MA History

Lancaster University’s research specialisms cover a broad range of historical periods and geographies, and we are recognised experts in training future historians. You will explore how historical scholarship impacts the real world, from informing government policy to courtroom advocacy; how it shapes public understanding of the past, and how big historical themes play out across the centuries and around the world.

With advanced knowledge and skills, you'll be ready to launch a standout career, whether as a professional historian or in a wide range of exciting fields

Why Lancaster?

• Focus on medieval, early modern or modern history and gain insights on topics ranging from environment to war, health, and heritage

• Hone your specialist skills - finding and interpreting primary sources, working with archive materials, evaluating evidence, and writing for a range of audiences

• See behind the scenes of the historical profession and learn how historians have an impact on real world challenges

• Pursue your own historical investigation, discovering new evidence and forgotten stories

• Take your skills into a range of exciting careers or progress to doctoral study

Why the past matters

On this challenging master's programme, you will explore the many ways in which historical research, knowledge and skills have an impact. You will learn how to apply your historical craft to real-world challenges. Developing cross-chronological insights and global perspectives on the past, you will explore the significance of important historical themes - including changes in environment and climate; the relationship between war, health and society; and the preservation and promotion of histories through the heritage industry.

You will discover how public understanding of the past is shaped through exhibitions, historical fiction and gaming, trade publishing and documentaries, and you’ll build your fluency and confidence in communicating with a range of audiences. In short, you’ll develop the ability to make your own contribution to our knowledge of the past.

Becoming a historian

Our expert historians will lead you behind the scenes of the historical profession and train you in the specialist techniques needed to undertake original research and engage with debates at the forefront of the discipline.

You will discover how and why historians disagree with their peers and predecessors, and how they frame their findings as significant. Meanwhile, you will develop the historian’s essential skill: finding and interpretating primary sources.

You’ll also hone your skills in academic history at an advanced level: how to explore an archive and develop your research topic, how to assess the research of other historians in book reviews, and how to write for academic audiences and respond to peer review.

Follow your interests

You can choose to focus on medieval, early modern or modern history, honing the high-level skills you need to investigate a historical topic that fascinates you.

You will make your mark as a historian in your dissertation. Under the guidance of an expert supervisor, you’ll put into practice your advanced skills in research, handling primary sources and critical thinking to illuminate old controversies or uncover stories that previous historians have missed. Build expertise in a topic that enthralls you, experience the thrill of making discoveries as you piece together the past, and learn to communicate what you have found effectively.

We offer the option to take up the study of languages – an option which opens the door to new historical sources, as well as enhancing your career possibilities. You can begin or continue to study a foreign language, from Latin (if your interest lies in medieval history) to modern French, German, Italian, Spanish or Chinese.