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History MRes

1-2 years, full- or part-time

This is for you if... you want to develop advanced skills in historical research methods and apply these to an extended piece of independent research.

History MRes, 1-2 years, full- or part-time

This is for you if... you want to develop advanced skills in historical research methods and apply these to an extended piece of independent research.

Course information

UK fee £9,550

International fee £18,950

Taught by History

Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry

Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2587
hypirpg@le.ac.uk

History website

Course description

Course description

The MRes in History will provide you with an excellent opportunity to develop your research skills and complete an extended research project. You will acquire advanced skills in historical research methods in the first semester of our course which will prepare you for your extended dissertation.

Before you begin this course, you will have the opportunity to identify a potential supervisor from within the department based on the specific interests and expertise of our staff.The core of the degree will be an extended piece of research in which you will pursue a major independent research project of your own choosing. This gives you the flexibility to shape your own course and produce a piece of written work to a standard that might form the basis of a publication.

The course will equip you with the skills needed for historical research at doctoral level. You will also have the opportunity to develop your competence in communication, self-management and planning which will enhance your attractiveness to potential employers.

This course can be studied part-time over two years.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

2:1 degree in history or another relevant discipline.

We also welcome applicants who can supply evidence of substantial alternative research training and experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Starting in September 2025

  • £9,550

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.

International Students

Starting in September 2025

  • £18,950

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

Our MRes in History will offer you a very strong competitive advantage and career choices and your future salary can be considerably enhanced by postgraduate qualifications.

A postgraduate degree in history provides you with a wide range of skills including:

  • critical analysis of textual, visual, and material evidence
  • statistical analysis and database design
  • advanced written and oral presentation skills
  • time management and independent working on a large-scale research project

As an MRes student in the department, you will also have the opportunity to plan meetings and conferences and get involved with the intellectual community of historians at Leicester.

Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Related courses

Course structure

Core modules

Core modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Option modules

Why Leicester?

History at Leicester is home to three highly regarded postgraduate research centres - the Centre for Regional and Local History, the Centre for Urban History and the Stanley Burton Centre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies - which deliver our specialist pathway MAs.

We are home to the HyPIR Lab, a dynamic initiative set up by postgraduates for postgraduates to provide an interactive forum to discuss history and share ideas. We have a wealth of dedicated postgraduate facilities, including audio suites, a map room, and specialist libraries covering local and urban history.

We have dedicated postgraduate facilities, including audio suites, a map room, and specialist libraries covering local and urban history.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught the Historical Research Methods module through a combination of seminars and workshops. You will work closely with your research supervisor on the Literature Review and Dissertation modules. Other modules involve you taking part in seminars, workshops and carrying out directed reading. All taught modules are assessed by coursework. The dissertation will consist of a maximum of 30,000 words.

Key dates

September 2025 start

  • Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
  • Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
  • CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
  • 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration Start Dates Availability
Course History Qualification MRes Duration 1 year full-time Start Dates September each year Availability Apply Now
Course History Qualification MRes Duration 2 years part-time Start Dates September each year Availability Apply Now
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My course has enabled me to study a wide range of core topics whilst also specialising in my favoured area. I feel that I have a more in-depth and rounded knowledge – the skills that I have gained have put me in a good position for a diverse range of careers.

Emily, MA History

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