Is the MA Humanities a single-subject master's?

No. The MA Humanities is deliberately interdisciplinary, drawing on history, literature, philosophy and cultural studies. Students wanting single-subject depth should consider specialist master's programmes in one of those fields at LSJHML or a partner university.

How much research methods training does the MA Humanities include?

A substantial strand. Advanced primary-source work, qualitative and quantitative methods, archives and ethnographic introductions are all covered. The 12,000–15,000 word dissertation is an interdisciplinary piece of research with supervisor support.

Can I take the MA Humanities part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are designed for working professionals, with evening seminars and a dissertation timeline you build around other commitments.

What kind of dissertation will I write on the MA Humanities?

A 12,000–15,000 word dissertation on an interdisciplinary humanities question agreed with your supervisor. Recent topics have included memorialisation debates, contemporary political polarisation as a cultural phenomenon, migration narratives across history and literature, and the politics of cultural value.

Is the MA Humanities recognised by UK employers?

Yes. The MA Humanities is a UK master's degree aligned to British Academy and Royal Society of Arts benchmarks. UK think tanks, policy organisations, cultural institutions, broadcasters and editorial employers recognise the credential alongside the dissertation portfolio.

MA Humanities in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Humanities at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for graduates and working professionals who want a senior interdisciplinary humanities credential. You will work across history, literature, philosophy and cultural studies, train in applied research methods, and produce a 12,000-to-15,000-word dissertation on a humanities question that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.

This MA is for thinkers who refuse to choose between subjects and don't see why they should have to. The MA Humanities trains practitioners who can move between disciplines without losing rigour — for academic, editorial, policy and cultural-sector careers.

Key Features

UK master's degree in interdisciplinary humanities — one year full-time, with online and distance routes.
Core interdisciplinary modules — history, literature, philosophy and cultural studies in dialogue.
Advanced research methods strand — primary sources, qualitative and quantitative methods, archives, ethnography.
London archives module using the British Library, the National Archives at Kew and selected institutional collections.
Industry and academic masterclasses from working researchers, policy specialists and editorial leaders.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation supervised by an active researcher.

What You Will Learn

The MA Humanities is structured around the working method of an interdisciplinary humanities researcher who can move between disciplines without losing depth. You graduate able to read primary sources critically, design and run substantial research, write to academic and applied audiences, and contribute to interdisciplinary teams in editorial, policy, cultural and research settings.

Advanced historical methods — source criticism, archive work, historiographical debate.
Literary and textual analysis — close reading, critical theory at advanced level.
Philosophical reasoning — argument structure, contemporary ethics, political philosophy.
Cultural studies — representation, identity, power, audience at advanced level.
Research design — research questions, ethics, sampling, instruments.
Qualitative and quantitative methods — interview, ethnography, basic statistics, content analysis.
Reporting research — academic writing, conference presentation, policy briefings.
Dissertation craft — proposal, fieldwork, write-up, viva preparation.

Who This MA Is For

BA graduates with broad humanities interests seeking interdisciplinary depth at postgraduate level.
Working professionals in editorial, policy, cultural or research sectors wanting a senior credential.
Career-changers from teaching, civil service or NGO work moving into senior research or editorial roles.
International students seeking a UK humanities master's taught in central London.

Career Pathways

The MA Humanities is built to support graduates into senior editorial, research, policy and cultural-sector careers, as well as into doctoral study. Typical destinations include:

Humanities Researcher (think tank, broadcaster, audience-insight consultancy)
Cultural Programme Coordinator (festival, venue, cultural trust)
Policy Analyst (local authority, NGO, government agency)
Lecturer (after doctoral study)
Editorial Researcher (publisher, magazine, broadcaster)
Senior Archives or Heritage Officer (institutional collection, museum)

The MA Humanities also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in any of its constituent disciplines.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in humanities or a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended dissertation area.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.