| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
History MA
Overview
The MA History course at the University of Chester allows students to build upon existing historical interests while acquiring new expertise in a range of exciting historical topics. The course places great weight on key research techniques, helping students develop and enhance the skills that historians use when approaching the past.
Course Structure
The MA History course runs across three terms, with the fourth (summer) term dedicated fully to the research dissertation.
Modules
- Advanced Research Skills: This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced archaeological, historical, and heritage research.
- Global Histories of the City: This module explores the city as a space for global interactions and flows of people, goods, ideas, and objects.
- Histories of War, Conflict, and Society: War and society have always been deeply entangled. This module explores key case studies from the medieval era through to the present.
- Critical Perspectives on the Past: This module provides an advanced-level introduction and engagement with current theoretical and applied debates on the meaning of the human past and its significance in today's world.
- Professional Project: This module offers experiential learning opportunities in the form of bespoke placements, or experiential or research projects that are embedded in professional practice.
- Mnemonic Landscapes and Digital Worlds: This module interrogates specialist approaches to a shared endeavour of history, archaeology, and heritage studies: to tell the story and to critique the stories we tell, about past worlds.
- Research Dissertation: Each student researches and writes a 12,000-word dissertation on a historical, archaeological, museum, or heritage-related topic of their choosing.
Teaching and Learning
- Teaching is flexible, primarily based upon seminars and individual tutorials.
- Assessment is via essays, literature reviews, reports, and oral presentations.
- This course is designed around in-person study, with some online learning activities.
Staff
- Dr. Kara Critchell: Senior Lecturer in History; Programme Leader BA History
- Professor Tim Grady: Professor
- Dr. Hannah Ewence: Head of Humanities, Cultures, and Environment
- Dr. Thomas Pickles: Associate Professor
- Professor Katherine Wilson: Professor of Later Medieval European History
- Dr. Rebecca Andrew: Senior Lecturer
- Dr. David Harry: Deputy Head of Department; Senior Lecturer in History
- Dr. Donna Jackson: Senior Lecturer in American History; Assessment Contact – History and Archaeology; Academic Integrity Contact – History; CAID Affiliate
- Dr. Jonathan Worton: Lecturer
Entry Requirements
- A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline, e.g., Archaeology, Criminology, English, Modern Languages, Politics, or equivalent qualification is required.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band or equivalent.
Location
- Exton Park, Chester
Facilities
- Modern learning resources and library
- Fitness facilities
- Student Services
- Chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces
- Accommodation
- Catering
Fees and Funding
- Home Students: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
- International Students: £15,000 for a full-time course (2025/26)
- The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study.
Career Prospects
- Students may go on to find meaningful employment in the industry or pursue a research degree.
- Destinations include heritage organisations, museums, and the civil service or education sectors.
Related Courses
- History MRes
- Death and Memory MA
- Museums and Heritage Practice MSc
University of Chester
Overview:
The University of Chester is a public university located in Chester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its modern learning facilities and its historic city setting.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.Student Support:
A dedicated team provides academic, personal, and financial support.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid is available.Careers and Employability:
Services include career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Sport and Active Lifestyle:
The university offers a variety of sports clubs and facilities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Chester can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, offering numerous opportunities for exploration and leisure. The university also boasts a strong student community with a variety of clubs, societies, and events.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Award-Winning University:
The University of Chester has received numerous awards for its student experience, including being ranked 1st in the UK for its international student experience.Modern Learning Facilities:
The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and computer labs.Historic City Setting:
Chester is a charming city with a rich history and culture, providing a unique and enriching learning environment.Strong Student Community:
The university has a vibrant student community with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.Academic Programs:
The University of Chester offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including nursing, midwifery, social work, teaching, and business.Postgraduate Programs:
The university also offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees and research degrees.Other:
The university has several University Centres located in Birkenhead, Nantwich, and Warrington, offering a range of professionally-focused, practice-based courses. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation.
