History

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.



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.



Conversion Course

Are you looking to pivot your career or expand your expertise?

This programme provides the perfect opportunity to transfer your skills to a different sector with no need to have a background in the subject area.



Work placement / study abroad

There is no workplace or study abroad element in this course.

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

• Exploring Archives and Digital Resources

• History of Medicine, Ethics and Emotions

• The Historian's Craft: Reading and Writing about the Past

• Dissertation in History

• The European Colonies in the Americas, c.1500-1900

• Public History: Communicating Research in the Digital World

• Historical (Auto)Biography and the Russian Revolution

• Labour, Nationalism and Unionism

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.

Full-time students attend on Mondays and Wednesdays, 17.15-19.05 on the Coleraine campus.



Part time students attend on Mondays in Year One, and Wednesdays in Year Two.

Start Date: September 2025

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.