History

History at Queen's University offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the past, designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes and their impact on the modern world. The programme provides students with the opportunity to study a diverse range of periods, regions, and themes, including ancient civilizations, medieval societies, early modern periods, and contemporary history. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students examine key historical events, trends, and personalities, while also engaging with primary and secondary sources to develop their interpretative abilities.

The curriculum is structured to encourage interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from politics, economics, sociology, and cultural studies. Students can tailor their studies to their interests by choosing optional modules that cover areas such as European history, American history, Asian history, and global developments. The programme emphasizes the importance of historical methodology, fostering skills in research, argument construction, and academic writing that prepare graduates for careers in education, research, media, public service, and beyond.

Queen's University’s Department of History boasts renowned faculty members who are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the course. The programme also includes opportunities for internships, study abroad exchanges, and engaging with local communities through outreach projects, enriching students' learning experiences and broadening their global perspectives. Upon graduation, students will possess a thorough understanding of historical contexts and a set of transferable skills that are highly valued in numerous professions. Whether aiming for a career in academia, journalism, public history, or policy analysis, students will find that a degree in History from Queen's University provides a solid foundation for future success and lifelong learning.

• Capitalism: A Historical View 
• Cultural History of Enlightenment France
• Global, World and Transnational History
• The State and Civil Society in British North America and Canada to the First World War
• U.S. History to 1900
• Comparative Colonial North American Societies
• Topics in Early Modern Europe I 
• Liberalism, Authoritarianism and Citizenship in Latin America 
• Topics in Modern European History II 
• Approaches to History
• Selected Topics in History I: The British Discover their Past, 1475- 1730 
• Topics in Irish History 1798 to the Present
• The Atlantic World I
• Imperial and Postcolonial History
• Canada’s Racial State 
• Race and Ethnicity in Latin America, 1492 to the Present 
• Topics in Early Modern Europe II 
• 19th Century Colonial North America 
• The Social History of Canada 
• The Crusades and the Latin Kingdoms 
• Empires and Intimacies 
• Topics in Modern European Intellectual and Cultural History
• Canada at War 

Requirements

• Admission to the Ph.D. is normally limited to applicants with first class standing on their M.A. work (A minus minimum, GPA 3.7).
• If English is not your first language, we require a total TEOFL score of at least 627 (paper-based), 263 (computer-based) or 88 (internet-based) as well as a TEOFL test of written English section score of 6.0 (paper or computer-based) or 24 (internet-based). All required test scores must be received directly from the testing agency, before your application is complete.Any applicant who has recently studied (in the previous 12 months) for at least one complete year at a university where English is the official language of instruction may be exempt from the English language proficiency test.
• Two current academic reference letters are required. Where possible, one of those references should be by the student’s MA supervisor. Applicants applying online will have the option to have their referees submit letters of recommendation to Queen's University electronically. If you have been out of university for a number of years, one or more professional recommendations may be included. However, all effort should be made to include academic recommendations.
• Two official copies of transcripts for all post-secondary institutions which you have attended are required. Please send both transcripts to either the School of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Office in History
• The writing sample should be a minimum of 20 pages. It can be a chapter of the MA thesis/essay or a course paper.
• You will be prompted in the online application to describe your research interests. The online application generally does not provide sufficient space for doctoral applicants to describe their research interests. Please print and send along with your writing sample a longer research statement to the Graduate Office in History (address below). Research Statements for doctoral candidates are typically 3-5 double spaced pages. If you have applied for a SSHRC PhD award, you could use that as a basis for this statement. The Admissions Committee looks very closely at the research statement and we encourage you to be as specific as possible, at the same time indicating how your proposed research addresses larger questions and problems.
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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Basic Funding Package (teaching and research assistantship, internal fellowships, bursaries and incremental growth).minimum $18,000; most students receive between $18,000 and $22,000 per year
• Queen’s Graduate Awards (QGA)
• Graduate Entrance Tuition Awards (GETA)
• International Tuition Awards (ITAs)
• Conference Travel Awards

History at Queen's University offers a comprehensive and engaging programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of past events, cultures, and societies. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced appreciation of historical contexts across different periods and regions. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of historical themes, including political, social, economic, and cultural developments, through diverse modules and coursework. The curriculum is structured to foster research skills and independent learning, encouraging students to develop their own perspectives on historical issues.

At Queen's University, the History programme incorporates both lectures and seminars, promoting interactive and collaborative learning environments. Students are introduced to primary and secondary sources, learning how to analyze historical documents critically and interpret complex narratives. The programme also offers specializations and optional modules that allow students to focus on specific areas such as British, European, American, or global history, adapting the degree to their interests and career ambitions.

The department benefits from experienced faculty members who are active researchers in their fields, providing students with insights into current debates and trends in historical scholarship. Opportunities for students include participating in research projects, attending seminars and conferences, and engaging in archival work. The programme aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers, including education, journalism, public history, policy, and further academic research.

In addition to academic training, students are encouraged to undertake placements or internships, gaining practical experience and enhancing their employability. The University provides a supportive environment with dedicated academic advisors and resources such as libraries and digital archives to facilitate students' learning journey. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to combine history with other disciplines through joint or combined degree options, broadening their skills and perspectives.

Overall, the History programme at Queen's University offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience that equips students with critical skills, historical knowledge, and a global outlook. Graduates leave well-prepared for further study or entering the workforce, carrying with them a lifelong interest in understanding the complexities of the past and their relevance today.