Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2025/26
2026/27

MA History

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months Other: Flexible 36-60 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months Other: Flexible 36-60 months

Our MA History offers global pathways in western and non-western history.

From Africa through South Asia and the Middle East to Western Europe, the UK and the USA, you will discover a broad range of history, and tailor your master's degree to suit your chronological, thematic and geographical interests. Our MA is ideal for any student planning to undertake doctoral research; to pursue or enhance a career in teaching and education, or engagement in media, public history, and the museum and archive sectors; or to follow their intellectual curiosity and develop their own research interests. 

The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Arts and Humanities (=92 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

You will be joining a department with a vibrant research culture, where 100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – History). You will be working with research-active academics, and focusing on creating a research network to support your career. This includes digital humanities and incorporating social media training for researchers and academics. The programme is delivered via flexible modes of attendance which can adapt to suit changing circumstances.

Thanks to our cooperation with other departments and external organisations as well as with the Museum of English Rural Life and the Institute of Education, you can rely on a wide range of expertise and work in a truly interdisciplinary environment.

Strong networks of contacts

Our staff have partnerships with a variety of prestigious institutions including:

  • Historic Royal Palaces (HRP)
  • Wellcome Trust
  • English Heritage
  • Berkshire Record Office
  • Reading Museum
  • Reading University's Special Collections
  • Reading Borough Libraries
  • National Archives
  • Museum of English Rural Life
  • National Trust
  • Parliament
  • National Maritime Museum
  • Access to unique resources.

We are proud to hold unique resources of international significance, all of which are available for your use and to enhance your learning. We encourage a collections-based approach to studying, and actively teach students how to use these resources to bring their research to life.

Highlights include:

  • The Nancy Astor papers
  • The Stenton library of medieval and early modern resources
  • Roof tiles from Hiroshima
  • Cole Library
  • The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL).

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

Please note

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Thanks to the possibility of building your own pathway within our MA programme, you can specialise in your preferred area.

You may continue your academic development with doctoral research, or pursue a career as a teacher, archivist, or in museums. Many of our students have specialised in local history and later progressed to jobs in the heritage and conservation sector.

In addition, your experience of individual research will help you to develop valuable transferable skills. You will have demonstrated your ability to understand and apply complex ideas; to collect and analyse large quantities of information; to manage your own time and motivate yourself; to construct reasoned and articulate arguments; and to reach carefully balanced judgements. This should equip you to embark upon a range of professional careers.

Read about Abbie Tibbott's experience studying History at Reading.