Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in History
MA
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in History
The Master of Arts (Coursework) Program is designed to give students the skills sought-after by employers around the globe, with a balance of specific subject knowledge plus broad-based transferable skills such as oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
The degree is also an possible qualification for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The MA(Coursework) normally requires either 12 months or three semesters of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study and entails completion of papers and a dissertation.
The dissertation is a major piece of supervised research of up to 20,000 words.
The primary aim of the MA(Coursework) is to provide candidates with a grounding in their chosen subject area within a wider disciplinary frame. The degree cultivates the skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement a significant piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership.
Why study History?
Above all, History investigates human societies across time and space few things are more fascinating. Studying History is about questioning the past imaginatively. Historians take nothing for granted: they search behind the facade of the present to uncover multiple ‘truths' about the past.
Yet History is also firmly grounded in the realities of daily life, and studying History helps prepare you for almost any conceivable career. In the rapidly changing world of the 21st century, it is more important than ever to understand human diversity and the complexity of social structures, and to understand why they change. Because of its broad-ranging nature, no discipline is better suited to this task than History.
The historian's skills of research, analysis, synthesis and communication are also essential in the modern job market. History graduates work in a range of exciting fields that are as diverse as history itself.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
- The degree may be awarded in any of the subjects listed in the MA(Coursework) Schedule. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) the degree may be awarded in a subject not listed in the MA(Coursework) Schedule.
- The Program of study shall be as prescribed for the subject concerned in Part 2 of the MA(Coursework) Schedule and shall in each case consist of a research dissertation or studio project (60 points), two 500-level HUMS papers (30 points each) from HUMS 501-503, and further papers worth 60 points at 400- or 500-level for the subject concerned, to a total value of 180 points.
- With the permission of the Dean, Director, Head of School, or Head of Program concerned, a candidate may substitute for one required paper a paper of another subject at the same level.
- A candidate shall, before commencing the research dissertation or studio option, secure the approval of the Dean, Director, Head of the School or Head of Program concerned for the topic, the supervisor(s), and the proposed course of the investigation.
- A candidate may not present a research dissertation or studio project which has previously been accepted for another degree.
Subject areas
The degree may be awarded in any of the following subjects:
- Anthropology
- Buddhist Studies
- Childhood and Youth Studies (not available in 2020/21)
- Chinese
- Classics
- Communication Studies
- Education
- English
- Film and Media Studies
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- Indigenous Development / He Kura Matanui
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Māori Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre Studies
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Employers value History graduates for their ability to research, analyse and communicate. History graduates know how to deal with large amounts of information and sift out the essential. As well as becoming teachers and researchers, historians find jobs in areas ranging from journalism and public affairs to management and finance.
Examples of positions held by Otago history graduates include: Analyst, Wigram Capital Advisors; Diplomat, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Community Engagement Executive, History curator, Te Papa Tongarewa; Curator, Human History, Canterbury Museum; Digital Content Analyst, University of Canterbury; Historian, Waitangi Tribunal; Data Analyst, AgResearch; Event and Marketing Manager, Southland Chamber of Commerce; Social Media and Content Analyst, Bank of New Zealand; Freelance Book Publicist; Heritage Advisor, Heritage New Zealand, etc.
Application Details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their previous official academic transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades) with their application, and provide proof of their identity: this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants must also submit a detailed research proposal that shows they are familiar with current literature surrounding their topic; an up-to date curriculum vitae; and name of the academic staff member with whom they have been in contact; and with an approximate start date. They may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.