History MRes

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Course Summary

Our MRes in History offers an excellent opportunity for you to extend your range and depth of historical knowledge alongside your proficiency in research and project management. It is ideal preparation for a PhD in History as well as a valuable qualification for those pursuing a wide range of careers.

What you'llStudy

Alongside the Research Dissertation on an individual topic chosen by you, there are two core modules – Research Methods and Skills in History and Approaches to Historiography. Both core modules are designed to immerse you in the skills of historical research and literature review as preparation for undertaking the in-depth research required for the Research Dissertation.

Module content:

Each student researches and writes a 28,000 word dissertation upon an aspect of history that relates to the Department’s specialisms.  The topic and title is negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; tutor approval of the topic and title is an essential requirement.  The research dissertation is based upon guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary source materials.

Module aims:

  • To enable students to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
  • To familiarise students with the range of documentary and other sources/texts/material available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
  • To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of their selected dissertation topic.

Module content:

This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced historical research. Its overall aim and purpose is to prepare students for writing extended essays and dissertations. To this end, the first part of the module focuses on the structure and principles that underpin a good history dissertation. The second part examines how to use working bibliographies and to conduct a literature search. The third strand of the module delves into the practicalities of using major research libraries and institutions. Fourth, the module pays considerable attention to the values and limitations of different types of source material. These include national and local governmental records, newspapers, census returns, political biographies, maps, photographs and other illustrative material. Finally, at the end of the module, students will have an opportunity to present their project plans both orally and written form.


Module aims:

  1. To familiarise students with the range of documentary and other sources, texts and material available for the study of the subject.
  2. To familiarise students with the potential, uses and limitations of a range of primary sources and to enhance research skills involved in locating, evaluating and employing source material.
  3. To enable students to explore and critically to examine primary sources, assessing their different applications and reaching valid conclusions, thus enhancing their skills in research, analysis and communication.

Module content:

The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to key debates and developments that have shaped, and in many cases continue, to shape the writing of history. In this way, the module will provide a broad framework for understanding the evolution of the historical discipline in modern times. Consideration will be given to various historiographical issues which may include environmental and political history through to the use of gender and memory theories in the examination of the past. Weekly lectures will give a general overview of each debate, which will be then followed up by seminars. In these meetings, students will be able to discuss the lecture themes in relation to their own, ongoing research projects.


Module aims:

  • To familiarise students with the range of documentary and other sources / texts/ materials available for the study of the subject.
  • To familiarise students with current scholarship on the philosophy of the historical discipline.
  • To enable students to explore and critically examine the nature and characteristics of modern histogriographical debates.

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Thomas Pickles

Senior Lecturer in Medieval History
Dr Thomas Pickles

How you'll Learn

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Teaching is flexible but is primarily based upon a weekly 2.5-hour seminar

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Assessments include essays, literature reviews and oral presentations

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This course is designed around in-person study

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Course can be taught fully online

At the heart of the MRes is an extended Research Dissertation which you are free to design around your own historical interests and the Department’s research specialisms. To help you develop your project, the course provides a thorough grounding in the methodologies and advanced skills needed to pursue a sustained research project.

The Department can offer supervision in a broad range of historical periods and subjects. Our research specialisms range from the medieval through to the modern, from the Low Countries in the 14th and 15th centuries to American-Soviet relations during the Cold War, and encompass British, European and American History.

Entry Requirements

2:1 honours degree

A 2:1 honours degree in history or any relevant discipline, or suitable equivalent qualification, is required. Consideration will be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully. 

Applicants will be required to produce up to 300 words describing their research topic, and attend an interview.

To complete your application you will need to submit a project proposal. You can find more information about the required format and best practices on our Applying for MPhil/Phd or MRes degrees page.

2:1 honours degree

A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or any relevant discipline is required. Applicants will be required to produce up to 300 words describing their research topic, and attend an interview. Consideration will be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully.

See below for your country specific requirements. Please note, some programmes have special entry requirements and if applicable, these are listed below.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£4,786 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2024/25 are £4,786 per year.

£14,644 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2024/25 are £14,644 per year.

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in the academic year 2024/25 are £18,574 per year.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Please visit our Postgraduate Finance pages for information regarding Postgraduate Loans.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

This programme prepares students for advanced postgraduate historical research; it also provides students with the skills necessary for careers in the education, archival management and heritage sectors.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.