MLitt by Research History at University of Aberdeen

Programme overview

The first principal of King’s College – Hector Boece – was a historian, and today’s History Department has been thriving since its foundation in 1898.

Department: School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research themes include History of Science, Technology and Medicine, History of Literature and Science, Food History, Irish and Scottish Enlightenment, Global Diaspora and Catholicism, Northern Europe in the Later Middle Ages, Early Modern Scotland and Europe and The History of Poland-Lithuania.

Career pathways

Historians' skills are needed for any profession that values quick and critical thinking, detailed analysis, close reading, the art of comparison and testing concepts through practical case studies. History graduates have made careers in politics, become prime ministers (Gordon Brown) and chancellors (Alastair Darling), but also gone into banking, the law, journalism and media.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent. It is preferable that you hold a Masters in the chosen area of study as well. Alongside your application form, you will need to upload the following supporting documents online: Copies of your undergraduate and graduate degree certificates Academic transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees. Two academic references; either the details of your referees provided on your application form or uploaded online with your application. Your research proposal If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously at an institution in the UK, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time Home/RUK research rate (set by UKRI); part-time is 50% of the full-time rate. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time international rate for research degrees admitted 2026/27; part-time is 50% of the full-time rate. Source

Apply through the official page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/

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