History MA/MA(SocSci)
The study of history is the study of change and continuity in human society through time. Glasgow offers a wide-ranging programme from medieval to modern times.
Our teaching draws on world-leading research expertise in:
- Scottish, British, European, U.S. and global history
- Slavery studies
- Gender history
- War, intelligence and genocide studies
We offer a broad range of courses ranging from medieval to modern times and across the globe. We provide small group teaching, a variety of assessments (including real-world tasks like policy papers and blogs) and one-to-one feedback tutorials.
We host leading research centres in gender history, war studies, slavery studies, American studies and Scottish and Celtic studies.
- September start
- Session dates
- History MA (Hons): V100 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Broad thematic courses in years 1 and 2 provide a framework for closer study of sources and topics in years 3 and 4.
Year 1
You will be introduced to the study of historical change across the medieval, early modern and modern eras through the lens of Scottish history, followed by a closer look at the dynamics of medieval Europe and its interactions with its neighbours. Forces driving continuity and change in politics, society, economy and culture are assessed over time. These courses combine lectures with small seminar groups.
Year 2
You will examine social and cultural change in the early modern and modern era in Europe, followed by a thematic exploration of global history, tracing people, ideas and empires across national boundaries. You will engage with historical skills and approaches, readying you for Honours study.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
A Junior Honours core course will develop your understanding of traditional and new theories and methods in historical research. You will choose from a large variety of courses tackling topics in gender history, war and intelligence studies, medieval history, US history, Scottish and Highland history and global history.
Sample courses include
- From the Space Race to Star Wars: US Conflict and Cooperation in Orbit, 1945-1999
- Traders, settlers and Rebels: Africans in the Atlantic world, 1740–1938
- France, 1789–1914: Nation, Revolution & Empire
- The Life and Afterlife of Mary, Queen of Scots
- Women and Gender Relations in Europe, 1789–1918
- The Mongols and the West, c1200–c1500
- Covert Action: The Secret Pursuit of Foreign Policy from the Second World War to Today.
In year 4, you can take a year-long Special Subject working in a small seminar group to closely examine a topic through primary sources. Special subjects are taught by our academics from their own research. Examples include:
- The French Revolution, 1786-95
- The Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Development of Plantation Slavery
- The Norman Conquest 1042-1087
- Scottish Radicalism and Scottish Society, 1790-1945
- Genocide in the Modern World
- The United States in Depression and War, 1929-1945.
Course details
Courses you will take as part of a History programme may include:
Year 1
- History 1A: Scotland's Millennium: Kingdom, Union and Nation c 1000-1999
- History 1B: Europe Rising. The Medieval World, 500-1500
- Introduction to Scottish Culture Semester 1
- Introduction to Scottish Culture Semester 2
Year 2
- History2B: An Introduction to Global History
- History 2A: The Social and Cultural History of Europe, 1500-2000
Years 3 and 4 (Honours)
(Not all courses listed will be available in each session)
- Demanding The Impossible: European Societies In The 1960s
- Gaelic Scotland: The Scottish Highlands C1400-1609
- Patriarchy, Sex and Gender in Early Modern Europe
- REBELLION, TREASON AND POLITICAL OPPOSITION - 1066-1352
- [[[HIST4023]]]
- The First Scottish War Of Independence, 1286-1329
- [[[HIST4032]]]
- [[[HIST4035]]]
- Anarchy & Society:The Reign Of Stephen
- [[[HIST4049]]]
- 'Oral History Theory and Methods'
- The French Revolut 1786-95 (SS)
- [[[HIST4149]]]
- [[[HIST4161]]]
- [[[HIST4162]]]
- [[[HIST4170]]]
- [[[HIST4188]]]
- The Rise of Chivalry: War and Chivalric Culture in Britain and France, c1000 - c1300
- Punishment, Internment and Containment: The History and Archaeology of Prisons and Camps
- [[[HIST4206]]]
- [[[HIST4207]]]
- [[[HIST4211]]]
- [[[HIST4216]]]
- The United States in Depression and War, 1929-1945 (SS)
- Lenin and Leninism (SS)
- Society and Religion in the Medieval Crusader States
- Poland and its Neighbours, 1000-1795
- [[[HIST4232]]]
- [[[HIST4234]]]
- [[[HIST4241]]]
- [[[HIST4242]]]
- The Medievalists: the Middle Ages in 20th century Eastern and Central Europe
- [[[HIST4247]]]
- [[[HIST4250]]]
- [[[HIST4252]]]
- [[[HIST4254]]]
- The Making of Britain? Scotland and Ireland, 1707-c.1815
- Czechoslovakia: A case study of a country in Europe through the history of film
- A Global History of Giving: from Begging to Basic Income
- [[[HIST4263]]]
- [[[HIST4264]]]
- [[[HIST4265]]]
- [[[HIST4266]]]
- History through film and literature: Crisis situations
- [[[HIST4269]]]
- [[[HIST4272]]]
- [[[HIST4273]]]
- [[[HIST4274]]]
- [[[HIST4275]]]
- [[[HIST4276]]]
- Islands at War in the 20th Century: Invaders, Occupiers and Liberators:
- [[[HIST4278]]]
- Imperial States: Race, War, and Expansion in American History, 1860s-1920s
- Becoming an Historian
- [[[HIST4282]]]
- [[[HIST4284]]]
- The Social Life of Things: Material Culture and Everyday Life
- [[[HIST4287]]]
- [[[HIST4288]]]
- [[[HIST4289]]]
- [[[HIST4290]]]
- History Dissertation
- Applied Dissertation with Placement in History
- Landscape and Power in Ancient Western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean
- [[[ARCH4018]]]
- Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology
- [[[ARCH4045]]]
- [[[ARCH4048]]]
- [[[ARCH4061]]]
- Archaeology, Games and Interactive Media
- [[[ARCH4071]]]
- [[[ARCH4072]]]
- Assembling the Artefacts
- [[[CELTCIV4027]]]
- [[[CLASSIC4072]]]
- [[[CLASSIC4075]]]
- The Later Roman Empire, 270-400 AD
- [[[CLASSIC4085]]]
- [[[CLASSIC4086]]]
- Stargazing: Astronomy, Astrology and Meteorology in Antiquity
- Narrating the City: Representation of Urban Space in Literature and Film
- Classic European Cinema East and West
- Subsidiary Czech Language (Beginners)
- Gaelic (Beginners) for Honours Students
- Subsidiary Polish Language (Beginners)
- Russian Literature and State Power
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Special Glasgow feature
Our History Special Subjects in year 4 allow you to study a topic in depth using original sources. You will also write a dissertation based on your own research on a topic of your choice developed with an academic supervisor.
Our international links
You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies. See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme. The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.
Summary of entry requirements for History
SQA Higher entry requirements
- BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AABB* (minimum requirement of ABB in S5)
- Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
Widening Participation Articulation Programmes
The University has bespoke HNC Articulation Programmes running at various colleges, offering direct entry to Year 2 of this degree.
A-level standard entry requirements
- AAB – BBB
- Additional requirements: one A-level Humanities subject.
IB standard entry requirements
- 34 (6,5,5)
- Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.
Advanced entry
Applicants who achieve exceptional grades in their Advanced Highers, A-levels or International Baccalaureate may be considered for advanced entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes.
Indicative grades to be considered for advanced entry
SQA Higher advanced entry requirements
- Three Advanced Highers at Grades AAA attained in one exam year and at the first attempt. Subjects must be relevant to the courses to be taken at Level 2.
A-Level advanced entry requirements
- A*A*A
IB advanced entry requirements
- 38 points
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 21.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 59 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Cambridge English Qualifications
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
School Qualifications
- iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
As a History graduate you will be able to enter many different careers, from the heritage sector and teaching to consultancy, management and financial services. Our recent History graduates have been employed by:
- HarperCollins
- Police Scotland
- Oxfam
- Glasgow Museums
- Morgan Stanley.
Watch a video with our alumna Kirsty Hassard who works as a curator at V&A Dundee
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
MA(SocSci) (Hons)
History can also be taken in combination with Law programmes:
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of World Changers Global Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2025 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2025-26. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2025 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship
The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.
Payments
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
- The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.
These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.
Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.
Beaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary
Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
- The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply
Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry.
Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship
The Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarships originate with an important collection of works by Whistler gifted by Miss Rosalind Birnie Philip to the University in 1935. Since then, and thanks to further gifts and acquisitions, the Hunterian has come to hold one of the two leading collections of Whistler’s work in the world and History of Art (SCCA) has become an international centre of expertise for the study of Whistler and his 19th century world.
At her death in 1958, Miss Birnie Philip, Whistler’s heir and executrix, bequeathed the remainder of her art collection to the University, together with part of her residual estate for the purpose of establishing a scholarship scheme for students engaged in any branch of learning within the College of Arts & Humanities. In 2019, the Whistler scholarships scheme was revised in acknowledgement of the continuing links between Miss Birnie Philip’s 1958 bequest of artworks and her wish to support student learning at the University.
The Whistler Scholarships are open to students in all disciplines of the College of Arts & Humanities. The award committee is willing to consider both individual applications AND joint applications (from up to THREE students). Innovative interdisciplinary work is particularly encouraged. However, students may only involve themselves in the submission of ONE application (individual OR joint).
The Whistler Scholarships cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses ONLY.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2025 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study programme.
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 30 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023. The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26.
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [History]
Related programmes
Undergraduate events
