The MA/Diploma in Humanities is an exciting and innovative programme that allows the student maximum opportunity to devise their own specialised programme of study in Arts and Humanities subjects. This can either range widely across disciplines or be concentrated on a subject-specific pathway. It is aimed at those interested in multi-disciplinary study and, with its core courses, provides a sound training for a research career within the humanities and in many professions. 

Full or Part-Time Study

The MA can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. Core courses and some options are taught 5.00pm - 7.00pm to allow those in full-time work to 'flexitime' their studies into other commitments. For details of core courses see course structure.

Core Course and Optional Modules

Two innovative compulsory courses have been developed to run throughout the year: 'Issues in the Humanities' and 'Research Skills'. Students then add a selection of optional modules to tailor their degree to their chosen subject area.

Pathways

Students can, in addition to taking an inter-disciplinary selection of modules, choose a more directed subject-specific pathway which will be reflected in the degree awarded. Students will take a minimum of 90-credits to qualify for a pathway degree in a specialist subject. This would normally be at least one 30-credit optional module and a 60-credit dissertation in a related topic. 

Details of pathways currently on offer can be found on the Pathways page.

MA/Diploma in Medical Humanities

All students take the two compulsory courses, then either one special subject - 'Literature, the Visual Arts and Medicine' - or they can select optional modules from those available to MA Humanities students.

• Full details of the MA/Diploma in Medical Humanities

What our students say

"I am taking the MA in Film and Humanites pathway, part time over two years. I am currently an A-level Film and Media teacher with a general interest in the humanities. The MA will help me expand my knowledge in these areas and allow me to research into my area of interest: film history. I hope to study a PhD after my MA and would love to write and eventually lecture in film." - Jenny Stewart

"I completed a BA(Hons) in Humanities about 25 years ago and followed up with a PGDip in Management and a CertEd. Since then I have been teaching English and Media Studies in Further Education colleges, as well spending a few years teaching student teachers at a Czech university and teaching English Language and Literature at a Czech secondary school. For two years prior to this course I was working as a Learning Support Coordinator in Special Needs education at a London college of FE.

"I have delayed doing this course for years and years but now I am pleased to be back as part of a university learning community. As well as the core Humanities module, I am taking a module in Modernist Architecture and another in International Relations. For my dissertation I am considering research on a yet-to-be-defined aspect of Modernism, possibly in the more provincial cities of the Hapsburg Empire, or perhaps further east, for example Bucharest." - Peter Morrissey

"I was first introduced to Medical Humanities via a special study module in the Leicester medical course. I found the topics we discussed highly stimulating, including analysing how medicine has influenced literature, television and even film, and how the arts can help in our personal and professional lives. Thus I was delighted to learn that Leicester offered an MA degree in this subject as an intercalated degree for medical students.

"I believe that exploring the humanities will lend me some understanding as to how doctors are presented to the wider world, and why patients hold certain health beliefs and myths. Such insight can only help me communicate more effectively to patients, and hopefully allow me to become a better doctor. Lastly, I believe the course will broaden my own views about health and disease, and consider the moral and ethical obligations that doctors face in day-to-day practice." - Samiksha Dogra

"I live in Leicester, I'm a qualified librarian and I've worked in public libraries for the last 25 years - though now I'm just a manager. I'm doing the MA in Humanities to 'stretch' my brain and for the pleasure of learning. Although I have a particular interest in art history I'm fascinated by many aspects of the humanities, so it will be a tricky choice when it comes to a subject for the dissertation." - Ruth Pointer

Entry requirements

Normally a good first degree (2:1 or better) or equivalent; some modules may require degrees in related topics. Overseas students must meet the minimum standard of English required by the University - see the International Portal for details.

Next step

Make an informal enquiry to receive course brochures and full details of how to apply.

Please contact us with any other queries.