Introduction
Explore contrasting periods of history and develop your critical awareness and research skills. Gain a richer understanding of how history helps us to address present-day issues.
The children fathered by black GIs in the UK
Hundreds of thousands of black GIs were stationed across the UK during World War Two. Many had relationships and some had children. Prof Lucy Bland, author of Britain's Brown Babies, spoke to Radio 4 Woman's Hour about shedding light on these children's experiences, and a chapter of social history.
On our MA History you’ll critically examine social, cultural, political and public history and conduct original research.
We’ll help you use different historical and interdisciplinary approaches to become a true historian, able to think critically and solve complex problems – identified by the World Economic Forum as the top two most required skills for the future workforce.
Study in Cambridge and you’ll be part of a dynamic academic environment, able to benefit from our many links with local organisations and archives including the Cambridgeshire Collection and Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
Key facts
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Hands-on learning
All our MA History students have the opportunity to:
- carry out research in Cambridge’s museums and archives
- take part in live group briefs
- benefit from our links with local organisations, including the Cambridgeshire Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford.
Outstanding student support
Join our postgraduate student community in Cambridge and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- study at a university whose history research was ranked as ‘world-leading’ (REF 2021)
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Lucy Bland
Professor of Social and Cultural History Course Leader, MA History
Rohan McWilliam
Professor of Modern British History Course Leader, BA (Hons) History
Sean Lang
Senior Lecturer, History
Jonathan Davis
Associate Professor in Modern European History; Director, Labour History Research Unit
Joseph Harley
Lecturer, History
Richard Carr
Senior Lecturer, History and Politics
William Tullett
Associate Professor in Sensory History
Careers
The skills you develop in our MA History will transfer across a range of careers, as well as provide a gateway to PhD research.
By exploring how to make the past available to a wider public, you will open up careers in the heritage industry, archives and museums.
You will also become an independent learner, able to manage your own projects and research in a confident and flexible manner, devise and sustain arguments and solve problems successfully.
Such skills are transferable to careers in teaching, business, the media, arts administration, fundraising, librarianship, marketing, IT-related industries and many others.
Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD in History or PhD in Sociology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Prof Rohan McWilliam
"I think it's really important even today to understand how the world changed in the 19th century. We still live with the legacy of the Victorians."
Prof Rohan McWilliam
Hear more from RohanWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
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Improve your employability, progress in your career, and take on an intellectual challenge with our flexible postgraduate degrees.
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