![Historical map](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/DigitalScholarshiplab-7538.jpg)
Master's Degrees
Our MA programmes will fulfil your quest for knowledge by taking your study of history further and deeper while providing you with knowledge and skills that will enhance your professional expertise and research capabilities.
![Dig Hums Logo](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/DigitalScholarshiplab-7580.jpg)
MA Digital Humanities
Whether you want to continue in academia with the skills to drive pioneering work in your subject or to develop a career that combines cutting-edge digital skills with the traditional strengths of a humanities graduate, this MA will transform your understanding of how digital technologies can be used. No prior expertise in computing is required.
MA Digital Humanities![History banner](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/DigitalScholarshiplab-7520-1.jpg)
MA History
Our MA History is designed to fulfil your quest for knowledge by taking your study of history farther and deeper. Whether you have your sights set on progression in a career where the skills of a serious historian are valuable, or you are considering continuing on to a doctoral degree, you will find this programme stimulating and rewarding.
MA History Pathways![MA International and Military History](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/Collecott2.jpg)
MA International and Military History
From the rise and fall of great powers to the treatment of non-combatants, from diplomacy and peace-making to strategy and doctrine, from wars of propaganda to weaponry and intelligence, explore the major themes of international and military history across the world from the Middle Ages to today.
International and Military History MA![MA War and Diplomacy](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/Falklands40.jpeg)
MA War and Diplomacy
For centuries, nation-states have interacted through two principal means: war and diplomacy. This interdisciplinary programme, led by experts in History and International Relations, offers you the opportunity to explore these central elements of world history and contemporary affairs from the medieval period to the present.
MA War and Diplomacy![Lancaster Castle](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/regionalhistoryhomelearner.jpg)
Postgraduate Certificate in Regional and Local History (Distance Learning)
From the Viking Age to the Victorian industrial era, the history of the North of England is both compelling and distinctive. This new online programme offers the opportunity to study with experts in regional and local history, and to take your postgraduate award with a university that is experienced in delivering high quality distance programmes.
PGCert in Regional and Local HistoryOur Experts
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Heritage placements
Our outreach, heritage and public history placement module allows you to gain valuable on-the-job experience that complements your academic studies.
History - Master's Heritage Placements![](/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/images/history/Furness1000x600.jpg)
Historic Lancaster
The city of Lancaster and its surrounds are steeped in history. Explore the top historic sites to visit as recommended by members of the History Department, from Bronze Age stone circles to Gothic churches, from Norman castles to Civil War fortresses, and from the mills of the Industrial Revolution to marvels of Art Deco architecture.
Historic Lancaster webpageFunding Opportunities
Various sources of funding are available. These range from studentships funded by the AHRC and ESRC to University, Faculty and Department bursaries.
For information about funding opportunities, please visit the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Funding page.
How to apply
Apply online
To submit an application, simply create an account on the My Applications website and then select ‘Create a new application’ from your homepage once you are logged-in.
Using your account on the My Applications website, you are able to submit applications for the programme(s) which you wish to study, upload supporting documentation and provide us with information about referees.
Current Lancaster Students
If you are a current Lancaster student, or you have recently graduated from Lancaster, we can reduce the amount of information that you will need to provide as part of your application. You will need to provide only one reference and will not need to supply your Lancaster degree transcript. We will also pre-fill your personal details, ready for you to check.
What should I include?
If you use the My Applications website then you will be advised which documentation you need to upload or send to us. We can automatically contact your referees once you have submitted your application if you ask us to.
The supporting documentation screen will provide you with a list of required documents. These will usually include:
- Degree certificates and transcripts of previous higher education (college/university) degrees or other courses that you have completed/for which you are currently studying. For transcripts in languages other than English, a certified English translation will be required.
- A personal statement to help us understand why you wish to study your chosen degree.
- You also need to complete a research proposal which should include the following:
- the research area you are interested in
- the research question(s) you are specifically interested in
- who within History appears best qualified to supervise you
- the methods you envisage using in your studies
- plus any other information which may be relevant
- Two references
- If English is not your first language, we require copies of English language test results.
When to apply
You can apply at any time of the year for PhD study, but we encourage you to start at one of the predefined start dates of October, January or April. In some circumstances, July start date will be considered.
If you wish to be considered for funding, are applying from overseas or require on-campus accommodation, we recommend you apply as early as possible.
Further information
If you would like more information before applying, please contact us.
If you have any queries during the application process, please Contact the admissions team.