Program Overview

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Course Summary

Our MRes in History offers you an excellent opportunity to extend your range and depth of historical knowledge alongside your proficiency in research and project management. The course is an ideal academic undertaking in preparation for a PhD in History, as well as a valuable qualification for those pursuing a wide range of careers. Advanced research skills acquired by MRes students are sought after in a range of sectors, from finance to academia, and teaching to the civil service.

Course Details

Level

• Postgraduate

UCAS Code

• N/A

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £5,006 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £15,084 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Course Structure

Year 1

• Research Dissertation on an individual topic chosen by you
• Two core modules:
  • Research Methods and Skills in History
  • Approaches to Historiography

Research Dissertation

Module Content

Each student researches and writes a 28,000-word dissertation upon an aspect of history that relates to the Department’s specialisms. The topic and title are negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement.

Module Aims

• To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
• To familiarise students with the range of documentary and other sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
• To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of their selected dissertation topic.

Research Methods and Skills in History

Module Content

This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced historical research. Its overall aim and purpose is to prepare students for writing extended essays and dissertations.

Module Aims

1. To familiarise students with the range of documentary and other sources, texts, and material available for the study of the subject.
2. To familiarise students with the potential, uses, and limitations of a range of primary sources and to enhance research skills involved in locating, evaluating, and employing source material.
3. To enable students to explore and critically examine primary sources, assessing their different applications and reaching valid conclusions, thus enhancing their skills in research, analysis, and communication.

Approaches to Historiography

Module Content

The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to key debates and developments that have shaped, and in many cases continue, to shape the writing of history.

Module Aims

• To familiarise students with the range of documentary and other sources / texts/ materials available for the study of the subject.
• To familiarise students with current scholarship on the philosophy of the historical discipline.
• To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of modern historiographical debates.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr. Thomas Pickles, Associate Professor

How You'll Learn

• Teaching is flexible but is primarily based upon a weekly 2.5-hour seminar
• Assessments include essays, literature reviews, and oral presentations
• This course is designed around in-person study
• Course can be taught fully online

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: A 2:1 honours degree in history or any relevant discipline, or suitable equivalent qualification
• International/EU Students: A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or any relevant discipline
• Applicants will be required to produce up to 300 words describing their research topic and attend an interview.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £5,006 per year full-time (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,084 per year full-time (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: This programme prepares students for advanced postgraduate historical research; it also provides students with the skills necessary for careers in the education, archival management, and heritage sectors.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.