The MA (Hons) in History will teach you to discover and analyse the full range of human activity over time. Through historical awareness, which enriches contemporary experience by linking the present with the past, you will be able to recognise the cultural and social values that have shaped cultures across the globe. From your studies, you will acquire intellectual skills in evaluating different kinds of evidence, and interpreting and communicating its significance to others.

History is a flexible course which allows you to study all historical eras without chronological or geographical constraint. At St Andrews, you will be able to combine elements from ancient, medieval, modern, Scottish and Middle Eastern history.

Course details

The MA (Hons) in History is a four-year course run by the School of History. In the first two years, you will have the opportunity to study from a broad chronological span, taking modules in at least two different historical periods.

Alongside history, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional one or 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. You will also be encouraged to dive deeper into a specialist topic of your choice during your fourth year.

Graduates in history from St Andrews can expect to have developed a wide knowledge in history and be able to make connections across different time periods and between different cultures.

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.