Programme overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

This cutting-edge Master’s in Biography was founded in 1996, originally as a Taught MA Programme, and remains unique to Buckingham. The course is consistently rated ‘excellent’ by external examiners and inspectors. Study can be on either a full-time (one year) or a part-time (two year) basis, with the latter generally recommended so that students can devote the second year entirely to writing on a biographical subject of their choice. During the past 25 years, students have researched subjects ranging from Queen Victoria to the Bengali film-maker Ritwik Ghatak, or from Bernard Levin to the gardening author Jane Loudon. Some students write on their own ancestors; others write on contemporary figures they have known personally.

The team – led by biographer Ophelia Field – has expertise in a broad range of historical periods, from the Early Modern period to the present day, and the course places particular emphasis on understanding individual subjects within their historical, social and political context. We therefore work closely with the University’s historians. We also encourage those looking to work on Life Writing or Literary Biography to join us, and to benefit from the experience of academics working across the faculties (including Dr Pete Orford who has published a new biography of Charles Dickens, and Dr Peter Sloane who works on refugee life writing and memoir). Sitting on the boundary between several disciplines, as biography must, the Course is as interested in the many ways in which biographies can be written, and on the choices forced upon every biography, as in the underpinning research required.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Philosophy

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

This cutting-edge Master’s in Biography was founded in 1996, originally as a Taught MA Programme, and remains unique to Buckingham. The course is consistently rated ‘excellent’ by external examiners and inspectors. Study can be on either a full-time (one year) or a part-time (two year) basis, with the latter generally recommended so that students can devote the second year entirely to writing on a biographical subject of their choice. During the past 25 years, students have researched subjects ranging from Queen Victoria to the Bengali film-maker Ritwik Ghatak, or from Bernard Levin to the gardening author Jane Loudon. Some students write on their own ancestors; others write on contemporary figures they have known personally.

The team – led by biographer Ophelia Field – has expertise in a broad range of historical periods, from the Early Modern period to the present day, and the course places particular emphasis on understanding individual subjects within their historical, social and political context. We therefore work closely with the University’s historians. We also encourage those looking to work on Life Writing or Literary Biography to join us, and to benefit from the experience of academics working across the faculties (including Dr Pete Orford who has published a new biography of Charles Dickens, and Dr Peter Sloane who works on refugee life writing and memoir). Sitting on the boundary between several disciplines, as biography must, the Course is as interested in the many ways in which biographies can be written, and on the choices forced upon every biography, as in the underpinning research required.

Admission Requirements

IELTS

6.5+

TOEFL

87+

The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows: a first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or, a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience.

Program Duration

1 Year

Starting Month(s)

Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic

Starts from

5,150 GBP

International

Starts from

8,240 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

MA Research Biography

12 monthsProgramme duration

8,240 GBPTuition Fee/year

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Programme overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Admission Requirements

Exam Scores

Important Dates

Tuition fees

Tuition Fee

Domestic

International

Scholarships

Scholarships

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