The Cultural History pathway encourages you to investigate artefacts and ideas, material objects and mentalities, medical documents and museums, photographs and films and explore key themes that have shaped the past, including national identity, gender, race, sexuality and modernity.
Introduction
On this absorbing MA programme you’ll study one of the most exciting fields of historical inquiry; cultural history examines the culture of the time in order to understand how people made sense of the world they inhabited. It will introduce you to the specialist research methods used by cultural historians, to ongoing historiographical and theoretical debates and to related disciplines such as cultural studies, literary studies, history of art and sociology. You will also get the opportunity to explore the area of cultural history that interests you most in your dissertation.
The MA draws together case studies from across Britain and continental Europe, the European empires and North America from the eighteenth century to the present day.
Please note: when applying for this programme, please choose ‘MA History’ on the online application form. You should specify the specific pathway which you wish to study in your personal statement.
Who is this course for?
This programme will appeal to a wide range of students, including those who’ve recently graduated in History or a related discipline or have decided to return to university later in life. The structure of the course provides a good grounding for those intending to proceed to doctoral research.
It will appeal particularly to those with a keen interest in understanding the culture of time, and who have an interest in history through the lens of sociology, culture, art and literature.
What you'll learn
Taking the Cultural History MA will:
Deepen your understanding of the cultural history of Britain and its Empire, continental Europe and North America since the eighteenth century
Encourage you to think about a broad range of questions and debates in cultural history
Allow you to engage with current debates on such themes as gender, modernity, national identity, sexuality and the politics of culture
Give you the chance to work closely with a dynamic group of scholars who themselves research and write about the cultural history of Britain, continental Europe, colonialism and North America.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Students take HIST516 (30 credits) and choose either HIST527 (15 credits) and 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science or HIST507 (30 credits).
Optional modules are taken from an approved list of modules available from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and can be provided on request to the pathway contact.
Compulsory modules
THEMES IN CULTURAL HISTORY (HIST516)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
In this module students will explore ‘Themes in Cultural History’ by examining the contributions of five key academic texts. In weekly two-hour seminars we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of a number of different approaches to cultural history and engage in the critical evaluation of these historical texts. Seminars are based on roundtable discussion, in conjunction with informal, mini-lectures and group work, designed to develop students’ critical awareness of ongoing historiographical and theoretical debates, as well as the broad themes and approaches associated with cultural history.
Optional modules
HISTORICAL RESEARCH (HIST527)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Historians draw many of their theoretical frameworks from the social sciences, including sociology,economics, and political science, and from literary and gender studies. This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, both in framing research questions and in informing historians’ approaches to primary sources. It explores some of the major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism, and encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH (HIST507)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
Historians draw many of their theoretical frameworks from the social sciences, including sociology, economics, and political science, and from literary and gender studies. This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, both in framing research questions and in informing historians’ approaches to primary sources. It explores some of the major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism, and encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Students take HIST520 (30 credits), HIST504 (15 credits) and 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Optional modules are taken from an approved list of modules available from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and can be provided on request to the pathway contact.
Compulsory modules
SOURCES OF CULTURAL HISTORY (HIST520)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
This module explores ‘Sources in Cultural History’ by introducing students to a broad range of sources associated with the study of cultural history, including aspects of oral history, visual culture, film and the mass media, and written texts. In weekly two-hour seminars we will explore a variety of key texts that engage with a number of different primary sources, developing a critical awareness of the interpretive problems and possibilities associated with certain source materials. Seminars are based on roundtable discussion, in conjunction with informal, mini-lectures and group work, designed to explore ongoing historiographical and theoretical debates over approaches to and interpretations of primary sources.
FEASIBILITY STUDY (HIST504)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The Feasibility Study is an extended research proposal for the subsequent MA Dissertation. The study should therefore be focused on the topic that the student proposes to address in their dissertation. The Feasibility Study is designed to ensure that students are able to undertake their dissertation project successfully. It will ensure that they are well prepared when they start writing thier dissertation over the summer.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
HIST 550, Dissertation, is undertaken and completed during the summer term.
Compulsory modules
DISSERTATION (HIST550)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
Sessions on research skills and methodologies will be held as part of the core modules offered by History. MA students will discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic and the implementation of the research with a member of staff with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the proposed topic during the period June to September. MARM students will have tutorial sessions and produce a feasibility study as part of the preparation for the dissertation before formal supervision begins in the period June to September.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Most modules, except HIST504, take the form of small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study. Most seminars are weekly two-hour sessions, and all are taught in small groups. We consider small group teaching essential to the learning and teaching experience at postgraduate level. Students lead discussions in class, and receive guidance on further reading from the module tutor.
The Feasibility Study (HIST504) and Dissertation (HIST550) demands a higher degree of independence, with guidance and advice from a dedicated supervisor through up to five 45 minute meetings.
How you're assessed
Ongoing assessment is linked to work done primarily in seminars and through individual tutorials and supervisions.
Written assessments will vary according to the nature of the modules, research project and the needs of the student, but may include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections, and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries, and galleries, including the University’s own Special Collections and Archives.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why History at University of Liverpool?
we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
What students say...
The History department here at the University of Liverpool offers a range of different modules ranging from Irish Vikings to the history of Chinese medicine. By studying the broad topics available, you will become more familiar with concepts about race, gender, religion, politics and anything else you might be interested in, as we are encouraged to explore our interests, especially during research projects like the dissertation at the end of the course. During my Masters degree, the history department has also allowed me to take modules from other departments such as English & Communications and the Sociology departments, which has been great to look at my dissertation topic from a different standpoint. This also shows how well the University as a whole can work together to expand the opportunities available to students.
Our History taught programmes are designed to meet the training requirements of the AHRC and the ESRC so equip you for further study towards an MPhil/PhD.
However, our MA students go into a wide range of professions, including media, public sector management, business consultancy, the civil service, NGO and development work, as well as academia.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in History (or a closely related subject e.g. Ancient History, English Literature, Modern Languages, Art History, Classics).
A Personal Statement which clearly demonstrates an interest in the programme and an understanding of the context of the programme is also required.
Applicants may be called to interview and, if so, will be asked to submit a sample of their historical analysis (between 1500 and 2500 words) written in English for discussion during the interview. Please note that being asked to interview is no guarantee of an offer of a place.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
