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About the course

MA Military History by research: from Marlborough to Montgomery

The University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Master’s programme in Military History offers the opportunity to pursue research in any one of a wide range of topics ranging in time from the campaigns of the Duke of Marlborough in the early eighteenth-century through to the end of the Second World War.

The majority of students have tended to opt for subjects ranging from the Boer War to 1945, but theses addressing the Napoleonic campaigns, naval warfare in the nineteenth century, and the role of the military in the expansion of the British and other European empires have also figured prominently. Themes have ranged from the social impact of war to the biographies of leading combatants, the operational and tactical development of armies to the international, strategic and political dimensions of military history.

The Financial Times has reviewed the course enthusiastically, noting that ‘Intellectually curious professionals are signing up for a new course that gives them the opportunity to exchange thoughts on security, diplomacy and the armed forces over dinner with stellar historians and military top brass’.

Individual research topics are of course closely focused; but the approach of the course is to encourage students to consider military history as something more than the analysis of particular campaigns and to consider factors like politics, culture and society. The choice of subject area is ultimately the student’s own.

The Master’s degree can be taken either full-time and completed in a single academic year, or taken part-time and extended over two years. Although original research it the prime focus of the programme, there is also a strongly collegial aspect to the course, as all research students meet regularly throughout the year for a series of early-evening seminars by some of the most distinguished scholars working in the field of Military History. The seminars are held in the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, London, and provide an opportunity for students to meet and debate with the visiting speaker. Each seminar is followed by a working dinner at which discussion continues. (The full seminar programme is given below.)

The MA is awarded solely on the basis of the dissertation (there are no ‘exams’), and the relationship between the student and supervisor is therefore at the heart of the course.

The maximum length for the MA dissertation in the School of Humanities is 25,000 words (or approximately 75 pages at line-spacing of 1.5), excluding notes and references. Student and supervisor meet regularly on a one-to-one basis to discuss, plan, and review the dissertation as it develops through the year.

The University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø MA programmes are intended to impart all the skills necessary for the student to work as an independent researcher and writer – skills that are valued by both academic and non-academic employers. But the MA can be undertaken just as fulfillingly as an exercise in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, and as a means of exploring areas of enquiry that are of particular interest to the student.

The academic year begins in October with classes on how to undertake archival research, how to plan and structure a dissertation successfully, and on the many online resources that are available to assist in historical research in Military History. Specialist classes are also offered on palaeography (the study of historic handwriting) to enable students to read contemporary manuscripts with speed and accuracy.

Tutorials and classes will normally take place at the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s London offices at 51 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 6HJ, very close to the British Museum.

DEFINING A SUBJECT FOR RESEARCH

Some students know from the outset the precise subject on which they intend to work. For most, however, the definition of a research proposal is usually a gradual process, with the student starting with a general area of interest, and then focusing on a more closely defined topic as a result of further reading and consultation, usually with the Course Director. Most students do not arrive at the final title of their dissertation until towards the end of the first Term, before Christmas.

The Course Directors, Professor Gary Sheffield and Dr Stuart Mitchell, are available to offer advice to prospective students who would like to discuss possible subjects for their research before they apply. They can be reached directly by email at gary.sheffield@buckingham.ac.uk and stuart.mitchell@buckingham.ac.uk

Note: students interested in pursuing research in Military History topics after 1945 should apply for the MA in Modern War Studies and Contemporary Military History.

RESEARCH SEMINARS AND DINING

Private research and supervision are complemented by a rich programme of seminars which give students direct access to some of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished scholars working in the field of Military History.

The seminar meets regularly between October and March in handsome accommodation at the Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, London SW1X 7DR – just off Belgrave Square. All seminars begin at 6:30 pm with the talk by the visiting speaker, and this is followed by a question session and discussion that runs to 7:45 pm. There is then a short break for pre-dinner drinks and the group reconvenes at 8:15 pm for a three-course dinner with wine, during which the historical discussion continues. Proceedings usually end at 9:30 pm. The programme aims not only to offer a stimulating intellectual experience, but one which is an enjoyable sociable experience as well. The cost of the dinners is included in the tuition fees.

The seminars are of course academic events, with a talk by a visiting expert; but they also have a social dimension, bringing research students and senior scholars together to discuss matters of common interest in an informal and congenial atmosphere.

This coming year’s seminars explore a broad variety of topics, ranging from the Peninsular War (1808-1814), through Colonial Warfare of the 19th Century, to the American Civil War and warfare’s later development during the two World Wars. Speakers include Dr Kate Vigurs, who will talk about the Special Operations Executive; Professor Richard Overy who will discuss the bombing of Japan and its surrender in the Second World War; while Professor Hew Strachan will be talking about how history can inform our understanding of war today.

SEMINAR DATES AND VENUES FOR 2024-25

Location, unless otherwise stated, is the Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, London SW1X 7DR

7 October 2024
Professor Saul David (Professorial Research Fellow, Humanities Research Institute, University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø) ‘The Retreat from Kabul, 1842’

21 October 2024
Dr Daniel Whittingham (The University of Birmingham) ‘“Two Armed Mobs”? The Real Lessons of the American Civil War’

4 November 2024, 1030-1700
Faculty Induction Day at the Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BE

4 November 2024
Dr Spencer Jones (University of Wolverhampton), ‘Undersea Warfare 1914-1918’ (note: immediately after the Faculty Induction Day)

18 November 2024
Dr Kate Vigurs (Independent Scholar), ‘Women in the Special Operations Executive’

2 December 2024
Professor Sir Hew Strachan FBA (University of St Andrews) ‘Total War and Military Doctrine 1919-1939’

20 January 2025
Professor Richard Overy (University of Exeter), ‘The Bombing and Surrender of Japan’

3 February 2025
Dr Aimée Fox (King’s College London), ‘British Army Learning and Adaptation in the First World War’

17 February 2025
Dr Matthias Strohn (Visiting Professor, Humanities Research Institute, University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø), ‘The German Wars of Unification’

3 March 2025
Dr Victoria Taylor (Independent Scholar), ‘Luftwaffe Combat Motivation, Experience and Morale in the Battle of Britain’

17 March 2025
Professor Gary Sheffield (Professor of Military History, The University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø) ‘The Peninsular War (1808-1814) Revisited’

STUDY PERIOD

The usual period of Master’s degree research is one year for the those who engage in full-time study. Part-time study is also available, with students completing the dissertation in two years.

RESEARCH SUPERVISION

Every Master’s student in School of Humanities is supported by two supervisors. There is a First (or Principal) Supervisor, who is the student’s regular guide during his or her research, and with whom the student meets regularly throughout the year. There is also a Second Supervisor, whom the student may consult on a more limited basis where a ‘second opinion’ on a particular draft chapter may be helpful. Full-time students see their supervisor for one-to-one supervisions not less than twice a term.

The University has an extensive group of scholars available to undertake supervision in the fields Military History, including:

Professor Gary Sheffield FRHistS FSAHR, Course Co-Director, is Professor of Military History at the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø and Visiting Professor at King’s College London. He has published widely on military history, especially the British Army in the First World War, and is currently working on a book for Yale University Press entitled Civilian Armies: The Experience of British and Dominion Soldiers in the Two World Wars.

Dr Stuart Mitchell, Course Co-Director, is a Senior Research Fellow at the Humanities Research Institute, University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø. He is also Senior Lecturer in the Department of War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He has published on conventional and irregular warfare between 1914 and 1918, strategy in the two World Wars, and learning in the British military since the Napoleonic War. His latest book, Counterinsurgency: Theory and Reality, was co-authored with Dr Daniel Whittingham and published in 2021. He has appeared on a variety of podcasts, videos and programmes.

Dr Spencer Jones the British Armed Forces in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Century.

Dr Jonathan Carroll military history in the twentieth century.

Dr Matthias Strohn for research in German military history since the Thirty Years War.

ASSOCIATE STUDENTS

For those who wish to attend the seminars and to join the post-seminar dinners with the visiting speakers, it is possible to join the programme as an Associate Student (what is known as an Audit Student in the United States). Associate Students do not enrol for the MA and do not have to submit any written work, but they are otherwise full members of the seminar and free to take part in discussion. There is also a substantially reduced fee.

For further information, please contact humanitiespg-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

“I found ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s MA in Military History by Research a very rewarding experience. After a business career in the technology sector I was able to finally devote some time to my passion for Military History. The task seemed daunting at first as it had been a long time since I was last in education and I had no knowledge of how to conduct historical research. However, the introductory course of lectures provided a solid study framework and detailed follow up discussions with my tutor enabled me to focus in on a specific historical area of interest and, more importantly, identify a particular question that needed answering.

The research-based nature of the course means at this point you embark on a solo process of discovery. Reading the existing literature and sifting the archives, both online and in person, you follow leads and gradually piece together the parts of your chosen puzzle. The course is demanding and academically rigorous with a high standard of work expected. However, the tutors are excellent and always there to support and guide your progress and check your work is of the required standard. Writing the dissertation is challenging but once completed it is a very satisfying feeling to know you have contributed to the historiography and understanding of your chosen area.

Whilst most students in my intake took the one-year full-time course I undertook the two-year part-time route and found it allowed me the time and space to investigate my chosen specialist area and really enjoy the whole process without pressure. If you have the time, it may be an option to consider.

If undertaking a Master’s currently seems too much of a commitment I would highly recommend becoming an Associate, just to attend the MA course’s accompanying series of illuminating evening events hosted by the Course Director. Each evening involves a standalone lecture given by an eminent historian followed by a dinner and conversation. It is highly enjoyable to spend time in the company of a diverse group of people with a common passion and to be able to talk to some of the biggest names in Military History. Even though I have completed my Masters I intend to be an associate for many years to come!”

– Andrew Thompson, Master’s (distinction), 2021

“The MA by Research in Military History at the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø offers students the opportunity to channel their passion and intellectual curiosity into an academic endeavour full of reward. The research seminars delivered by Professor Saul David equip the student early on with a solid foundation to build on, along with a road map to begin drawing out one’s chosen topic. Accompanying these are lectures from speakers at the apex of their field, which are both informative and inspiring, set within a comfortable environment conducive to open debate.

Moreover, the student support at ³Ô¹ÏÍø is second to none, with administrators on hand to answer any questions and avoid any pitfalls emerging, along with librarians available to assist in seeking out rare books. Taken together, the MA by Research in Military History guarantees a unique experience and provides the necessary tools to succeed. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found the whole experience both character building and rewarding. It provided an excellent platform to develop a keen interest into an extensive academic project, under the watchful eyes of expert supervision. I look forward to my next project within this space.”

– Scott Sherriff, Master’s (distinction), 2020

“I completed the one-year Research MA in Military History in 2012 and subsequently went on to complete a PhD also at The University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Like most students, I embarked on the MA course with a longstanding interest in military history but little understanding of the skills and disciplines involved in academic research. The unique and exciting quality of the ³Ô¹ÏÍø programme is that it enables an interested amateur as I certainly was then to tackle a historical question that is entirely new and to produce a work that can withstand rigorous professional scrutiny within an incredibly short timescale.

If the opportunity provided by the ³Ô¹ÏÍø course is exciting, its strength lies in the way it combines three elements which support and guide the student. The first is a well-crafted introduction to research techniques backed by exercises to develop research and writing skills. This element is relevant and practical and it is adjusted to the needs of the individual. The second is the series of general interest lectures over the first half of the year all provided by first rank historians. These expose students to new historical problems and the latest research and the format over dinner allows genuinely stimulating debate. They provide invaluable context for the student’s individual work. However, the critical element that stands out at ³Ô¹ÏÍø is the quality of the individual guidance and supervision in selecting a research topic and then executing successive stages. I cannot rate too highly the individual supervision that I and my fellow students received. I think PhD students at the best universities would count themselves fortunate to receive the tailored support of this quality and care and not least time from some of the best historians in the United Kingdom.

I would also like to commend the general administration of the ³Ô¹ÏÍø MA programme. It is a complex programme with diverse students with different requirements, a complex lecture programme and no dedicated ³Ô¹ÏÍø owned site in London. Yet the execution from logistics around successive lectures through to the examination of the final thesis and the monitoring of academic standards was close to perfect.”

– Dr Andrew Boyd, PhD, 2015