ip target image
You are currently browsing our site with content tailored to students in your country

Modern History MA (Hons)

UK

What will I learn?

The MA (Hons) in Modern History will teach you to analyse historical events from the past 500 years from a present-day context. You will choose from a range of optional classes with very broad chronological, geographical and thematic coverage.

The modern era comprises the period from around 1450 to the 21st century, and classes are offered on the histories of many nations and regions, including Britain, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia and parts of Africa and the Americas. Intellectual, political, cultural, military, religious, gender, social and economic history are among the options on offer.

Course details

The MA (Hons) in Modern History is a four-year course run by the School of History. During your studies, you will learn to critically examine primary sources, survey material analytically and develop study skills.

Alongside modern history, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two.

The skills you gain in analysing original and secondary source materials will prepare you to continue exploring a wide range of historical subjects at a more advanced level in your third and fourth years. During these years, you will be able to branch out and study the modern history of countries and societies from around the globe. You will also be encouraged to dive deeper into a specialist topic of your choice during your fourth year.

Breadth of knowledge and perspective are highly encouraged, and all sub-honours students are expected to take some modules in other subject areas, for example English, art history or geography. 

Careers

History graduates find employment in academia, museums and archives, or as history teachers.

Using the analytical and communication skills acquired through the study of history, many also proceed to careers including:

  • law
  • publishing
  • armed forces
  • service industries
  • the financial sector
  • the arts
  • the media.

The School also offers a course which gives students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand experience of teaching in local schools.

Which department am I in?

Modern History

Study options

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees
£30,160.00 (US$ 39,093) per year
This is a provisional fee yet to be approved
Start date

8 September 2025

Venue

Main Site

16 St Katharine's West,

St Andrews,

KY16 9AX, Scotland

Entry requirements

For students from United States

To include History.Subjects excluded: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and General Studies.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

ADD TO MY FAVOURITES

Get in touch