History (MA )

About the Course

The MA in History offers students the chance to study the development of the modern world from ca. 1500 to the present. The programme builds on the skills of thinking, evaluation and writing that we stress at undergraduate level. Additionally, it will deepen the skills needed to analyse data and documentation and develop individual skills of writing, oral participation and presentation. Each graduate is monitored by a supervisor who offers professional advice and guidance. 

Due to the various branches of expertise held among our academic staff students are free to produce an MA dissertation on an array of topics, including Elizabeth I; modern British and Irish history; The British Empire; the Spanish Civil War and anarchy; European Fascism and the Holocaust; the History of Food; The Northern Ireland conflict; Margaret Thatcher and Thatcherism; Sport in Modern Europe, 1850-2000; and general aspects of modern European History.

Curriculum Overview

In addition to a module on historical methodology and historiography (1) Engaging History: skills, sources and collections), students are also required to participate in two additional core modules: (2) The Objects of History: Interpreting and evaluating primary evidence and (3) MA History Seminar. student-led seminar activities.

Alongside these three compulsory modules, a wide range of optional modules (15 credits) are on offer. These reflect the current research interests of staff and are constantly updated. These include the following modules, subject to availability:

• Elizabethan Conquest of Ireland
• Banditry, Bohemia and Revolt: Outlaws and Drop-Outs in the Insurrectionary Countercultures of Europe, 1871-1939
• British Experience of Empire, 1870-1945
• Modern Ireland, 1789-2009
• A Study of Varieties of Nationalism in Modern Europe, 1789-1945
• Literature of the First World War: Gender, class and conflict
• Crises in the USA? Division, Scandal and the Health of Democracy in the USA
• Sport in Modern Europe, 1850-2000
• Book History: Archives and Material Cultures of Reading

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

*Part time study is not available for Non-EU International applicants

Teaching and Research

The Department of History and Politics at Liverpool Hope has a strong teaching and research reputation. All faculty members are actively engaged in research, publishing and contributing to the development of their discipline.

The department has particular research interests in maritime and colonial history; transatlantic slave trade; early modern Irish and British history; modern Irish history; Northern Ireland politics and society; Anglo-Irish relations; women's history; twentieth century European ideologies, cultures and identities; international relations; European integration; American government; and international security.

The department works collaboratively with colleagues in other departments and are actively involved in a number of the University’s research centres and groups.

Research is a central part of Liverpool Hope University’s academic life and vision. In this context the Department of History and Politics is committed to developing and supporting an active research culture though an on-going mix of research seminars, locally organised conferences and other events, including field trips and visiting speakers.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

The qualification of an MA in History will allow you to enhance your personal interests, career specific opportunities and show potential for promotion to senior leadership.

The programme also assists personal development through an emphasis on personal responsibility, reflection and evaluation. In addition, you will develop transferable skills such as self-motivation, lateral thinking and key research and professional practice skills.

Graduates are likely to pursue careers in education and the University sector; community organisations, international organisations (UN and associated agencies), international business, diplomatic service, and the armed services.

Many schools now expect teachers to have studied to Masters level, especially if they apply for promotion. This course will also help teachers enhance the quality of their teaching.

Students completing the MA in History will also be well placed to go on to a doctorate (PhD) at Liverpool Hope.