MA History

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Build specialist historical knowledge, transcend orthodox boundaries and broaden your intellectual breath and historical imagination.

Your focus could be chronological (medieval, early modern or modern), geographical (European, transnational, global) or methodological (including political, cultural or economic and social history).

Develop advanced research and analytical skills.

The MA History at Manchester offers a flexible postgraduate experience that allows you to shape your studies around your interests and ambitions. You can focus on particular periods, regions or approaches to history, or combine different areas to create a personalised programme of study.

Teaching is informed by the latest research and delivered by academics with expertise spanning medieval, early modern and modern history. As a member of an active research community, you will engage with leading scholars while developing the theoretical and methodological foundations needed for independent historical research.

The breadth of study available is a distinctive feature of the course. You can explore themes including race and migration, sustainability, public history, documentary filmmaking, gender and sexuality, political history and global histories, while also benefiting from opportunities for interdisciplinary study across the University.

Manchester's outstanding resources support every stage of your learning. You will have access to extensive archives, special collections, rare books and historical materials, alongside the rich historical environment of the city itself. Manchester's heritage—from Roman and medieval sites to industrialisation, social reform and political activism—provides an important backdrop for historical enquiry.

Throughout the course, you will develop skills in research, critical analysis, project design, written communication and evidence-based argument. The programme also offers specialist skills training, including opportunities in language study, palaeography and research methods, helping prepare you for further academic study and a wide range of professional careers.

Skills training

Skills training can be tailored to specialist interests with language training, including Latin, and palaeography or methods training in social science.

Our course also offers outstanding doctoral research preparation training through the core units and skills training programme.

Careers and employability focus

Benefit from our clear focus on employability which enables you to develop transferable skills.

We'll also encourage you to become involved in outward-facing research and social engagement.

Our course units are interactive, and the small seminar is the rule.

The History department pioneered the way that History is taught in England - introducing the undergraduate dissertation and leading the development of economic history.

We continue to endeavour to introduce cutting-edge strategies to promote excellence in teaching, feedback and student experience.

The MA History course comprises 180 credits made up of:

• advanced coursework: 90 credits
• research training: 30 credits
• dissertation: 60 credits.

Taught course units are generally assessed by a 6,000-word essay per 30-credit unit (this will vary for the quantitative and qualitative research methods units).

You will research and write your dissertation from spring through to August. Supervision is offered at least until July.

The degree is awarded at Pass, Merit, and Distinction levels.

The University of Manchester and John Rylands Libraries offer immense holdings of printed primary medieval sources and extensive holdings for early modernists, including approximately 12,500 books printed between 1475 and 1640 (eg books printed by Caxton).

You can also access the largest e-book holdings of any UK academic library and special collections at the John Rylands Library, including the Methodist Archives and Collection, the French Revolution Collection, the Women's Suffrage Movement Archive and the Labour Party Library Collections.

Other collections include other papers of prominent scientists and academics, and collections in military, diplomatic, and colonial history.

Find out more on the Facilities page.

The MA History develops advanced skills in research, critical analysis, communication, project planning and evidence-based argument. You will learn how to evaluate complex information, construct persuasive arguments, manage independent research projects and communicate ideas effectively to different audiences.

These skills are valued across a wide range of professions, and graduates pursue careers in fields including

• Education and training
• Research and academia
• Museums, heritage and cultural organisations
• Public administration and the public sector
• Consultancy and professional services
• Communications, marketing and public relations
• Business and management roles

Labour market analysis highlights growing demand for History-related occupations and transferable skills such as research, communication, planning and leadership across multiple sectors.

Careers support

Whether you plan to continue into research or apply your historical expertise in a professional setting, you will be able to access support to help you develop your career plans. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability, such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University's dedicated Careers Service. As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.