Master’s (MA) students in the Department of History have the option to write a research essay to complete their degree in 12 months, or to write a longer thesis in 20 months. Both options come with the opportunity to work closely with our award-winning faculty members in a range of graduate-only seminars with diverse regional and thematic foci, as well as courses focused on methods and historiography. Most students select the research-essay option, designed to be completed within one year. Both streams provide an excellent foundation for doctoral programmes in History, pave the way towards degrees in other fields such as law and education, as well as other career paths in government, media and private business.
The Department of History offers challenging and innovative M.A. and Ph.D. programs in established and new fields of historical inquiry. Our students are taught primarily in small all-graduate seminars, in which they engage in a lively, critical examination of historical writing, and delve into research in primary sources. Students participate in the departmental seminar series and biannually host the McGill-Queen’s Graduate History conference that draws students from across Canada and the US. Students who join th program enter a rich, supportive learning community. Our Graduate History Students’ Association provides students with a voice within the department and plans social events throughout the year. The department is committed to facilitating study-abroad opportunities for our students whenever possible. M.A. students have the opportunity to study for one term at Fudan University in Shanghai. Ph.D. students may take part in international graduate programs at the University of London, and Fudan University. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for careers in government, law, journalism, education, public service, business, public history, and international commerce. Some of our graduates are currently employed as tenure-track or tenured professors, post-doctoral fellows, researchers, policy advisors, archivists, social policy researchers, and as fellow at the National Gallery in Ottawa.
