History-lovers can put their passion to paper on a new part-time course at the University of Essex, specifically aimed at the local community.

From this autumn, the Department of History will be offering an evening class each week for people wishing to gain an MA in History. There is homework, reading each week, and an assessed essay for each course, but there are no exams.

The full MA can be gained in three years. Study is by credit accumulation so students can take a break if necessary and fit the degree around their working and home life.

Course leader Dr Peter Gurney said: 'We have run some one-off history lectures for the public this year which had a very enthusiastic response and this course is the next step.

'There is a great deal of interest in history and many people would like to study the subject at postgraduate level but aren't able to commit to a daytime course because of family and work commitments. This will hopefully help people to overcome those hurdles.'

Students take two courses per academic year from an exciting range of modules in modern and early modern British, European and world history. There are also summer schools held over one weekend each year.

If you are interested in finding out more about the course please contact Dr Peter Gurney in the Department of History via e-mail at pjgurney@essex.ac.uk.