The Twentieth-Century History MA pathway focuses specifically on the major events of previous century, and how the world as we know it today can be better understood through the events of the time.
Introduction
This absorbing MA gives you the opportunity to study and reflect on major twentieth-century events, such as total war, the rise and fall of communism, the collapse of the European empires, the changing place of women in western society and the decline of traditional religious belief.
Through this programme’s modules and the Department of History’s academic expertise, you will have the opportunity to view these events through the lens of different regions, approaches and thematic interest, enabling you to develop a unique insight into their impact and importance and formalise that through your own dissertation at the end of the programme.
Please note: when applying for this programme, please choose ‘MA History’ on the online application form. You should specify the specific pathway which you wish to study in your personal statement.
Who is this course for?
This programme will appeal to a wide range of students, including those who’ve recently graduated in History or a related discipline or have decided to return to university later in life. The structure of the course provides a good grounding for those intending to proceed to doctoral research.
It will appeal particularly to those with a keen interest in twentieth century history and its major events, who wish to learn and understand more about their impact on different areas of modern-day society such as gender, religion, politics and more.
What you'll learn
Through this course, you will:-
Explore the features that made the twentieth century unique
Study social and political developments that most defined the character of the twentieth century
Interpret and evaluate a diverse range of primary source material creatively and empathetically, while addressing questions of content, genre, authorship, and audience.
Focus in-depth on particular countries or themes that interest you
Develop the research skills needed to complete your 15,000 word dissertation on the topic of your choice.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Students take HIST503 (30 credits) and either HIST507 (30 credits) or HIST527 (15 credits) and 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Optional modules are taken from an approved list of modules available from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and can be provided on request to the pathway contact.
Compulsory modules
FLASHPOINTS AND WATERSHEDS IN TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY 1 (HIST503)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
This module examines key moments in roughly the first half of the history of the twentieth century and interrogates them to see if, and how, they illuminate broader trends and themes (political, social, economic and intellectual) in twentieth century history. It focuses on the concrete and the empirical, but requires students to interpret the events of the selected years in terms of the ‘big ideas’ about developments in twentieth century history.
Optional modules
HISTORICAL RESEARCH (HIST527)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Historians draw many of their theoretical frameworks from the social sciences, including sociology,economics, and political science, and from literary and gender studies. This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, both in framing research questions and in informing historians’ approaches to primary sources. It explores some of the major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism, and encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH (HIST507)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
Historians draw many of their theoretical frameworks from the social sciences, including sociology, economics, and political science, and from literary and gender studies. This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, both in framing research questions and in informing historians’ approaches to primary sources. It explores some of the major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism, and encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
In semester two, students take HIST512 (30 credits), HIST504 (15 credits) and 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Optional modules are taken from an approved list of modules available from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and can be provided on request to the pathway contact.
Compulsory modules
FLASHPOINTS AND WATERSHEDS IN TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY 2 (HIST512)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
The module aims to encourage students to familiarise themselves with what happened during roughly the second half of the hundred years of the twentieth century and consider the extent to which the century can be seen as a discrete period or series of periods, and, if so, how that period (or those periods) might be characterised; The module invites students to familiarise themselves with some of the concepts that have been developed by historians and social scientists to understand it. Was it, for example, the century of the battle of ideologies of Left and Right as Hobsbawm argues, or was democracy, as Mazower suggests, altogether more fragile and rarely achieved throughout its course?
FEASIBILITY STUDY (HIST504)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The Feasibility Study is an extended research proposal for the subsequent MA Dissertation. The study should therefore be focused on the topic that the student proposes to address in their dissertation. The Feasibility Study is designed to ensure that students are able to undertake their dissertation project successfully. It will ensure that they are well prepared when they start writing thier dissertation over the summer.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
The History MA dissertation HIST550 is submitted during the summer period, following the Feasibility Study module (HIST504) taken in Semester two.
Compulsory modules
DISSERTATION (HIST550)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
Sessions on research skills and methodologies will be held as part of the core modules offered by History. MA students will discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic and the implementation of the research with a member of staff with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the proposed topic during the period June to September. MARM students will have tutorial sessions and produce a feasibility study as part of the preparation for the dissertation before formal supervision begins in the period June to September.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Most modules, except HIST504, take the form of small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study. Most seminars are weekly two-hour sessions, and all are taught in small groups. We consider small group teaching essential to the learning and teaching experience at postgraduate level. Students lead discussions in class, and receive guidance on further reading from the module tutor.
The Feasibility Study (HIST504) and Dissertation (HIST550) demands a higher degree of independence, with guidance and advice from a dedicated supervisor through up to five 45 minute meetings.
How you're assessed
Ongoing assessment is linked to work done primarily in seminars and through individual tutorials and supervisions.
Written assessments will vary according to the nature of the modules, research project and the needs of the student, but may include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries, including the University’s own Special Collections and Archives.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why History at University of Liverpool?
we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
What students say...
After talking to employers and going to interviews, the greatest skill a historian possesses is their analytical ability. The ability to critically assess information and process it efficiently and effectively really gives you an edge over other degrees. The course involves a huge amount of reading and after years of learning to read effectively and efficiently, you’ll be perfectly placed to go into jobs and look at information or data in ways others can’t.
History students Emma and Amy talk about studying History at Liverpool
Careers and employability
Our programmes are designed to provide students with a wide range of transferable skills. Our History taught programmes are designed to meet the training requirements of the AHRC and the ESRC so equip you for further study towards an MPhil/PhD.
However, our MA students go into a wide range of professions, including media, public sector management, business consultancy, the civil service, NGO and development work, as well as academia.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in History (or a closely related subject e.g. Ancient History, English Literature, Modern Languages, Art History, Classics).
A Personal Statement which clearly demonstrates an interest in the programme and an understanding of the context of the programme is also required.
Applicants may be called to interview and, if so, will be asked to submit a sample of their historical analysis (between 1500 and 2500 words) written in English for discussion during the interview. Please note that being asked to interview is no guarantee of an offer of a place.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
