A research degree gives you the opportunity to develop a topic in an original way and so to make your mark on the discipline of History. It is examined by an extended piece of written work and taught through close supervision. All students in History at Durham have two supervisors to help and guide them in their work. We offer two research degrees in History: This is a one year full-time (or two years part-time) programme of research and writing, and is examined through a thesis of up to 50,000 words. If you demonstrate an aptitude for research, this degree can lead to postgraduate research at a higher level (e.g. PhD). In addition to advising on the direction, shape and content of the thesis and the methodology of the research, supervisors discuss research students' training needs with them and work out a programme of training to ensure that students are best placed to undertake their research. A range of general and specialist research training will be available for you individually and in groups, organised by the department; there are also more general research preparation courses organised centrally. Your individual training needs will be assessed at the start of your degree, and this process is repeated annually. Students have gone on to a wide variety of academic, academic-related, heritage and professional careers. Our MA graduates go on to a diverse range of careers, from professional services (law, civil service, accountancy), to teaching, business and entrepreneurial sectors.