the Early Medieval West

lParish Church and CommunitylThe Changing Face of British Battlefields, 1066-1746

Please note that this is an indicative module list: our modules

change regularly and a different selection is available every

year. For a complete listing of available modules see the School

websitewww.leeds.ac.uk/history

Name: Josie Freear

Course: MA in Modern History

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I did the BA in History here at Leeds and realised quite early

on that I wanted to do postgraduate study.I really enjoyed the

independent research involved in my final year and I wanted

the opportunity to go into more depth and really get to grips with

the big issues in historiography. The MA in Modern History was

a clear choice as it allowed me to carry on with all the aspects I

had enjoyed at undergraduate level whilst also pushing forward

with my research. I was already aware of the excellent facilities

here at Leeds, such as the Brotherton Library, and I knew

first-hand of the supportive and progressive environment that is

fostered in the School of History.

What do you think of your course so far what aspects of the

course have you enjoyed the most or are looking forward to

the most?

The MA has been such a fantastic year. The Research

Methodology module equipped me with the skills set I needed

to carry out independent study and was very useful for helping

me to prepare for my dissertation. The opportunity to study

such a wide range of modules means that I have been able to

continue with the subjects I enjoy and also learn about entirely

new areas of history. The most enjoyable aspect for me has been

learning from tutors who are experts in their field. Not only are

they extremely knowledgeable, they are also very supportive and

really go out of their way to make sure you are getting the most

out of your education.

What would you say about Leeds as a city?

In my (somewhat biased!) opinion it is the best city in the UK to

be a student. The housing is affordable, the clubs and music

venues are fantastic and there are some great independent

shops, cafes and restaurants. You can also walk everywhere,

which really helps cut down on costs! The student area has a

really friendly atmosphere, there is always something going on

and it is only a 10 minute walk from the University.

What has been the most surprising thing about coming

to Leeds?

The trust and respect you are given from day one as a

postgraduate student. There is no tutor-student divide and whilst

the staff are experts in their fields, they are also incredibly lovely

people who are always willing to give guidance and listen to

your opinions. The small seminar groups help to foster a sense

of community and you get the space to try out new ideas and

explore some really interesting debates.

What do you think of life on ca mpus?

There is such a buzz about the campus here at Leeds. There

are always plenty of activities going on and lots of things to get

involved in. It has the best of both worlds as it is a lovely leafy

campus right next to the vibrant city centre. There are also great

cafes and food shops and lots of green spaces to sit outside and

read in the summer.

What would you say about the learning facilities in the School

and at the University in general?

The Brotherton library is such an amazing resource for

history students. Special Collections is full of rare book s and

manuscripts, and lots of one-of-a-kind resources such as

eighteenth-century cookbooks. There are so many useful

archives nearby too, such as the Discovery Centre and theWest Yorkshire Archives, which means that you have access a

broad range of sources. My dissertation involves oral history and

the department have been great at helping me to find training

courses and use professional recording equipment.

What other activities are available for students to take part

in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried

out yourself?

The give-it-a-go sessions run by the union in freshers week are

great. You have the chance to try out activities for free and see

which ones you enjoy. I have tried my hand at everything from

swing dancing to hockey, with varying degrees of success! The

Edge is a brand new swimming pool and leisure complex which

has fantastic facilities and is much cheaper than the city centre

gyms. It is quiet during summer so you can go for a relaxing

swim whilst you are working on your dissertation.

What do you like to do outside of studying?

In my spare time I work the Leeds City Museum which is

another fantastic resource right next door to the University.

Leeds has such an interesting history and thriving arts and

culture scene so there is always a new exhibition or play to

see (and they are usually free!). I also really enjoy taking the

bus out to the surrounding towns and exploring the Yorkshire

countryside. Otley and Ilkley are great for walks and they also

have lovely tearooms.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to

your course?

The MA is a great year and will serve you well no matter

what you decide to do afterwards. It is by no means an easy

ride but if you put the work in and approach everything with

enthusiasm then it will definitely be the most rewarding 12

months of your life. It is a great opportunity to build on your

skills, develop new ones and explore the areas of history that

you are passionate about.

What do you plan to do once youve finished your course?

I am hoping to develop the work I have started during the MA

and undertake further postgraduate study. The MA is such a

fantastic building block for all sorts of careers as it equips you

with the theoretical knowledge base and methodological skills

to carry out independent research. It really helps you stand out

in the competitive job market as it shows that you are capable

of undertaking work under your own steam and have the

commitment and drive to succeed.

MA in Medieval HistoryPostgraduate Profile

The course has been demanding, rewarding

and intellectually stimulating. The chance

to learn both palaeography and Latin,

although taking me out of my comfort zone,

has given me the chance to learn rare skills

which are particularly essential for the study

of medieval history.

Roland Potts, MA in Medieval History

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Our MA in Race and Resistance gives you a conceptual and

thematic education in approaches to race and resistance.

The programme is unique in that it transcends geographical

boundaries and combines a number of disciplines. You are taught

by academics from many departments including History, English,

Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies, who offer you a

wide variety of specialist knowledge and a truly interdisciplinary

experience. This MA will particularly appeal to those interested in

American studies, African studies, Modern British History, South

Asian studies, Gender studies and Imperial History.


Semester One


Semester Two

(January May)

Research Methodology

in History

Optional Module 1

Approaches to Race Optional Module 2

Dissertation (studied for throughout the year )

Teaching and assessmentlResearch Methodology in History: 1) Conference-style work-in-

progress presentation and paper on research project 2,000

words (40%); 2) Detailed research project proposal 4,000

words (60%)

lApproaches to Race: 1) Two pieces of discursive writing.

These can be: historiographic overviews, literary or cultural

close readings, book reviews, or critical bibliographies. Each

individual piece should be 700 words in length, and each

represents 15% of the modules final mark; 2) An essay on

a module topic of their choice. The essay should be 4,000

words in length, and represents the remaining 70% of the

module mark






interdisciplinary optional modules from a selection, for example:

lCoolies, Convicts and Concubines: Slavery and Unfree labour

in India and the Indian Ocean World

lThe European Minorities Problem

lBlack Internationalism

lNationalism in Colonial Africa

lThe Origins and Impact of Apartheid in South Africa, from

1800 to the Present Day

lWorld Englishes

lIndia since 1947: Community, Caste and Political Violence

lIslands, Ghettos, Patches: Space and Freedom in Black

Atlantic Prose, 1938-2000

lIdentity, Ethnicity and Race in the Luso-Hispano World

lGlobal Genders

lContemporary Issues in Religion and Gender

lDemocratisation and Multi-Party Politics in Africa

Please notethat this is an indicative module list: our modules



website www.leeds.ac.uk/history

Our MA in Modern History offers you an unusually broad choice

of modules in African, Indian, Russian, American, Canadian,

British and European history, from both the modern and early

modern periods. You take only one compulsory module which

leaves you free to tailor your degree to your own interests.

Course structureYou study two compulsory modules and three optional modules:

Semester One


Semester Two

(January May)


in History

Optional Module 2

Optional Module 1 Optional Module 3

Dissertation (studied for throughout the year )

Teaching and assessmentlResearch Methodology in History: 1) Conference-style work-in-

progress presentation and paper on research project 2,000

words (40%); 2) Detailed research project proposal 4,000

words (60%)





Course contentAs well as the two compulsory modules, you also choose three

optional modules from a selection, for example:

lEast and West: Comparisons in European History, 1939-73

lThe 1960s: Culture, Society, Politics

lThe Third Reich and The Collapse of the International Order

1933-1941

lGreat Britain, Canada and International Crises, 1945-1968


lCrisis and Continuity in Japan 1850-1960

lWomen, Work and Family in Early Industrial England

lDefending the Nation: Britain during the French Revolutionary

& Napoleonic Wars, 1793 to 1815

lInternational History and its Challenges: European Foreign

Policies in the Age of Imperialism




lStalinist Terror





lGender and Power in Early Modern Europe

lThe History of Yorkshire, 1750-1985





MA in Modern History MA in Race and Resistance

I came to Leeds to do the MA in Race and

Resistance. When I first learned about this

course, I got so excited I started shrieking

on my parents brown leather sofa, which

scared my cat.

The course didnt let me down either. I had

such a wonderful and challenging time on it

that I decided to apply to my PhD in Leedsunder my same supervisors.

Say Burgin, graduate of the MA in Race and Resistance,

now a PhD student

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Our MA in Social and Cultural History offers you a unique

opportunity to study social and cultural history across an

exceptionally broad range of geographical settings and

chronological periods. You are taught and supervised by staff

who have a wealth of research expertise in social and cultural

history: their interests encompass gender history; urban history;

the history of colonialism, race and resistance; the history of

media and print culture; labour and protest movements and the

social history of medicine.


Semester One


Semester Two

(January May)


in History

Concepts and debates in

Social and Cultural History

Optional Module 1 Optional Module 2

Dissertation (studied for throughout the year)

Teaching and assessmentlResearch Methodology in History: 1) Conference-style

work-in-progress presentation and paper on research

project 2,000 words (40%); 2) Detailed research project

proposal 4,000 words (60%)

lConcepts and debates in Social and Cultural History:

1) 1 x 4,000 word essay (60%); 2) 1 x assessed seminar

presentation, accompanied by written text, maximum 1,000

words (20%); 3) 1,000 words written work (20%)






interdisciplinary optional modules from a selection, for example:

lFrom Testimony to Evidence?

lThe 1960s: Culture, Society, Politics

lEast and West: Comparisons in European History, 1939-73




lInternational History and its Challenges: European Foreign

Policies in the Age of Imperialism

lPolitics, Piety, and Profession: The Church in Late-Medieval

England, c.1350c.1540

lGender and Power in Early Modern Europe

lWomen, Work and Family in Early Industrial England

lDefending the Nation: Britain during the French Revolutionary

& Napoleonic Wars, 1793 to 1815





lChristian Society and the Crusades, 1185-1230


lLifecycles: birth, death and illness in the Middle Ages




websitewww.leeds.ac.uk/history

Few things are as satisfying as the successful completion of

a major research project. Not only do our students develop

immense expertise in their chosen field, they also extend and

polish key transferable skills, such as problem solving, high-level

written and oral communication, project management, and the

ability to handle and analyse large quantities of complex (and

often contradictory) evidence.

We offer the following research degrees:

lPhD(3 years full-time; 5-7 years part-time)

lMA by Research (1 year full-time; 2 years part-time)

Our Expertise / Your Research TopicYou may already have a clear idea for your thesis topic: if so, you

can look at our list of academic staff and their research interests,

to see who you may be interested in working with. Alternatively,we can match your interests to a supervisor, discuss your

options with you if you havent yet chosen a topic and answer

any general questions you may have.

With over 30 academic staff, our research profile is very broad

and diverse and we hope to be able to offer you supervision in

almost any topic. Our expertise ranges from Britain and Europe

to North America, Russia, India, Africa and Japan; from political,

social and cultural to religious, military and international history;

from the middle ages to the War on Terror. We also have

Centres and Research Groups that provide additional depth in

research and inter-disciplinary opportunities.

AssessmentResearch students are examined exclusively by thesis, with a

viva voce examination.

lPhD:100,000 word dissertation

lMA by Research:30,000 word dissertation

Postgraduate Research student specificfacilities, opportunities and events

The Faculty of Arts Graduate SchoolThe Graduate School of the Faculty of Arts, housed in the

Leeds Humanities Research Institute (LHRI), brings together

postgraduates working across the Faculty. They offer computing

facilities, social space and seminar rooms for postgraduatesto mix, exchange ideas and create interdisciplinary networks.

They also provide funding for graduate-led workshops and

conferences, and coordinate the Professionalisation programme

for the Faculties of Arts and PVAC (Performance, Visual Arts

and Communications). Courses offered under this programme

include: doing interdisciplinary research; research ethics in

the arts and humanities; getting published; the REF; applying

for research funding. Other courses also provide guidance on

applying for your first academic job. Full information on the

Graduate School can be found on their website: http://www.

leeds.ac.uk/lhri/postgraduates.htm

The Staff and Departmental Development Unit

(SDDU)The Universitys SDDU offers a range of training opportunities for

postgraduate research students, under the umbrella headings

of: research degree process; managing research projects;

presenting research; writing and publishing; academic integrity.

Teaching OpportunitiesIn addition to those teaching opportunities offered to all

postgraduates (see page 2), we offer our PhD students the

opportunity to teach undergraduates. This experience provides

valuable skills whether you go onto an academic career or

pursue employment paths where the ability to communicate

ideas, inspire creativity and direct group work are marketable

assets. No experience is required and we aim to fit teaching in

with your research specialisms. Current postgraduate student

teachers are paid 500-600 per class (depending on the

module), and usually teach two classes per year. Full training

is provided by the Staff and Departmental Development Unit

(SDDU) and you can do a teaching qualification.

Events specifically for Research StudentsThe School organises a yearly colloquium, to which all

postgraduate research students are invited to submit a paper.

Staff and students from the School and Faculty are invited to

hear presentations, offering opportunities for you to hone your

presentation skills and receive valuable feedback on

your research.

Research students organise and contribute to an annual White

Rose Postgraduate Conference. Postgraduate students from all

of the White Rose universities, namely Leeds, York and Sheffield

give formal papers and staff are invited to attend.

.

MA in Social and Cultural History Research Degrees

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A fifth of our current postgraduates are from overseas. Some of

the reasons they have chosen us are:

lSmall seminar groups, and one-to-one supervisions with

leading international scholars

lGuaranteed university accommodation for the duration of

your course

lEconomical tuition fees (for details of this years fees,

see www.leeds.ac.uk/history)

lGraduation after one year as a full time MA student

lLeeds is the most cost-effective university town in which to

study in the UK

Supporting YouOur International Office provides extensive information andadvice to help you adjust to living and studying at Leeds. In

addition to their support, you will have a dedicated International

Student Tutor in the School of History.

Additional courses on academic reading and writing are

available. In addition to the lively seminar series that run in

the School, which all students are encouraged to attend,

international students also have the opportunity to get to know

international students from other departments through the social

events organised by the International Office.

Postgraduate ScholarshipsThe University offers a wide range of Taught and Research

Postgraduate Scholarships to international students. For a full

list, see the Scholarships Database http://scholarships.leeds.

ac.uk/

We offer many School of History scholarships which international

students are welcome to apply for. Most of these are for fees

at the UK/EU rate plus a matching maintenance contribution,

but international students who successfully gain one of these

can opt to amalgamate the scholarship into one payment as a

substantial contribution towards international fees. For a full list,

see page 12.

English Language Requirements

The School of Historys English Language minimum

requirements for those whose first language is not English are:

lIELTS score of 6.5, with at least a 6.0 in all components;

lTOEFL scores of either:

l580 (paper-based test) with a 4.5 in written english, or

l94 (internet-based test) with a 20 in listening, 23 in reading

and speaking, and a 24 in writing

Please notethat our English Language Requirements are above

the University minimum. If you pass the University minimum

but do not achieve the School of Historys requirements, please

get in touch with us so that our Admissions Tutors can consider

your situation.

Name: Henry Irving

Course:PhD

Please tell us a bit about yourself, your background etc?

I am currently at the beginning of a PhD based around a study

of British political history in the 1940s and 50s but have been

a student here for five years. Hopefully, this means Im well

qualified to answer these questions but we shall see!

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I am lucky enough to have been part of the School of History

since an undergraduate and was determined to continue

my studies to a higher level. During the course of my BA

dissertation, I made the decision that I wanted to continue as

a research student and so applied to take an MA by Research.

I really relished the opportunity to become immersed in a

specialised subject area and through having already had the

benefit of their teaching was able to quickly develop a good

relationship with my supervisors. The decision to take this

project to a PhD level was again one of natural progression.

Given that I had been able to establish myself and had

really enjoyed the experience so far, Leeds was the only

real contender!

What do you think of your course so far what aspects of the

course have you enjoyed the most or are looking forward to

the most?

So far it has been very positive. Although only a year in, I already

feel as though I have developed both academically and on

a more personal level. The experience of lone research can,

of course, be daunting but it is equally fulfilling. History has

always fascinated me and I am incredibly fortunate to have

the opportunity to add something however small to our

knowledge of it. The extent to which you are free to critically

engage with a chosen subject area is certainly another positive

aspect. Away from the research itself, the department has been

incredibly welcoming and opened up numerous opportunitiesfor involvement: from teaching undergraduate seminars and

presenting papers, through to helping chair the taught MA

conference and assisting at open evenings.

What do you think of life on campus?

Before starting my PhD, I might have been tempted to say that

this was not of great importance as superficially it does not seem

as significant as the quality of teaching or library resources.

However, given that I and many other postgraduates do spend a

good deal of time working on campus, I agree that this is actually

a very pertinent question. Leeds itself is a vibrant university and

the School of History, in particular, has taken care to ensure that

it offers a stimulating working environment. As well as offering

numerous seminar series, the School has looked to develop an

active postgraduate community both at an academic and a

social level and has definitely made me feel very welcome.

What would you say about the learning facilities in the School

and at the University in general?

Obviously much PhD research relies upon visits to more

specialised archives, but the strength and depth of the resources

held by the Brotherton Library are of obvious benefit to anybody

studying at Leeds. As well as the vast amounts of secondary

literature available on the open shelves, the librarys Special

Collections also contains much unique primary source material.

Both are very inspiring places to work. Away from the library,

the School has two dedicated postgraduate study spaces which,

alongside facilities at the LHRI, mean that there is almost

always somewhere more informal and with access to a kettle!

to work on campus. Importantly, the quality of staff both

academic and administrative is also superb and it is reassuring

to know that you have such a high level of expertise keeping you

on the right track.

What other activities are available for students to take part

in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried

out yourself?

Leeds is certainly an energetic university and to list every activity

available would take far too long. Personally, I enjoy attending

many of the research seminars organised within the School

of History and have agreed to help with the organisation of

the postgraduate-led Historians Workshop series. Alongside

this, I have been fortunate enough to take part in a number

of initiatives such as the Dissertation Mentoring scheme, the

delivery of Mock tutorials for incoming first years and have

taught as a postgraduate tutor. Away from these more academic

activities, I have also been enjoying the new swimming pool and

trying to make use of the new fitness facilities!

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to

your course?

I would reiterate again that any research degree, whether an

MA by Research or PhD, is equally daunting and fulfilling. The

decision to apply certainly requires careful consideration. To

undertake a research degree successfully necessarily demands

a great deal of time, determination and passion. However, the

rewards are potentially just as great. To be able to dedicate such

a length of time to the discovery of knowledge and to be able

to unravel a topic about which you are passionate is one which

cannot easily be replicated. The decision to continue my studies

to this level is one that I am incredibly happy to have taken, butit was one that I did not take for granted.

What do you plan to do once youve finished your course?

Alongside the related question, So, what is it you actually

do? this is one which I think many research students struggle

to answer. At this point, I am happy to be focused primarily

on research and completion, yet future plans are obviously

important. Like many others, I would love the opportunity to

keep pursuing a subject area that I am passionate about. I am,

though, aware that only a relatively small number of research

students eventually take academic positions whilst a PhD

certainly does not limit your options in this respect. Indeed, the

experiences gained as a research student have imbued me with

a hugely varied skills base that is easily applicable to a wide

variety of professions. Likewise, there are plenty of opportunities

within the University to undertake professionalization training

and find out more regarding employment. Even if, like me, you

still dread the question!

Postgraduate Profile International

Ive been quite surprised to find out that so

many people actually know where Iowa is!

But Ive been even more (pleasantly)

surprised at the number of international

students at Leeds. As an international

student and someone interested in

meeting people who arent from the U.S.

or U.K. this appeals to me. Theres a

really wonderful international student

community here.

Say Burgin, PhD in History

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How to applyYou can apply for all our degrees online. See the Schools

website for more details: www.leeds.ac.uk/history

What you need to provide with your applicationPlease see the websitewww.leeds.ac.uk/historyfor full details

on what you are required to provide with your application, and

to check the Schools deadlines for applications.

All applicants are required to submit:

lcopies of previous degree transcripts (or if you havent yet

finished your degree, please send details of your courses and

marks so far)

la minimum of one academic reference (two for research

degree applicants)

Some courses also require:

lan example of your written work (approximately 3,000 words)

la detailed research proposal on your intended topic

International students:

If you are an international student, you will also need to provide

your TOEFL or IELTS English Language scores.

Entry requirements

Taught and by Research MastersA good honours degree (1st or 2:1) or equivalent, in History or a

related subject. Please note that you may also be invited for an

interview as part of the application process.

PhDAn MA or equivalent, however, we are aware that circumstances

can vary so do get in touch with us if you need clarification of

your own particular position. Please note that you may also be

invited for an interview as part of the application process.

English Language RequirementsThe School of Historys English Language minimum

requirements for those whose first language is not English are:

lIELTS score of 6.5, with at least a 6.0 in all components;

lTOEFL scores of either:

l580 (paper-based test) with a 4.5 in written English, orl94 (internet-based test) with a 20 in listening, 23 in reading

and speaking, and a 24 in writing

Please note that our English Language Requirements are above

the University minimum. If you pass the University minimum

but do not achieve the School of Historys requirements, please

get in touch with us so that o ur Admissions Tutors can consider

your situation.

What next?We aim to process your application for a place on a course as

soon as possible which is usually within 2-4 weeks of receipt.

However, during our busiest times (April-June), this process

can take up to 6 weeks. We will contact you in writing when a

decision has been made on your application.

Fees and fundingFull information about this years fees can be found on the


There are three categories of postgraduate scholarships available

to you:

1. School of History Scholarships

2. University of Leeds Scholarships

3. External Scholarships

School of History ScholarshipsIn addition to the paid opportunities offered by the School (see

pages 2 and 9), we offer a number of scholarships paying full

home/EU fees plus a matching maintenance contribution:

l

3-6 MA scholarships (for the exact number on offer this year,see the website), open to both taught and by Research

MA applicants

l1 MA by Research scholarship

l3 PhD scholarships

Please see the Schools websitewww.leeds.ac.uk/historyfor

information on how to apply, and a list of the criteria used for

awarding the scholarships.

University of Leeds ScholarshipsFor a complete listing of the awards offered by the University,

together with details and how to apply, see http://scholarships.

leeds.ac.uk/

External ScholarshipsThe major external scholarship provider outside the University

is the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). At the

University of Leeds, the History subject area has been allocated

2 MA and 2 PhD awards per year, as part of the Block Grant

system. All awards pay full fees (for home/EU students only)

and a substantial maintenance payment (home students only).

For more information, seewww.leeds.ac.uk/history

Open daysWe hold two open evenings a year: a taught MA event, usually

in October/November, and a research degree event, usually in

February. Information about our open evenings can be found on

the School website. If you have missed the open evening, or are

unable to make the date, we would be very happy to arrange an

informal visit: please get in touch (see contact details below).

Contact usPostgraduate Secretary

School of History

University of Leeds

Leeds LS2 9JT

tel: +44 (0) 113 343 3610

fax: +44 (0) 113 34 33603

e :[email protected]

University lifeEstablished in 1904, the university is one of the largest and

most successful universities in the UK with an international

reputation for the high standard of its teaching and research. It

is a member of the Russell Group, which is formed by 20 of the

countrys most prestigious universities. With over 1,100 research

active staff, Leeds is now among the top ten universities

for research in the UK and is internationally acknowledged

as a centre of excellence in a wide range of academic and

professional disciplines. Situated in one of the North of Englands

most prosperous cities, the University has over 32,000 students

from over 100 different countries.

In order to facilitate high-quality learning, teaching and research,

our students have access to outstanding resources including

modern well-equipped lecture theatres, seminar rooms, andcomputer clusters. The library is one of the largest university

libraries in the UK, with a stock of over 2.8 million items,

a wide range of databases, electronic journals and full-text

electronic resources that are available campus-wide and many

are accessible remotely by members of the University. The

University also provides first class leisure facilities. Extensive

sports amenities offer sporting activities at all levels, from

recreational fun to support for top athletes.

The Students Union is one of the largest and most active in the

country, with a shopping mall, bars, games complex, concert

venue and award winning nightclub.

AccommodationUK or EU postgraduate students: there are usually a number

of vacancies in University accommodation each year.

Accommodation is easily available in the private sector. Help

in locating this can be found at www.unipol.leeds.ac.uk. New

international postgraduates paying fees at the full international

rate have a guaranteed place in University accommodation

during their first year at Leeds subject to certain conditions.

See www.leeds.ac.uk/international/accommodation.htm

The City of LeedsAs a postgraduate student at the University of Leeds you will be

part of a vibrant student community situated in the heart of a

cosmopolitan and student-friendly city located in the centre of

the UK, which offers a diversity to suit all budgets.

Leeds, home to 700,000 people, is the capital of the Yorkshire

and Humber region, and the social and cultural hub of the

North. The citys roots lie firmly in the textile industry but more

recently it has become a centre for trade and commerce, and

one of Britains most important financial, banking and legal

centres outside of London. Leeds has all you can expect from

a major city yet is surrounded by the beautiful and accessible

Yorkshire Dales. The city centre is a mere 10-minute walk from

the campus with fast and frequent transport links to all other

major UK cities.

Leeds is unrivalled in the north of England as a major shopping

destination and centre for entertainment, nightlife, the a rts

and leisure. The city boasts stunning Victorian and Edwardian

arcades and more than a thousand commercial outlets. People

from around the region regularly visit Leeds to shop in a centre,

which includes everything from designer boutiques to the

historic Kirkgate market for local produce. The city offers an

extensive choice of places to eat and drink no matter what your

taste or budget.

Nightlife in and around the city is well known for its diversity and

popularity. The clubs in Leeds offer a sophisticated and relaxed

experience with a variety of music to suit all tastes. Leeds also

offers a unique selection of commercial and independent

cinemas, hosting the annual Leeds International Film Festival.

The city has a proud sporting tradition and is home to famous

teams such as Leeds United FC and the Yorkshire Cricket Club.

Located throughout the city are numerous gyms and health

clubs offering the opportunity to keep fit or unwind, and to

participate in sport at all levels, as well as at the Universitys

own extensive sports facilities.

Life in LeedsAdmissions and Funding

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Images: 2010, The University of Leeds

All document images reproduced with the permission of the Brotherton Collection, Leeds University Library

Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in thisrochure is accurate at the date of publication it does not accept liability for any

naccuracies. The University reserves the right to change or cancel its courses orervices at any time without liability even after students have registered at the

University. The Universitys contract with its students does not confer third partyenefits for the purpose of Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999.

Postgraduate Secretary

School of HistoryUniversity of Leeds

Leeds LS2 9JT

tel: +44 (0) 113 343 3610

fax: +44 (0) 113 34 33603

e: [email protected]

w. www.leeds.ac.uk/history

pg history brochure web

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