Scottish History MSc (Res)

The MSc by Research in Scottish History offers you the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of supervised independent research in Scottish History.

The University of Edinburgh has one of the largest concentrations of scholars interested in the Scottish past. Our research expertise in Scottish history within the School includes medieval kingship and queenship, politics in all periods, the Reformation and religious change, the witch hunt, the Highlands, Scotland’s external relations and involvement in empire, modern arts and culture. 

Colleagues in archaeology and classics also have Scottish interests, and these scholars are supplemented by academics in other areas of the University, including:

* Celtic and Scottish Studies

* Social and Political Sciences

* Geography

* Education

* Divinity

* Scottish Literature

The breadth of expertise in the School and in the wider University makes it possible for us to supervise a very wide range of topics. 

Each student is allocated at least two supervisors, allowing us to combine thematic, chronological and, if appropriate, disciplinary expertise in the supervisory team. 

As part of the application process, you are required to submit a research proposal. It is crucial that your proposal be well defined before you start. Please approach your proposed supervisor far ahead of the application deadline, to give them time to read your dissertation proposal and suggest improvements. This will improve your chances of admission and funding.

This programme is assessed by means of a long dissertation of 30,000 words.

We provide structured research training while at the same time enabling you to pursue a research project that you design yourself, in consultation with supervisors. It serves as both a self-contained research degree and preparation for further study for the PhD degree.