Early Modern History

Explore the religious, social, economic, political and cultural developments in the early modern world on this MA. The University of Warwick's History department – whose research activity is ranked one of the highest in the country (92%, REF 2021), will provide you with the guidance to acquire conceptual and practical skills and expertise in this field.

Course overview
This MA programme explores religious, social, economic and cultural developments in the early modern world, including the strains created by soaring prices and population, and heightened social mobility. All modules are taught by a team of experts, ensuring that you are exposed to as many different viewpoints and approaches as possible.

In the first term you will study two core modules. ‘Theory, Skills and Methods’ provides a foundation in historical methods and theoretical frameworks used to study society and culture from the early modern period to the contemporary world. ‘Themes in Early Modern History’ provides a critical perspective on key themes and introduces you to a range of expertise at Warwick.

In the second term, you will select two optional modules, each one taking a different topic and exploring it across time and space. These will help you place your early modern interests in religion, gender, empire, consumption, or medicine in a comparative framework, as well as deepen your acquaintance with relevant ideas and approaches from outside early modern scholarship. These modules enable you to focus on your early modern interests (you can write all your assessed work on early modern themes) whilst situating them in a wider context that will enrich your studies.

The final key element is the dissertation - here you have a large amount of freedom to develop a project of your own choice with help and guidance from your supervisor who will meet with you throughout the third term. Throughout the year, you will be able to take advantage of the Department’s six research centres, including participating in the lively schedule of academic research seminars, lectures and conferences.

The programme will appeal equally to those wishing to undertake further postgraduate study and those pursuing a career outside of the University, equipping you with research, writing and critical thinking skills vital in a range of professions.

This information is applicable for 2025 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply.