Master Histoire

The MA program aims to train students in research. Alongside specialized coursework, the writing of a research thesis is central to the work in both years. Research training emphasizes deepening, specialization, and autonomy, fostering the acquisition of skills that can be applied in a wide range of professional fields.

The MA program offers three specialized tracks aligned with the research areas of the faculty members, as well as a professionalizing track.

Students holding a BA degree in history or another diploma with substantial coursework in history, and who wish to pursue research training.

Applicants with a bachelor's degree are authorised to register for a master's degree. Holders of other qualifications: https://allsh.univ-amu.fr/fr/formation/scolarite

A solid academic background throughout the undergraduate program. Excellent proficiency in written and oral expression in the French language. Strong writing skills and adaptability to various communication contexts. Ability to present arguments effectively in both written and oral forms.

The MA program in History offers four distinct tracks:

·         Track 1: Africa, Arab World, Muslim Worlds

• Track 2: Archives and Libraries
• Track 3: The Mediterranean, Europe, and the World
• Track 4: Power, Knowledge, and Gender

The three thematic tracks (1, 3, and 4) are open to students interested in specializing in one of four historical periods (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Modern, and Contemporary eras). Students work on a specialized research thesis in both the first and second years under the supervision of a faculty member. The professional track (2) shares some of the courses and training objectives of the other tracks. Students prepare a professional thesis under the supervision of the track coordinators. In all cases, the degree awarded is a MA degree in History.

Semesters 1, 2, and 3 are structured around three Knowledge and Skills Units (BCCs) across all four tracks. BCC1: Common to all tracks, it provides a shared foundation in a foreign language and thesis methodology. BCC2 (in tracks 1, 3, and 4): Includes courses organized by historical period, shared among students in the three thematic tracks. BCC3( in tracks 1, 3, and 4): Offers specialized trans-chronological courses aligned with the theme of the track. In all tracks, Semester 4 is dedicated to an internship and the completion of either the M2 research thesis or the professional thesis.

The MA degree in History trains students in research through research, drawing on the fields and research work of the faculty members in the Department of History.

The Master's degree in History (tracks 1, 3, and 4) aims to build upon the general historical knowledge acquired during the Bachelor's degree; to provide in-depth expertise in the chosen historical period, aligned with current research trends; and to develop specialized knowledge in a specific research field. This specialization is shaped by the chosen approach (political, economic, social, cultural, religious, intellectual history, historical anthropology, gender studies), the area (Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arab and Muslim worlds, Africa, Asia), and the type of documentation analyzed (archaeological, epigraphic, iconographic, documentary, narrative, normative, literary, oral), preferably studied in its original language.

Track 2 builds upon the general knowledge acquired during the Bachelor's degree and provides both theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of Archives and libraries. Students gain hands-on experience through collaborations with professionals working in partner institutions.

The Master's in History reinforces skills that were initially developed during the Bachelor's degree.

1- Ability to analyse and synthesise. Learning to:

·         Gather and analyse information from different sources

·         Analyse complex situations from multiple points of view

·         Use their knowledge to identify and solve a problem

·         Propose new solutions

·         Gather and summarise relevant information

2- Reasoning and writing skills:

·         Developing a command of rhetoric and argumentative discourse, useful in various professions, competitions and examinations

·         Development of the ability to exchange argumentative ideas

·         Ability to construct (both orally and in writing) an argumentative discourse

3- Ability to work independently and in groups:

• Ability to further research by oneself and for oneself, and thus to develop one's aptitudes throughout life
• Taste for enquiry and intellectual curiosity
• Ability to organise one's own work;
• Critical mind;
• Ability to work as part of a team

In tracks 1, 3, and 4, students complete an individual research thesis in both M1 and M2 and work on a collective research project during the 3rd semester; they undertake a professional observation internship in the 4th semester. In track 2, internships are scheduled in both M1 and M2, in connection with the professional thesis.

The courses in track 2 (Archives and Libraries) are partly taught by professionals outside the university, within partner institutions.

• E1103 Communication (fr)
• K1401 Conception et pilotage de la politique des pouvoirs publics (fr)
• K2107 Enseignement général du second degré (fr)
• K1601 Gestion de l'information et de la documentation (fr)
• K2401 Recherche en sciences de l'homme et de la société (fr)

• 325T Gestion et mise à disposition de ressources documentaires, conservation des archives (fr)
• 321P Journalisme et communication (organisation-gestion) (fr)
• 333P Organisation et administration de services et de centres de formation (fr)

The career opportunities for the Master's in History are diverse:

• Teaching
• Administration
• Journalism
• Culture and heritage
• Documentation and cultural mediation
• Historical research
• Careers with an international perspective
• All careers that require good command of writing and writing and synthesis skills

Internships (in both M1 and M2 I track 2 Archives & libraries, in M2 for the three other tracks) have to be designed with a view to further studies or professional integration

The thematic tracks 1, 3, and 4 can be followed within the framework of an international degree partnership (DPI): the TübAix Master's in partnership with the University of Tübingen; the MIFI Master's in partnership with the University of La Sapienza (Rome), the University of La Statale (Milan), or the University of Genoa. The History Master's in DPI requires spending one year at each of the two partner universities.

An Erasmus mobility in one of the partner universities of the history department or in one of the universities within the CIVIS network is possible during M1 or M2 in thematic tracks 1, 3, and 4. It must be planned in agreement with the thesis supervisor, in relation to the chosen research topic and the professional project.