History MLitt
Course code V201
What is special about this course?
This online programme provides a broader history award, both thematically and geographically, than our MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands.
Throughout the MLitt History you may have the option to investigate the cultural, political, social and economic history of Britain, Europe and the Atlantic World. You will also develop skills in historiographical and primary source research, oral history and palaeography.
Taught from the Centre for History in the Highlands, the MLitt History is available from anywhere in the world.
Special features
- The course is taught by a research-active and dynamic team of historians, reflecting staff research expertise.
- You can study from a distance online through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), which means you can fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments.
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development, or work towards the PgCert, PgDip, or full masters degree.
- You will develop key skills in researching different types of primary sources as preparation for work in a related field or further study.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 honours degree or above (or international equivalent) in history
- If you have an honours degree in a cognate, or strongly-related subject your application will be considered on an individual basis
*Funding support notice*
Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scottish domiciled students)
Loans for tuition fees are available from SAAS for eligible Scotland domiciled students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.
Access routes
- You can progress from our own undergraduate Humanities degrees.
PgCert
The core modules are:
- Arguments and alternatives in history
- Primary sources in history
You must complete ONE of the above core modules to enable you to exit with the PgCert.
You must also undertake at least one of the following options during your studies (which can be at this stage, or the next level):
- Voices from the past: understanding and using oral history
- Introduction to palaeography and languages in North Atlantic history
You can also choose further option modules (to make a total of three modules overall), which may include:
- British identities
- Rivers, ports and coasts in history
- Royal power, propaganda and performance in early modern Europe
- Any option module from the MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands
PgDip
You will choose three further modules from those listed in the PgCert.
MLitt
To achieve the award of MLitt History you must complete a 60-credit research dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
- You will have support from expert staff at the UHI Centre for History throughout your course
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year @ 35 hours per week
- Part-time (structured): 2 years @ 17.5 hours per week
- Part-time (unstructured): up to 6 years
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and online class discussion and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- UHI Centre for History - You can study this fully online programme from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at the UHI Centre for History.
Start date
- September
- January
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £584 | £610 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,752 | £1,830 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,504 | £3,660 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation) | £5,256 | £5,490 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £780 | £840 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2,340 | £2,520 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £4,680 | £5,040 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £7,020 | £7,560 |
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | With scholarship | 2025-26 | With scholarship | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £833 | £1,200 | £900 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £2,499 | £3,600 | £2,700 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £4,998 | £7,200 | £5,400 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £7,497 | £10,800 | £8,100 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £1,200 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £3,600 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £7,200 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £10,800 |
This course is not available to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying full-time can access loans up to £11,500 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £7,000 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500.
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS. You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £7,000, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study.
Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.
Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of this MLitt History, you may wish to pursue a career in:
- Teaching
- Research
- Media, journalism and politics
- Community or adult education
- Museums and libraries
- Heritage and tourism
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress to further study such as PhD or MRes at the University of the Highlands and Islands or another institution.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Aside from the knowledge of Highlands and Islands history in the larger context of Scottish and world history, my greatest knowledge gain has been in the ability to think critically, deeply and widely about issues, and to write at a level required for publication.
Theresa Mackay studied online from Canada and graduated with distinction from our MLitt History in September 2016. Her studies have led her to her current role as Assistant Professor at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The ongoing nature of academic research ensures that the Centre for History staff are constantly working to better their knowledge and understanding of the subjects they teach, which are also largely the subjects they themselves research. Students feel the benefit of this in teaching, but more than that, they often contribute to and help develop staff research interests simply through the interaction in which both staff and students are engaged.
Dr Iain MacInnes, Centre for History
Apply for History MLitt
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.