The History MA offers a flexible structure, allowing students to design a programme that aligns with their interests. You will engage with a wide range of historical sources, from artefacts and archival documents to literature, photographs, and museum collections. The course encourages exploration of major themes that have shaped societies, including religion and revolution, gender and sexuality, race and modernity, and the evolving nature of historical truth.
The programme provides training in advanced research methods, historiographical analysis, and theoretical approaches, incorporating insights from related disciplines. You will develop the skills necessary for independent research and critical analysis, culminating in a dissertation that allows you to investigate a historical topic of your choice in depth.
Balancing structured learning with academic flexibility, the MA offers opportunities to specialise while maintaining breadth in historical study. For those focusing on the Mediaeval period, a more structured pathway includes core modules in Latin and Palaeography, equipping students with essential skills for engaging with primary sources.
This programme will appeal to a wide range of students, including those who’ve recently graduated in History or a related discipline or have decided to return to university later in life. The structure of the course provides a good grounding for those intending to proceed to doctoral research.
This MA draws together social, cultural, and political histories from Britain and Europe, the European empires, Asia, and the Americas from antiquity to the present day.
Modules include*:
*Information provided above is indicative and changes may be made according to programme development and teaching availability
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students on the Mediaeval History pathway additionally take Latin CLAH641 in semester 1 and Latin CLAH642 in semester 2. They will also take Palaeography HIST560 in semester 2.
All other students can select two of the four optional modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOW WE STUDY THE PAST (HIST507) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students on the Mediaeval History pathway additionally take Latin CLAH641 in semester 1 and Latin CLAH642 in semester 2. They will also take Palaeography HIST560 in semester 2.
All other students can select two of the four optional modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DIRECTED READING (HIST539) | 30 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THE UNBELIEVED (HIST531) | 15 |
| GENDER, SEXUALITY AND THE BODY (HIST535) | 15 |
| HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES (HLAC712) | 15 |
| PROJECT-BASED WORK PLACEMENT (HIST500) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (HIST550) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Most modules take the form of small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study. Most seminars are weekly two-hour sessions. Students lead discussions in class and receive guidance on further reading from the module tutor. We consider small group teaching essential to the learning and teaching experience at postgraduate level.
The HIST537 Research Assistantship and HIST500 Work-Based Placement modules use active learning through hands-on experience, either conducting research alongside a Liverpool historian, or working in a heritage institution or historical site.
The Directed Reading (HIST539) and Dissertation (HIST550) demand a higher degree of independence, with guidance and advice from a dedicated supervisor through individual tutorials.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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Our taught programmes equip students with a broad range of transferable skills, preparing them for diverse career paths. Designed to meet the training requirements of the AHRC and ESRC, they provide a strong foundation for further study at the MPhil or PhD level. However, MA graduates also pursue careers in various fields, including media, public sector management, business consultancy, the civil service, NGOs, development work, and academia.
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We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
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Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Part-time place, per year - £12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
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Last updated 16 May 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions