History (Research)

Deepen your understanding of the past, shape your future
The History MRes at the University of Chester offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in advanced historical enquiry. This course is designed to help you develop the specialist knowledge, research skills, and critical insight required to make a meaningful contribution to academia, policy, heritage, and the cultural sectors.
Whether you hold an undergraduate degree in history or a related discipline, this MRes provides an intellectually stimulating and rewarding path to advance your academic and professional ambitions. You’ll engage with key debates, develop a sophisticated understanding of historical theory and methodology, and undertake a substantial independent research project focused on a topic that reflects your personal interests and career goals.

Join a dynamic research community
You’ll study at the Exton Park campus, just a short walk from Chester’s historic city centre. The city itself is deeply steeped in Roman and medieval heritage, enabling you to study in a location where history is right on your doorstep. Here, you’ll benefit from excellent facilities and resources, including specialist library collections, extensive access to archives, and dedicated postgraduate study spaces. These facilities are designed to support independent projects, whilst also fostering collaboration.
As part of the thriving research culture within the Department of History and Archaeology, you’ll have opportunities to enrich your academic experience and connect with fellow researchers and professionals. Our close links with local archives and heritage organisations also provide access to sources and practical insights that will strengthen your research.

Explore your interests with expert supervision
Supervision is offered across a range of historical periods and themes, drawing on the expertise of academic staff who are actively engaged in research. Areas of strength include 20th-century German history, the World Wars, the British Empire, the Vietnam War, religious history, and histories of conflict and empire. This breadth of expertise allows you to pursue a topic that truly inspires you, supported every step of the way with tailored academic guidance.
Throughout the course, you’ll work closely with your dissertation supervisor to refine your research focus and guide you in developing the advanced skills required for successful, independent postgraduate-level research.

Step confidently into your next chapter
The History MRes provides an excellent preparation for PhD study. However, the transferable skills you’ll develop along the way, including critical analysis, project management, research methods, and communication, are also highly valued and sought after across finance, academic, teaching and the civil service sectors.
As a postgraduate student, you’ll also benefit from the University’s Careers and Employability service, who are ready to support your next steps by offering expert guidance in CV writing, professional applications and job interview techniques.

Make your next move
Start your postgraduate journey with us today. Visit our course page and Apply for a Postgraduate Course page to find out more and begin your application.