School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies

Postgraduate study

The school offers a range of programmes for those who wish to study at Master's level, or to undertake PhD research, as laid out below:

Masters

In all of our programmes, laid out below, preparation for Masters dissertations is embedded within the curriculum through the study of research methods and management units. It is not essential that you have taken an undergraduate degree in the same disciplines as you wish to take at Masters level, but you do need a first degree or equivalent and must be able to demonstrate a strong interest in the subjects covered within your chosen Masters programme.

All Masters students have a personal tutor and our induction and study skills session, which run through the first few weeks of the semester and are designed to ease the transition to postgraduate study.

MA European Studies

A multi-disciplinary course covering EU institutions, law and policy-making as well as major contemporary issues such as nationalism and identity, security policy, transition in Eastern Europe and European political integration.

International Masters Programme in European Studies (IMPREST)

Part of the MA European studies programme, where students spend one semester in two out of any five European universities - Krakow, Aachen, Maastricht, Dogus University Istanbul and Portsmouth. On graduation a double Masters degree is awarded.

MA European Law and Policy

Aimed at those from a variety of backgrounds who need a knowledge of EU law, institutions and policy-making, this course can be studied via two routes. Either through a joint route with the Hague University of Professional Education, in which case students spend Postgraduate study the first semester in the Hague and the second semester in Portsmouth, or you can study entirely (both semesters) in Portsmouth.

MA History of War, Culture and Society

This programme covers key historical episodes and case studies, examining the impact of war on shaping nationhood, identity, class, gender and citizenship in European societies. It offers motivated and able students the opportunity to work with historians in their key area of expertise on either a one year (full time) or two years (part time) basis. Students will explore the role played by war in the formation of the modern state, the history of imperialism, the impact of 'total war' on modern societies, the history of women at war, the history of genocide and histories of remembrance, memory and memorialisation.

MA International Relations and European Studies

This MA course will involve the advanced study of themes in international relations such as global governance and the changing nature of security. Students will also study the institutions and policymaking of the EU. In addition a wide range of options will be available covering such topics as Transition in Eastern Europe, the EU as an international actor and the EU and The Middle East.

MA Literature, Culture and Identity

Centred on key aspects of cultural identity, as expressed in terms of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, this programme is designed to examine a range of theoretical discourses relating to the 'subject' and to consider these alongside literary works from the Renaissance to the present day. It questions whether one can speak of a unified cultural identity and interrogates the ways in which the subject has been constituted at significant points in social history. 

MPA (Masters in Public Administration):

this new course involves the advanced study of public sector organisations, their management and the changing external context in which they operate. It will train you in the most efficient, effective and economic options for the delivery of public services and how to use the different structures and organisations available.

Doctoral study

Beyond MA level, we also welcome applications for PhD study in all of our subject areas.

As an ESRC-accredited institution, all PhD applicants pursue a programme of research methods study during their first year. If you are interested in studying at doctoral level, contact our admissions centre and they will ensure that you are provided with all relevant information about the application process. We offer a variety of postgraduate degrees delivered by staff with specialist research backgrounds and many years experience.