Course Overview
In recent years, local history groups have flourished in our communities. This course offers the guidance and support of professional historians for such interests. Although it focuses upon the specific local history of South West Wales, it will also draw upon a general awareness of historical trends and a detailed working knowledge of Welsh history.
The practical research element will familiarise students with research strategies and resources and will encourage them to undertake their own individual original research based upon their personal interests. Successful presentations could be considered for publication in relevant local history journals or as monographs.
The course offers focused support in practical research skills and techniques and detailed analysis of primary material, much of it untapped, which exists in both Welsh and English. Students will be able to make use of the excellent facilities available in local county libraries and record offices.
The course will explore a range of questions that include : How do we define 'local history'? How does local history relate to the wider Welsh and British contexts? What factors forged the lives of the ordinary people of South West Wales in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries? What sources are available for in depth local history research? And what skills will be fostered by an MA in Local History?
Key Features
- Established in 1995 - this course is unique in Wales
- Experienced and dedicated staff
- An opportunity to pursue an individual, personal and original research project in local and regional history
- Attractive to anyone interested in the history of South West Wales, in the methodology of practical historical research and of course in historical debate and inquiry
- Ample library and archival resources in the locality
- An opportunity to submit work in Welsh and, if there is sufficient demand, to take certain modules through the medium of Welsh
- High success rate.
Modules
- Agricultural Experiences
- Educational Experiences
- Industrial Experiences
- Popular Culture 1860 - 1960
- Social Experiences.
- Research Methods
Course Tutor(s)
Conway Davies
Assessment
Assessment is usually based on written work in the form of long and short essays, reports, book reviews and reflective pieces.
Career Opportunities
This course is aimed at those with an interest in local and regional history and how it relates to the national and international perspective. It is ideal for the continuing professional develop of those working in the fields of teaching, research, librarianship, the Museum Service as well as the heritage and tourism industry.
Further Information
In 2017/18 this degree will be available as a combination of taught elements on campus as well as a distant learning package allowing greater flexibility.
