MA Social and Economic History (Research Methods) in Durham United Kingdom | Durham University

The MA in Social and Economic History (Research Methods) ignites your passion for historical study while equipping you with critical research skills to explore your chosen areas of social and economic history in depth.

This program provides top-tier training in social research methodologies specifically applied to historical investigation. Recognized by the Economic and Social Research Council - the UK's primary funder for economic, social, behavioral, and data science research - it forms part of a comprehensive four-year funding pathway through the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership, leading to PhD opportunities in related fields.

Offered as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program, this interdisciplinary course combines expertise from both the History and Sociology departments. Core curriculum covers fundamental research principles, historical themes and sources analysis, along with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Students can personalize their studies through elective modules spanning diverse topics from Computational Social Science to African Electoral Systems, and from Multilevel Modeling to Medieval Power Structures. The program culminates in an independent research dissertation on a subject of your choosing.

Participants benefit from exceptional research resources, including the university's extensive libraries and special collections, as well as historical archives throughout the city.

Both departments boast dynamic postgraduate communities that actively enrich the academic environment through participation in discussion forums, annual conferences, and various scholarly events.