MSc Historical Research

Historical research gives you the tools to explore the events, ideas, and cultures of the past that continue to shape our lives today. With increasing global focus on cultural preservation and the digitisation of archives, historians are more essential than ever. The global data historian market size was estimated at £1.03 billion in 2023 (Grand View Research). Our Masters in Historical Research equips you with doctoral-level skills in social research methods and independent study abilities. Expert academic staff will guide you in your chosen field, ensuring a personalised and unique learning experience. On graduation you’ll be prepared for research-based careers, specialising in social and economic history. Develop the analytical skills to become a historical researcher On the Historical Research Masters you’ll: take an interdisciplinary approach to research combining methods from social science and historical research learn qualitative and quantitative research methods use statistical and database packages such as SATA software critically evaluate a wide body of historical literature gain skills in project design and data analysis develop written and verbal analysis skills showcase your ability to focus deeply on a topic of interest. It’s a flexible course. You can choose additional research skills training and taught modules tailored to your individual field of study. You’ll become an integral part of a vibrant academic community at Stirling. You can connect and collaborate with leading historians, researchers, and peers. Funding opportunities for further research The course supports you to apply for PhD research funding from: The Arts and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Landscape Awards The Economic and Social Research Council This MSc Historical Research specifically prepares graduates to apply for a studentship from the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSS). The course can be taken as a funded Masters linked to a three-year PhD in social or economic history. Develop your practical research skills on an internship Enhance your skills by doing a voluntary internship. You could work with materials in the Scottish Political Archive or the University's own archive. Comprehensive employability and skills programme Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market. The Master of Science in Historical Research is a one-year research and skills-oriented course that and allows specialisation in particular historical areas as well as development of social science skills and methodologies.

A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) in a relevant subject or equivalent is required. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.