History

This MA aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore and deepen their knowledge of history and develop their skills as historians through the critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, the collection and collation of research data, and the formulation and presentation of arguments and discussions.

WHY QUEEN'S?

Postgraduate students are encouraged to play a full part in the life of the School. Several lively research seminars and colloquia meet throughout the academic year, which full-time MA students are expected to attend. As part of this MA we work closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and the Special Collections Service of the University Library in providing practical archival training in the use of primary sources. The MA programme includes the option of an internship-placement. Full-time MA students may audit a final-year undergraduate module on a voluntary basis, in agreement with the Programme Co-ordinator.

Students can choose from one of seven strands:

• American History
• Ancient History
• British History
• Irish History
• Irish Local History
• Medieval and Early Modern History
• Religion, Identity and Conflict in History

These strands share some common elements in research methods and historiography, but allow specialisation through separate taught modules and dissertation supervision. Applicants are requested to indicate which strand they intend to follow on the 'additional information' section of the application form. Students will take a number of compulsory and optional modules.

There are five main components within each strand:

• a research methods in history module
• a historiography module
• a choice between a primary source-based module or a public history internship
• a strand-specific taught module
• plus a double-weighted dissertation module of up to 20,000 words.

An individually negotiated topic module may be substituted (where appropriate and with the agreement of the Programme Co-ordinator) for a strand-specific taught or a source-based module.

Modules include:

• Becoming an Historian
• Concepts, Issues and Methods in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Debates in History
• From Blitz to Blair: Exploring Post-war Britain
• Historical documents and sources
• Individually negotiated topic
• New Approaches in Medieval and Early Modern History
• Public History Internship
• Researching the Ancient World
• The Making of the United States
• Themes in Local Irish History
• Topics In Irish History
• War of Gods: Religion and Identity in Historical Perspectives

Dissertation

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in History (single or combined Honours). In exceptional circumstances the holder of a 2.1 Honours degree, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a subject other than History may be considered for admission. Such applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in History (single or combined Honours) who can demonstrate relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this programme.

Please click the links below for more information:

• English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
• Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English

Applicants from the UK and other EU countries
Please note: Where it states 'UK residents' qualifying residency and citizenship/nationality criteria apply.

* Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) Postgraduate Research Studentships

Funded by the Department of Employment and Learning, these are offered in most subject areas.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

* DEL (CAST) Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology

These awards are for specific research projects in collaboration with an industrial sponsor in the following Schools/areas: Biomedical Sciences in School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; School of Pharmacy; School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering; School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Mathematics and Physics.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

A CAST studentship may also include a contribution from the industrial collaborating body.

Visit the School websites listed above for details concerning potential DEL CAST

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Awards are available for both Masters and Doctoral degrees in humanities subject areas.

Applicants should apply via Queen's for funding and should not apply directly to AHRC.

UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only

Queen's School Funding Opportunities

Some Schools have funding available for postgraduate PhD or taught Masters courses.

North-South Postgraduate Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students undertaking a recognised Masters or the first year of a PhD programme (taught or research) in the other Irish jurisdiction.

Applicants from outside the EU
If you are applying to Queen's from outside the EU, you are advised to explore fully the funding opportunities for studying in the UK available from sources in your own country. Some closing dates are as early as a year before commencing studies, so please make sure to apply in good time.

Some of the main awards are listed:

Department for International Development (DFID) Shared Scholarship Scheme

This award is for specific one-year taught postgraduate courses. The award cover tuition fees, a maintenance grant and travel costs. Only students from developing Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply.

British Chevening Awards

* The Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds a number of British Chevening scholaships for postgraduate study, mainly for one-year taught Masters degrees.
* Candidates must apply directly to the University for admission before applying for a Chevening Scholarship. Contact the British Embassy, British High Commission or British Council Office in your own country.

Applicants from USA
If you are a US citizen, you are eligible to apply for the following awards tenable at Queen's

George J Mitchell Scholarships

Fulbright Scholarships

Mary McNeill Scholarship (for US and Canadian citizens undertaking MA Irish Studies