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 Medieval 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 Medieval 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 Medieval 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.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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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.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
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.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
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 £12,858 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, specialist equipment, or stationery.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
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.
Are you a UK student interested in writing your master’s dissertation on a Basque-related topic? The Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies could provide around £5,000 towards your tuition fees.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
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Last updated 19 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions