Overview
An outstanding research led experience for students who want to pursue an interest in History at an advanced level.
Summary
*100% Student Satisfaction, Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024"
The course offers a broad-ranging programme of study. Students will have the opportunity to specialise in areas including Ireland, Europe since 1500 (including Russia and the Soviet Union); medical history; Britain, its Empire and foreign relations; the Mediterranean world; and US history since 1800. We encourage research in social, political and cultural history as well as transnational and emotions histories. Students also have opportunities to develop innovative public history projects.
We place strong emphasis on developing skills in digital humanities and public history. To see some of the exciting projects created by students, visit https://uuhistorymasters.wordpress.com/. We have strong links with heritage institutions including Ulster Museum and Museum of Free Derry, and provide regular field trips to museums throughout the course.
If you join us you will be taught by leading authorities in these fields and will gain advanced level training in historical methods, theories and theory and ideas relevant to the study of the past. You will also be taught by experts involved in public history projects including Epidemic Belfast, Bad Bridget and Witches of Islandmagee. The book A History of Ireland in Ten Body Parts, written by Course Director Dr Ian Miller was shortlisted for An Post History Book of the Year award in 2024.
Overall, we provide an excellent foundation for further study; a bridge to new employment opportunities; and a fundamentally valuable cultural and educational experience. Students will leave the MA with a broad range of academic and practical skills prepared for the modern workplace.
We’d love to hear from you!
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
- Course specific information
- Fees and Finance
- Admissions
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
About this course
About
The MA comprises four taught modules of 120 credits and a dissertation of 60 credits. The programme is taught by lectures, staff papers, seminar discussions and via student presentations.
Students independently develop a lively mixture of assessments including essays, presentations, student-led classrooms, public history projects, book reviews, (auto)biographical analyses and advanced research into primary and secondary sources.
Attendance
Full-time students attend on Mondays, Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays, 17.15-19.05 on the Coleraine campus.
Part time students attend on Mondays in Year One, and Tuesday and/or Wednesday in Year Two.
Please note that these times are subject to change. Please contact Course Director if in doubt.
Start dates
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Students are taught by lectures, seminars and individual tutorials.
The course is assessed by written essays, presentations and a long piece of extended writing (the dissertation).
Attendance and Independent Study
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
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Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
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Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
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Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Academic profile
In History,we publish books and articles, create digital content, and provide expert analysis for national and international media outlets. Some recent examples include:
· Dr Ian Miller was lead creator of the medical history digital learning resource, ‘Epidemic Belfast’: https://epidemic-belfast.com
· Dr Andrew Sneddon was the historical consultant for and contributor to the BBCNI and TG4 television series, An Diabhal Inti (The Devil’s in Her): https://paulamkehoe.com/#/witches-ireland/
· Dr Leanne McCormick leads the ‘Bad Bridget’ project exploring the lives of criminal and deviant Irish women in North America which has featured on the BBC, RTE, The Guardian, The Irish Times and many more: https://badbridget.wordpress.com
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Exploring Archives and Digital Records
Year: 1
Status: C
This module offers a detailed guide to students of how to find, critique and use primary sources at postgraduate level.
The Historian's Craft: Reading and Writing about the Past
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will enable students to deepen their ability to reflect on historical writing through the reviewing of a key historiographical area. Students will explore foundational monographs and articles relevant to their topic and examine how the historian writes about the past. It will prepare students' for their dissertation by developing skills in analysing secondary literature.
The European Colonies in the Americas, c.1500-1900
Year: 1
Status: C
Within this module students will examine a key themes relating to the European Colonies in the Americas, c.1500-1900.
Labour, Nationalism and Unionism
Year: 1
Status: C
In this module, students will examine a key theme in Irish labour history that draws upon staff research specialisms. Staff will introduce and overview their theme of study and then be provided with opportunities to engage more deeply with key questions and issues, texts and sources, related to each of the themes. The module is intended to provide a critical and content-based approach to a range of study opportunities that can be used as a foundation for semester 2 research-based modules and dissertation.
Year two
History of Medicine, Ethics and Emotions
Year: 2
Status: C
This module examines key themes in the history of medicine, ethics and emotions. By exploring case studies that bear direct relevance to the history of medicine, ethics and emotions, students will be encouraged to critically assess contemporary medical debates and reflect on how analysis of their history can inform present-day debates. Topics to be explored include theoretical perspectives on mental and physical illness, the interpretation of Nazi medical ethics, the relationship between colonialism, power and medicine and writing emotions history.
Dissertation in History
Year: 2
Status: C
The research and writing up of a dissertation on an historical topic.
Public History: Communicating Research in the Digital World
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces students to public history and asks them to develop a practice- based project based on their own original topic.
Historical (Auto)Biography and the Russian Revolution
Year: 2
Status: C
This module enables students to consider the important historical genres of auto(biography) with a special emphasis on the Russian Revolution. It will introduce the main theoretical approaches to the study of auto(biography) and chart how these have changed over several hundred years. The module will then cover in detail the lives of five leading revolutionaries, connected to the Russian Revolution. This allows the students to think critically about the application of historical methods to individual lives, and the role of the individual life in History. This involves deep engagement with primary and secondary sources. This module is intended to provide a critical and content-based approach to a range of study opportunities that can be used as a foundation for further study in the 'Historian's Craft' modules, History in Practice and the Master's thesis.
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Entry Requirements
1st class or high 2:1 is desirable. However, we may consider applicants with a lower second class degree. While a history undergraduate degree is desirable, we do accept applicants from other disciplines.
The degree held must be from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard. Applicants may alternatively hold an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, or an approved alternative qualification. They must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. The onus is on the applicant to evidence that they have relevant experience equating to degree study at honours level. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Exemptions and transferability
Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme provided that they register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level. No exemption is permitted from the dissertation.
Careers & opportunities
Career options
Students graduating with the MA in History are well-prepared to undertake a variety of occupations. Some students will progress to doctoral research and academic careers. Others will become teachers or lecturers in further education. Not all MA graduates become teachers or university lecturers.
Other options include work in libraries, archives, museums, or full-time work in research for charities, official organisations, government, etc. Others may go into marketing advertising, publishing, the civil service or politics. Our MA programmes have been known to help teachers advance their careers. Others pursue these degrees purely through interest and a love of the past. All graduate occupational outcomes are enhanced by a higher qualification such as this. We also have a strong history of securing PhD funding for our most talented students.
Work placement / study abroad
There are no work placements/ study abroad options with this course.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loans Available
Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).
2025/26 Fees
Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Additional mandatory costs
Students, while researching their dissertation, may incur travel and accommodation costs while visiting archives. A modest amount of research funding can be applied for each year via the Course Director for research in Ireland and Britain.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
Disclaimer
- We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons:
- to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
- to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
- to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and or student outcomes; and/or
- to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners feedback.
- If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to admissions@ulster.ac.uk.
- Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
- We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.
- The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
- At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible. The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.
- The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
- If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University, because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing admissions@ulster.ac.uk (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.
- Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and taken the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.
- The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
Testimonials
'The Master's in History course at Ulster University is brilliant with phenomenal staff and teaching faculties. It's an essential steppingstone for becoming a historian. Under the guidance of Course Director, Dr Ian Miller, I have truly developed a passion for medical history. I undertook the Master's on a part time basis which allowed me to gain employment in a local museum applying my learning to a public history environment. From completing the course, I have gained excellent creative and critical thinking skills. I highly recommend the course to fellow aspiring medical historians!' (Rebecca Brown, MA Graduate, 2022).
'The Master's in History course at Ulster University is outstanding. I completed my Master's part-time which allowed me to get a part-time job as museum guide. This exciting opportunity allowed me to apply the material being taught on the Master's to a real-life setting. The teaching staff are extremely encouraging and supportive. They foster an environment that is highly conducive to learning. The feedback on assignments is always constructive and helpful. The modules were interesting and engaging, and offer the freedom to explore any area of history that interested me. I developed my skills as an historian through the training modules. The history MA has prepared me to now begin a PhD at Ulster University in September 2022. This course is the best choice for any budding historian'. (Hannah Brown, MA Graduate 2022).
The MA History course at Ulster University is an engaging, challenging and immersive experience. Through a range of modules, independent but connected through theory, debate and historiography, I was supported to develop a much greater understanding of historical topics and approaches. The course allowed me to explore ideas and themes that I had not been introduced to before, and greatly developed my ability to research and write history. Undertaking this course enabled me to apply for a PhD at Ulster University, which would not have happened without the excellent support of the MA course director, Dr Ian Miller and the Research Director, Professor Ian Thatcher. I completed the MA course full-time: it can be intense but you are learning in a very supportive environment. I highly recommend the MA course for those with an interest in history, as well as those seeking to pursue further study (Rebecca Watterson, MA graduate, 2020).
'As a student in the Master’sprogramme at Ulster University, I felt encouraged and inspired by the faculty and its staff whose commitment to excellence in education is contagious and extends beyond the classroom. Over the course of the year, I enjoyed the variety of course offerings as well as the opportunity to approach each topic with creative and critical thinking. The greater freedom of study has also allowed for further specialisation, and a greater depth of knowledge on topics.On a personal level, the MA has opened up new employment opportunities for me, however, as I reflect on my experience at Ulster University, I have realised that the MA is a stepping stone towards becoming a real historian. For those seeking to do so, it provides an essential base' (MA Graduate 2016).
‘I enjoyed the MA because I found the course as whole very interesting and was able to choose my own special topic that I personally found the best part of the course. The staff were extremely helpful and I am very grateful for their guidance and assistance throughout my year at university. I now teach at the International School of Chouifat in Abu Dhabi, UAE.' (MA Graduate 2015)
Sustainability at Ulster
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
