Introduction
Our historians encompass specialisms in British, European, the history of the Americas, and East Asian history. We are part of the Wellcome Trust-funded Northern Centre for the History of Medicine, a partnership between the medical historians at Newcastle and Durham Universities.
Our reputation for producing dynamic and innovative work was confirmed by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 - 70 per cent of our research was classed as either 'internationally excellent' or 'internationally recognised', with 15 per cent classed as 'world leading’.
We provide our students with excellent research facilities including work stations in the postgraduate suite, first class computing and printing facilities, dedicated teaching space in the Armstrong Building and financial support for conferences and field trips. Through the School of Historical Studies Postgraduate Forum, our students are able to promote their research and develop their own intellectual networks.
For 2011 entry we expect to have one studentship in history available through the AHRC’s Research Preparation Master's scheme. This scheme supports students undertaking Master’s courses that focus on advanced study and research training explicitly intended to provide a foundation for further research at doctoral level. Full and partial awards are available through this scheme. A full award covers fees and an annual, tax free stipend of up to £9,490 (2011/12 rates). A partial award covers fees only. If you are a part time student, support is pro rata. To see if you would be eligible for a full or partial award, please see the AHRC's student eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
You should meet the AHRC’s student eligibility criteria* and be intending to undertake one of the following programmes at Newcastle University in September 2011:
MA British History
MA European History
MA History of the Americas
MA East Asian History
MA History of Medicine
MLitt History (Master of Letters; a one-year research Masters degree)
*Please note that if you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you will not be eligible for this funding.
Person Specification
You should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in history or a related subject to be considered for an MA place, or a good upper-second-class Honours degree to be considered for an MLitt place. Competition for studentships is fierce and it is likely that the successful applicant will have or expect to achieve a first class Honours degree result, or equivalent.
How to Apply
You must complete the University’s online Postgraduate Application Form, quoting the reference code AHR11 in the relevant section of the ‘your details’ section on the online application form.
Your application should include:
• A research proposal of between 500 and 750 words maximum that follows the relevant guidance in ‘Annex A: Case for Support’ of the AHRC Studentship Competition guidelines. Your research proposal must be convincing, well-articulated and there should be a good ‘fit’ between your research proposal and staff research expertise available in the School of Historical Studies.
• Contact details for two referees. You should choose your referees carefully as they will be required to write a reference that provides detailed and evidenced comment about you and your choice of MA dissertation topic.
Please do not send a CV as this is not part of the application process and will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 2nd March 2011. However you are strongly advised to submit an application well in advance, as incomplete applications may not be considered after this date.
Considering Your Application
We will consider your application in two parts. First, we will let you know if you have received an offer of a place at Newcastle to undertake your MA studies. Secondly, we will let you know if you have been shortlisted for the AHRC Doctoral Studentship. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to interview in April. Interviews will take place in Newcastle. Applicants can bring their undergraduate thesis, if available, or other substantive research work. Priority will be given to those candidates seeking to continue their research at doctoral level.
Further Information
For general queries about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Secretary, Mrs Sandra Fletcher (sandra.fletcher@ncl.ac.uk). If you have queries about doctoral study in history subjects please contact the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Helen Berry (h.m.berry@ncl.ac.uk). See also http://www.ncl.ac.uk/historical/postgrad/
For 2011 entry, we also have AHRC funding for students who wish to undertake doctoral (PhD) study in history.
