Scottish History - MLitt (by distance learning)

Snapshot

Overview

This course is designed to provide students who cannot attend a fulltime postgraduate degree course in Scottish History with an opportunity to develop their skills in and understanding of Scottish history by examining the major topics and historiography of Scottish history.

It builds upon the current expertise within the History programme at Dundee to provide an integrated programme of study including research skills, a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts of Scottish History and historiography, and the chance through independent research to make a contribution to the development of Scottish history and develop important research skills.

The MLitt will enhance students' research skills and allow them to access and interpret source materials in a much more sophisticated manner.

Aims of the Programme

This degree programme is designed to provide an understanding of the development of Scotland's relationship with the rest of the world from the early modern period to the present. The course provides an opportunity to examine issues such as the impact of Scottish emigration both on Scotland and the rest of the world, and to consider Scotland's role within the United Kingdom, the British Empire, and the European Union. The central aim of this course is to examine the many different interpretations of Scottish history and students will be encouraged to think critically about the various ways in which historians have viewed the development of Scotland over the past five centuries and to consider some of the ways in which Scottish history has been portrayed in a popular context.

In addition the course aims to equip students with the core competencies, knowledge and skills required to understand and interpret sources and historiography in the context of your own research and to gain experience and confidence in using those skills through undertaking a substantial piece of independent research.

Finally the course aims to further develop written communication and presentation skills.

Programme Content

There are 3 core modules for this course:

• Introduction to Historical Research Skills
• Introduction to Historical Theory
• Interpretations of Scottish History

These will normally be studied in this order over the first two years of the course.

Students must also take three optional modules from a range of options including:

• Cultural Exchange: Scotland and Europe
• Scotland before the Union
• Scotland and the Empire, 1707-1900
• Scotland in the Twentieth Century
• The Scottish Diaspora

Students will also complete an 18,000 word dissertation.

Methods of Assessment

This course is taught entirely by Distance Learning. Course materials will be supplied to students either via the virtual learning environment (My Dundee) or in hard-copy.

The central components of assessment for most modules are the essay and the module journal. For most modules students are required to write a 3,500 or 5,000 word essay and to complete a weekly module journal reflecting on their reading for that week. Tutors will be able to provide regular support and feedback from the module journal as the module progresses.

To complete the MLitt students are also required to write an 18,000 word dissertation.

Students will be able to interact with the tutor and other students via live ‘drop in sessions’ using the virtual learning environment. There will also be active discussion boards where students can interact.

Career Prospects

Due to the non-vocational nature of a History degree many students enter jobs unrelated to their course of study. For these students this course provides them with an opportunity to further develop written presentation skills, as well as the ability to work independently and plan independent research and study.

However, for those wishing to use their studies directly, for example in heritage or museum work, the job market is competitive, and the MLitt will provide students with a chance to further their knowledge and understanding of Scottish history and to demonstrate advanced research skills necessary for their work.

The course will therefore contribute to enhancing prospects in careers such as: teaching, libraries, museums, heritage and tourism industries, as well as providing content relevant to the continuing professional development of employees in many public-facing roles.

Entry Requirements

Students will normally be expected to have a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or similar standard) in History or a related discipline.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 6.5 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Sources of Funding

Scottish students may be eligible for an ILA account.

Contact

Programme Director	Distance Learning Secretary
Dr Matthew Ward School of Humanities University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 384181 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 384181 (from outside the UK) Email: m.c.ward@dundee.ac.uk	Laura Schiavetta School of Humanities University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 384 763 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 384 763 (from outside the UK) Email: pgscottishhistory@dundee.ac.uk