The Social Research (Economic and Social History) programme offered by the University of BirminghamÊis particularly useful if you want to convert to the study of economic and social history, or if you have already studied in this area and wish to improve your skills. It is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council as providing the requisite research training for a PhD so you can apply for funding for the MA to be the first (training) year of a four-year PhD.Why study this course?

• Foundation for further researchÊÐ the programme will equip you with the research skills to read and assess relevant primary sources, the ability to carry out independent research and to write up your research. It is also recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council as providing the requisite research training for a PhD.Ê

• Research expertiseÊÐ Times Higher Education ranked the Department of History first in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.

• Excellent reputationÊÐÊThe University of Birmingham has been ranked as one of the world's top 100 institutions to study History in the World Rankings.

• Be a part of an exciting departmentÊÐ you will join a lively postgraduate community within the Department of History with many opportunities to enhance your learning, from external lectures and visiting scholars, to research seminars and conferences.

• Access to academic support servicesÊÐÊas a postgraduate student you will have access to services such as theÊAcademic Writing Advisory ServiceÊand theÊBank of Assessed WorkÊwhich will aid your transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, or back into academia after a time away.Ê

Careers

BirminghamÕs History graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by a range of employers. These skills include: familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.

Over the past five years, 93% of History postgraduates were in work and/or further study six months after graduation. Some of our History postgraduates go on to use their studies directly, for example in heritage, museums or the armed forces; others use their transferable skills in a range of occupations from finance to fundraising.Ê

Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include: Royal Air Force; Ministry of Defence; University of Birmingham; Royal Air Force Museum; and University of Oxford.