What is Cultural History?

Cultural History has been an important part of the curriculum for the past twenty years. Core staff situated in History and in Anthropology work closely with scholars from departments throughout the University, which is of national importance. The subject takes an interdisciplinary approach to development of cultures, values, beliefs and memories, examining the resources people have drawn upon to give the world meaning, and the ways in which societies have propagated those meanings. We integrate perspectives from studies in anthropology, literature, film, art history, religious studies, and the history of science, medicine and technology. We examine social and political relationships in a broad range of historical contexts. Engagement with a wide variety of theoretical issues enables students to bring a critical understanding to the study of European culture. While focusing mainly on Europe from the early modern period to the present, there is an important comparative dimension across cultures and times.

 THE DEGREES MA

Cultural History courses are primarily taken by students studying for an MA - either with or without Honours.  In the former case, after the first two years of study (when a number of subjects are taken at first and second year levels), a student either takes Cultural History as a Single Honours degree or combines Cultural History with other subjects (Joint Honours).

This is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) postgraduate course based on research work under a supervisor, leading to the completion of a Dissertation.

This is a three-year postgraduate degree based on research work under a supervisor leading to the completion of a Thesis. (Often a student will be admitted to the MLitt degree in the first instance and then transfer to the PhD status later.)