If you have a passion for history but little time to study, a new part-time, evening-taught Masters degree in Historical Studies at the University of Essex could be just the thing. 

Places are still available for students wishing to enrol on the MA in Historical Studies which offers a flexible approach to learning and this year offers modules in The Making of Consumer Culture: Britain 1780-1960 and Slavery in the Atlantic World.

The postgraduate programme, which has been newly launched this year, is taught through weekly evening classes at the University’s Colchester Campus and takes a minimum of three years to complete. Because the degree is based around modular study, students can take a break if necessary and fit their study around their working and home life.

Students can choose two courses per academic year (one in the Autumn and one in the Spring term) from an exciting range of modules in modern and early modern British, European and world history. As well as the modules offered for this academic year, subjects covered include race and class in South Africa and the US, the history of medicine, and nationalism, war and ethnic cleansing.

The degree also gives students the opportunity to pursue their own individual historical interests through a 12,000 word dissertation. An annual summer school gives students training in research methods and planning their dissertations.

Course Leader Dr Peter Gurney said: ‘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 MA will hopefully help overcome those hurdles.’

The normal entry requirement for this flexible and cost-effective postgraduate course is a first degree in history or a related discipline. However, other qualifications and experience are taken into account.

For further information, including information about fees, contact either Dr Peter Gurney by e-mail at: pjgurney@essex.ac.uk or speak to Lisa West, Graduate Assistant in the Department of History, telephone: 01206 872190, or e-mail: gsechist@essex.ac.uk. Details are also available online at: www.essex.ac.uk/history/postgrad/pgtaught.shtm.