MSc in Early Modern History, University of Glasgow

Glasgow,

12 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The Early Modern History programme at Glasgow focuses on the period from the late 15th to the 18th centuries. It offers students the chance to explore social, political, religious, and cultural themes across a wide geographic and chronological range. The university boasts extensive resources including its library, museum, and archive collections that are rich in materials from this period. Students benefit from teaching led by experts in early modern Scotland, England, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The programme is designed to develop research skills through core coursework and a dissertation, with opportunities to take optional courses that broaden historical perspectives.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is highly recommended for students interested in early modern history because of Glasgow’s exceptional resources, including The Hunterian Museum and one of Europe's largest university libraries. The faculty has close links with the city’s top museums, and students are encouraged to participate in research-led initiatives such as seminars and research groups. The programme also offers a supportive academic community with a global outlook, ideal for those looking to deepen their historical expertise and pursue further research or professional opportunities in cultural heritage, media, or academia.

Specialisation

The programme specializes in early modern history, covering themes such as social, political, religious, and cultural developments during the period from the late 15th to the 18th centuries. Students can choose from a range of optional courses that include topics like global inequalities, medieval studies, Enlightenment figures, military Scotland, paleography, and issues related to modern Scotland, gender, work, and society.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.73L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should hold a 2.1 Honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) in History, Politics, International Relations, Archaeology, Archives, or Library Studies. Degrees in other subjects may also be considered, and relevant work experience could substitute academic qualifications. International applicants with lower qualifications should contact Glasgow International College for pre-Masters courses. For language proficiency, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.5 is required, along with specific scores for other recognized English tests.

English language test

PTE

DUOLINGO

TOEFL

IELTS

6.5

Career prospects

The research skills and methods gained through this programme prepare students for roles across both public and private sectors, including heritage policy, media, and education. It also provides a solid foundation for those considering to pursue a PhD, with opportunities to further specialise in research or academic careers.

FAQs

What resources does Glasgow offer for early modern history students?

Glasgow provides access to extensive collections in its university library, including the Baillie Collection, and the Hunterian Museum, Scotland's oldest public museum. These resources support extensive primary source research. The faculty also maintains close links with city museums and encourages research-led activities.

What courses are available as part of the programme?

Students take one core course in Research, Resources and Skills, along with five optional courses. Options include topics like global inequalities, medieval studies, medieval paleography, Scottish history, gender, work, and society. The options are split across two semesters, with the possibility of choosing courses from other disciplines with approval.