MScR in History
The University of Edinburgh - The School of History, Classics & Archaeology
Key Information
Campus location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 8,300 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* Full-time studies: Home/EU £8,300 per year; Overseas £21,600 per year. Part-time studies: Home/EU £4,150 per year; Overseas £10,800 per year. Additional fees may apply.
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
The MSc by Research in History offers you the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of supervised independent research in your chosen field.
We have strong research concentrations in Scottish history, American history, global and transnational history, Irish history, intellectual history, and medieval history, and colleagues who can supervise topics spanning two millennia and five continents. Colleagues in the department welcome the opportunity to discuss their research topics with potential applicants.
Programme structure
This programme aims to introduce you to independent research. You will be assigned two supervisors with expertise in your chosen area to help you to complete your thesis.
You will also audit two History Skills Courses, ‘Historical Research: Skills and Sources' (Semester One) and 'Historical Methodology' (Semester Two).
Students have the opportunity to acquire specific research skills. Training in Latin and Palaeography are especially relevant for those wishing to pursue research in the medieval or early modern periods. Training in other languages is also available.
Training in transferable skills is available, both within the School of History, Classics and Archaeology and through the Institute for Academic Development (IAD).
MScR students are also expected to attend School research seminars and workshops.
Dissertation
You will undertake a piece of independent research which results in a 30,000-word dissertation which is submitted on an assigned date in August.
Entry requirements
Find out about the admission criteria and required qualifications for the MSc (by Research) in History.
Degree Requirements
You will need a UK 2:1 honours degree, US GPA 3.4 or another international equivalent, in a subject related to your programme.
Relevant experience or professional or other qualifications will also be considered.
Guidance on the equivalency of international qualifications is provided by Edinburgh Global (see link below). If you are unsure of the equivalency of your degree, Edinburgh Global provides information by country.
English language requirements
If you do not come from a majority English-speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English.
- IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
- TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
- PTE(A): total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
- CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
Your English language qualification must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.
Alternatively, we may also be able to accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country for entry (as defined by UK Visas & Immigration), provided the degree is no more than three years old at the beginning of your degree programme. In such cases, we may additionally require you to take the University’s Test of English at Matriculation (TEAM). This test is designed to highlight any weaknesses you may have with your English and tuition will be provided for you free of charge.
Careers
This degree can form the stepping stone to many career options.
Many recent graduates of the MScR degree have gone on to pursue a PhD degree in History. The MScR can also serve as a terminal master’s degree, enhancing students’ writing and research skills, and preparing them for careers in fields where these skills are especially valued.
Visit our Careers Service for advice on options with a master, moving on to a PhD, plus job search and application advice.