Introduction
Study modern history in one of Scotland’s ancient universities, the fifth oldest in the English-speaking world. The University of Aberdeen MLitt in Modern History offers a combination of cutting-edge research, world-leading faculty, and a tradition of historical study dating back more than 500 years. The Aberdeen MLitt in Modern History is aimed equally at future researchers, teachers, decision makers and those with a love for history.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MLitt
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
The Aberdeen MLitt in Modern History combines cutting-edge teaching, professional research training, and individual research. A postgraduate degree in history prepares students for careers in all fields that value analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and high level research skills. Our students have gone on to careers in teaching, government, public service, journalism, and corporations. It can also lead to further academic study or personal enrichment.
Students on the Aberdeen MLitt in Modern History have access to a wide range of courses in a variety of fields taught by leading international scholars. They will have the opportunity to pursue directed research towards a dissertation on a subject of their choice and will receive training in research skills.
In addition to our taught programme, we also offer an MLitt in History as a research degree. For more information about this option, please click here.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Research Preparation in Historical Studies (HI5594)
-
15 Credit Points
This course consists of a mixture of two-hour group seminars and shorter one-to-one supervision with the member of staff best equipped to advise you on your dissertation topic. It will involve detailed discussion of your research ideas and planning with the aim of providing the fullest preparation for researching and writing the dissertation in the summer and research beyond. Fundamental to the success of the course are mutual feedback and support within the student group.
Optional Courses
Note: Students may, at the discretion of the programme coordinator, substitute up to 60 credits to the above courses with others offered within the university, including other masters courses within the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy.
- Special Subject (HI502K)
-
30 Credit Points
This course allows you to do in-depth study in a specific area in History or a related subject agreed upon with your programme coordinator. It may be offered in conjunction with you sitting in on level 3 or 4 lectures relating to the subject material, with additional individual tuition.
- Engaging with Historiography (HI502T)
-
30 Credit Points
Students work closely with a member of staff to develop a detailed knowledge of and write a critical survey of the literature in their chosen field. This helps students develop research skills required for the literature review in the dissertation, but will be much broader in scope to ensure they have a secure grasp of the relevant research in their field. The course enhances students' ability to identify and engage critically with a body of literature and improve their skills in academic writing appropriate to postgraduate work.
- Directed Reading in History (HI503A)
-
30 Credit Points
A directed reading course for taught postgraduate (PGT) students in History who wish to pursue a particular line of scholarly inquiry supportive of an existing taught postgraduate programme but not otherwise available on existing PGT courses.
- Stage 2
-
Compulsory Courses
NOTE: Students may, at the discretion of the course and programme coordinators, substitute up to 60 credit
points from the above courses with other courses offered within the University, including other Level 5
courses in the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History as well as in other schools- Independent Reading In Historical Studies (HI552G)
-
15 Credit Points
This course allows a student to do in-depth study in a specific area in History agreed with the course coordinator. You will be allocated a supervisor and through a series of meetings pursue in-depth reading on a topic and write a 4000-word essay on that subject.
- Special Subject (HI552K)
-
30 Credit Points
This course allows you to do in-depth study in a specific area in History or a related subject agreed upon with your programme coordinator. It may be offered in conjunction with you sitting in on level 3 or 4 lectures relating to the subject material, with additional individual tuition.
- Approaching Archives (HI552L)
-
15 Credit Points
What is an archive and how can it be used? Students are introduced to some archives in Aberdeen and learn how to make best use of these important resources for research. Seminars investigate the history and philosophy of archival collections, and how they relate to museums, libraries and galleries; approaches to the evaluation of contents of archives and qualitative analyses of specific collections. Assessment is based on a 5000-word essay in which students are asked to identify and analyse material from a specific archive which may be in Aberdeen, or elsewhere in Scotland, the UK, or abroad.
- Presenting Historical Research (HI552R)
-
30 Credit Points
Students complete the course with an enhanced ability to present convincing academic arguments and research findings in writing and, particularly orally. They improve their critical engagement with the research and arguments of other historians.
Students attend research seminars and write a seminar comparison report, fostering engagement with the process of presenting arguments and research findings.
Following training in presentation skills, students present their dissertation proposals in a workshop, recording their presentation using Camtasia, and respond to questions from staff and students. Students then write a reflective analysis of their presentations.
Optional Courses
In addition to the 105 credit points taken in courses, select ONE of the following options:
MLitt:
(HI5915) Dissertation in Historical Studies (75 credits) OR
PGDip:
(HI5913) Research Paper OR (HI552G) Independent Reading in Historical Studies.
- Dissertation in Historical Studies (HI5915)
-
75 Credit Points
An individually supervised project with a 18,000-word dissertation for students to complete their MLitt qualification
- Independent Reading In Historical Studies (HI552G)
-
15 Credit Points
This course allows a student to do in-depth study in a specific area in History agreed with the course coordinator. You will be allocated a supervisor and through a series of meetings pursue in-depth reading on a topic and write a 4000-word essay on that subject.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £22,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| Home / RUK | £9,964 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
You can also find funding opportunities advertised on the University’s funding database.
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
For the MLitt students must acquire 180 credits over the course of the year (105 for courses + 75 for the dissertation). Courses should normally total 45-60 credit points in each half-session. Assessment is based on written work and moderated according to university standards. Every student is assigned a dissertation supervisor based on their research interests.
For the PGDip students must acquire 105 credits plus 15 credits from either HI5913 OR HI552G.
Why Study Modern History?
- MLitt Modern History is tailored to your interests and gives you the foundation for doctoral research or career paths reliant on research and communication.
- The programme is an ideal next step if you want to study more in the History area.
- You develop a broad, deep understanding of your area and are assisted by staff with specialisms in History from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Entry Requirements
For more information about the application process, including details about which supporting documents you will be asked to provide, please click here.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Candidates must normally have an Honours degree to at least 2.1 standard in an appropriate discipline or equivalent qualifications and experience.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Professor Anthony Heywood
- Dr Andrew Dilley
- Dr Heidi Mehrkens
- Dr Ben Marsden
- Professor Andrew Blaikie
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Thomas Weber
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX