London, Cities, Cultures: Urban and Metropolitan Histories (MA) - 2012/2013 entry

This programme focuses on the history and culture of cities in the sixteenth to twenty-first centuries, but option modules on urbanism in the ancient world may also be available. London – the city in which most Birkbeck students live or work – is examined both for its own interest and as the starting point for wider comparative study.

London's culture is characterised equally by depth and diversity; for centuries it has been the centre of political change and social transformation, with an unprecedented mix of modern cultures and approaches to metropolitan life. It has been important to the development of England and the British state, but it is also a crucial component of empire and has for centuries been a multicultural and multi-ethnic centre. Living in London has always been a challenging and formative experience.

The programme explores these and other themes in the development of cities across a long span of time. You are encouraged to gain a broad general background, to make a critical assessment of different approaches to the study of cities, and to undertake a detailed study of a particular topic or subject area.

Please note: this programme was formerly known as MA Cities and Culture (London Studies).

Find out more about studying in the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology.

• Explore the history and culture of cities, from the perspectives of social and political history, cultural history and literature.
• Conveniently located for the Institute of Historical Research and the British Library, as well as archives, libraries and museums with major collections on London history. 
• Watch our video: Professor Catharine Edwards talks about studying in the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology.

The introductory core module (Mastering Historical Research: Birkbeck Approaches) aims to equip you with the conceptual background necessary for historical study at postgraduate level. It includes 10 broad lectures and 10 weekly seminars dedicated to exploring specific topics and questions on urban and metropolitan histories.

You will take three option modules from a list that currently includes:

• Consumers and Modern and Contemporary History
• Death, Disease and the Early Modern City
• Early Modern London
• Jews and Antisemitism in Modern Europe: Histories and Approaches
• Renaissance Florence: Society, Religion and Culture
• Social conflict and urban change in the Nineteenth Century
• Technology, Modernity and the Nation
• The City of Rome
• Early Modern London
• London and Londoners in the Eighteenth Century
• Vice and the Victorians.

Please note: most option modules are offered only in alternate years. You should confirm module availability before enrolling.

You will also write a dissertation of 15,000 words.

You will find the British Museum and the British Library just a few minutes' walk from Birkbeck. Other nearby specialist centres of research include the Institute of Archaeology, the Insitute of Classical Studies and the Institute of Historical Research, all of which offer regular seminars on research areas covered by the department. 

Birkbeck also has active history and archaeology societies.

If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in History.

Graduates go on to careers as researchers, as archivists, in museums and galleries, in education, and as journalists.

Guest lecturers
 
Outside experts – many of whom are based in London – will be invited to contribute to the programme, especially the core modules Metropolitan Histories and Research Skills and Methods.

• You should apply as early as possible.
• Interviews February–September.