MA Maritime History at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

MA Maritime History examines more than five centuries of maritime history from 1500 to the present, drawing on Plymouth's maritime resources including the University Library and The Box. Students study four modules, two of them core, and complete a dissertation on a maritime history topic of their choice.

Faculty: School of Society and Culture | Duration: 1 year full-time (2 years part-time) | Study mode: full-time, part-time route available | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Key Debates and Research Methods in History and All at Sea: Research Skills for Maritime History, followed by an MA History dissertation. Options include Piracy and Privateering 1560-1816, Maritime Explorations and Encounters, Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the Age of Climate Change and Mass Extinction, and an Independent Study Module.

Career pathways

Recent graduates have progressed to funded PhDs, PGCE teacher training, NHS graduate management training, public sector heritage business management and image library account executive roles. Other routes include museums, heritage and archives.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An honours degree in history or a related subject, or a professional qualification recognised as equivalent. Other qualifications with substantial relevant experience may be considered, and graduates from other disciplines are considered individually. References from a previous university, employer or similar are required. International applicants need IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Accreditation of prior learning may be considered case by case.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 18,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 1 year

Engineering