History MRes

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History MRes students conducting archival research in a museum exhibition space, analysing historical sources and heritage materials as part of advanced historical research at the University of Chester.

Course Overview

Our MRes in History offers you an excellent opportunity to extend your range and depth of historical knowledge alongside your proficiency in research and project management. The course is an ideal academic undertaking in preparation for a PhD in History, as well as a valuable qualification for those pursuing a wide range of careers. Advanced research skills acquired by MRes students are sought after in a range of sectors, from finance to academia, and teaching to the civil service.

Our course provides a thorough grounding in current historical research theories and methods. The learning culminated in the completion of a 28,000-word research dissertation. As the focus of the MRes is on independent research, you can craft a course that is unique to you and exactly matches your interests. 

We offer supervision in a broad range of historical subjects and periods; drawing on the expertise of our history staff who are actively engaged in research that is nationally, and internationally, significant. Our areas of research include 20th-century German History; the World Wars; the military revolution; early modern British history; the medieval British church; medieval monasticism; the Norman Conquest; the Vikings; early modern colonialism; witchcraft and the supernatural; leisure and tourism in Britain; 20th-century popular culture in Britain; the British Empire; courts, cities and consumers in medieval Europe; 20th-century genocide; the North-South divide; 20th-century American History; the civil rights movement; the Vietnam War.

If there is a topic you are interested in studying, please contact the MRes Course Leader (d.harry@chester.ac.uk) who will endeavour to put you in touch with a specialist in our team who can support you.

 Learn more about applying for this course

International Applicants

The University is not currently accepting international MRes applications

Course Content

Alongside the Research Dissertation on an individual topic chosen by you, there are two core modules – Advanced Research Skills and Critical Perspectives on the Past. 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.

Core Modules

This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced archaeological, historical and heritage research. Students gain the opportunity to explore a range of skills and to build on their existing knowledge and expertise, including how to identify relevant resources, how to appraise and critique research publications, and how to construct and analyse historical and archaeological evidence. This module therefore lays the groundwork for larger research projects such as the dissertation. Through this module, students are afforded the opportunity to engage with the practicalities of undertaking research in the archive and in the field, considering varying approaches to active and pro-active research. Students will learn how to work with historical and archaeological practitioners, organisations and digital resources, honing their craft with cutting edge research methods and practice.   

Why and how does the past matter? Why and how do academic researchers tackle the human journey and its significance in today's world? Spanning the disciplines of history, heritage studies and archaeology, this module provides an advanced-level introduction and engagement with current theoretical and applied debates on the meaning of the human past and its significance in today's world.

Through this module, you will pursue independent, discipline-specific research, under the guidance of an expert in your field of study, drawing upon methodologies and approaches common to your field. You will research and write a dissertation of 28,000 words on a topic and title negotiated with your supervisory team. This will comprise original research and methodologies commensurate with a postgraduate research degree in the humanities, social sciences and applied sciences as relevant.

This module will be offered to all students studying on the following courses:

MRes Modern Languages

MRes Archaeology

MRes History 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

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

Assessments include essays, literature reviews and oral presentations

This course is designed around in-person study

Course can be taught fully online

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

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.

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.

Entry Requirements

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.

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.

Interview

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

Fees and Funding

£5,238 per year for a full-time course (2026/27)

The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes in the academic year 2026/27 are £5,238 per year full time.

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

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. 

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 and Finance section of our website.

Loans

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

Who You'll Learn from

Dr Thomas Pickles

Associate Professor
Dr Thomas Pickles