history dissertation edinburgh university

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History: writing a history dissertation.

• Writing a History Dissertation
• Referencing and Style Guide
• Literature Search Plan
• American History

Starting a Literature Search

Conducting a literature search is a great way to find a viable topic and plan your research. It will also give you the opportunity to look for primary and secondary resources that can support the arguments you make in your dissertation. 

Starting your literature search early will help you plan your dissertation and give you an overview of all the resources you might want to consult. Below are examples of how you can start this process and how they can help.

Dissertation Books

Define your Topic

Start your search by identifying a broad subject area, such as a country, period, theme or person. You might do this by looking at reference works, such as a Very Short Introduction , Cambridge Histories , or Oxford Handbooks . These books will give you an insight into the many areas you can investigate in greater depth and they will also provide references to peer-reviewed material on more defined topics. 

Next , look at material which focuses more on the area you have identified from reference works. These might be books, chapters or articles which focus on a more defined area of the subject you have identified. Use these to formulate questions that you can answer in your research.

Then ,  read resources that will help you form your argument and answer the questions you have set. This material should focus on the topic you have chosen and help you explain what has been written on this area before.

Search for Secondary Resources

In order to successfully search for resources relevant to your study, you will need to use search-terms which will retrieve the best results. The tips below will help you do this:

Terms you have found in your reading

Keep a note of terms you have seen when you have been identifying your topic. This could be anything relevant your topic, including: places, people, jobs, religions, institutions, objects, periods, or events. Also, take note of terms that are related to your topic and had an impact on the area you are studying. Write down all the terms which relate to your topic and note which ones provide the most relevant results.

It can also be useful to keep a note of what you are not looking at so that you stay focused on your topic and do not retrieve too many results.

Authors who are written about the topic

You will start to notice that some authors are mentioned as specialists on the topic you are researching. Search a variety of catalogues to find what they have written on the subject in different formats. They might have contributed to edited works, written articles, given presentations to conferences or annotated works. They also might lead you to others who have written about your topic or research groups which are relevant to your studies.

Use subject searches

Most secondary resources have been indexed according to their subject. Through using these subject terms you can search catalogues more efficiently and find relevant resources without just searching the title or author. 

If you find a useful resources, try looking at its catalogue record. See if any of the subject headings look useful and note what terminology they use as this will be consistent across most databases. When you have found a useful term, copy and paste it into a subject search (or select the link) and see what other resources are available.

You can also use an online thesaurus to find search terms. The most commonly used terms are the Library of Congress Subject Headings  which provide uniform terms across international databases.

Use databases

The University subscribes to many databases that focus on different countries and topics. These will provide a comprehensive guide to what has been written in your area and may use different subject headings. Reference databases and bibliographies can be especially useful for finding citations of everything that has been written on a certain area of history. Biographical databases can also help find information about individuals and institutions. For a complete list of all the databases the University subscribes to, look at the A-Z of databases . 

Search for Primary Resources

There are plenty of primary resources that can be used in your dissertation. The University subscribes to many databases that provide access to primary resources and some of our libraries hold special collections which can be used in your research. Below are some examples:

The University subscribes to many newspapers from the past and present. They can be a really useful tool for finding contemporary accounts of events and provide more than just articles (including: advertisements, illustrations, family notices, sports, arts, court cases). Many newspaper databases will also include related content, such as pamphlets and newsbooks.

The University Library has a collection of print newspapers which can be consulted on site. The University also subscribes to electronic databases of national and local newspapers across the world. More information about the newspaper databases we subscribe to is available on our  dedicated website .

Special Collection Material

Many libraries and archives provide access to rare, unique and specialised collections of books and manuscripts. The University Library, for example, provides access to Manuscripts and Rare Books Departments , as do some of the colleges. Some of the more frequently used and important material is also available as part of an online library, such as Cambridge's CUDL .

Official Publications (Government Documents)

Documents produced by governmental and intergovernmental bodies can provide an insight into their decision making and governance. Several libraries in Cambridge have received official publications material and a lot of material is now available online. More information about the official material in Cambridge libraries is available on our Official Publications LibGuide .

Data and Statistics

Figures can be used to help illustrate a point and provide evidence as you answer the central question in your dissertation. You might chose to refer to census data, crime statistics, trade figures, or any other data set that relates to your area of history. This sort of information can be found in databases and replicated in secondary resources. 

Private Papers

If you are researching an individual (or someone who played a prominent role in the area you are focusing on) it is a good idea to see if they have deposited private papers in an archive. These might includes diaries, letters, draft works, or anything else that was kept and not published. These works are normally kept in an archive, so a good starting point is to look at a catalogue that might show where relevant papers are held (such as Archives Hub )

These can include maps, cartoons, paintings and photographs. Images are available both in print and online, but you need to be cautious of the copyright restrictions of images before you use them (check the information given by the source). Some databases will allow you to search images, like ARTstor , so use them as a good starting point for your search. 

Audio-Visual

Similarly to images, the University provides access to a variety of audio-visual resources, including interviews, recordings, radio and films. If there is a particular DVD you would like to use, try searching the title in iDiscover. For example, " Interviews with Historians " will take you to a comprehensive collection of DVDs available at the Seeley. Many films are also available online, such as British Pathe .

Organise and Save Your Research

You will be able to do a comprehensive and efficient literature search if you keep a record of what you have read, where you read it and what each item means to your research. The best way to achieve this is to:

1. Record the key ideas, themes and quotes from what you have read. Try to find a uniform way to do this as it will make it easier to find information when you come to write your dissertation. Some formats are freely available on the internet, such as the Cornell Note Taking System .

2. Save citations you have looked at so you do not struggle to find them again. Also, this will help you when you come to do your references. There are many reference managers available to help you store this information and create a fully formatted bibliography.

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Southern Historical Association European History Section Parker-Schmitt Dissertation Award

The European History Section of the Southern Historical Association is pleased to announce the biennial competition for the Parker-Schmitt Dissertation Award. Named for Harold Parker, long-time professor of French history at Duke University, and Hans Schmitt, who taught German history at several institutions before completing his career at the University of Virginia, the Award is given in even–numbered years to the best Ph.D. dissertation in European history nominated by a faculty member at a Southern university (the term “Southern” should be broadly construed) or by a member of the European History Section.

The award of $250 will be presented at the EHS luncheon at the SHA meeting in Kansas City, MO, this October. Eligible dissertations must have been defended between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2024. Criteria for selection include quality and originality of research, new and stimulating interpretations and insights, and literary quality.

Recommendations of eligible dissertations should be sent to the chair of the committee, Kelly A. Kolar ( [email protected] ) by September 1, 2024. 

2024 Parker-Schmitt Dissertation Award Committee

Chair: Kelly A. Kolar

Department of History, Middle Tennessee State University

[email protected]

Tiffany Ziegler

History Department, Midwestern State University

[email protected] 

Alyssa Culp

Illinois Wesleyan University

[email protected]

Kelly A. Kolar

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Core77 Awards 2024

Two student design projects recognized with Core77 Awards 2024

Polyphonic & Ecoverse

Award: Speculative Design Award – Student Notable: Honoree:  Claire Weizenegger (MDes 2023) Team: Wyatt Olson (MDes, 2024), thesis co-chairs Professors Audrey Desjardins and Dr. James Pierce.

Description: Part of Claire Weizenegger's thesis project, Polyphonic & Ecoverse critically examines the prevailing issue of sexism in domestic Voice Assistants.  Polyphonic is a voice interface that envisions a future about how everyday life with a conversation agent could look like that has multiple identities, characters, and ideologies pushing against the current persona, which is submissive and capitalist (e.g., Alexa). On the other hand, Ecoverse is designed as a social actor that prompts mindfulness, philosophical insights, and a wise and guiding presence. It's conscious of its impact on the environment while promoting mindful interactions that encourage users to be present and attentive at the moment.   Learn more about the project.

Hidden Kitchen

Award:  Consumer Technology Award — Student Notable Honoree: Cobi Stancik (BDes 2024, Interaction Design) Team: Cameron Lee (BDes 2024, Visual Communication Design), Christopher Pile, and Michael Reese (BDes 2024, Interaction Design), Dr. James Pierce, and Dr. Cayla Key

Description: Hidden Kitchen is an app that uses your grocery buying history to suggest recipes using the ingredients that you already have in your home. The project has been recognized by The National Student Show and Core77; it also received an Indigo Design Award and a UXD Design Award.   Learn more about the project.

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UCAS code: V100

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: History, Classics and Archaeology

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Introducing MA History

At Edinburgh, our history department is one of the largest and most diverse in the UK. 



Our academics are internationally recognised experts in the field whose teaching is directly informed by their research. This programme reflects these strengths. 



Our range of courses 



We offer an exceptionally wide range of courses, covering:

• historical periods from the early Middle Ages to the contemporary world 

• geographical regions including Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas



Our history courses also cover a wide variety of approaches to the past, including: 



• political history 

• cultural history
• social history 

• economic history 

• intellectual history 

• gender history 

• global and transnational history 



Study in a historic city

Edinburgh provides an ideal environment to study history. We are situated in the heart of the historic city centre, a short walk away from the castle and the winding streets of the medieval Old Town. 



The University has excellent resources for the study of history, including access to unique archival sources within the Library's Special Collections. 



Historians also benefit from the research materials afforded by the great collections based in the city, including the:

• National Library 

• National Records 

• National Galleries 

• National Museum of Scotland

What you will study

In Year 1, you will take broad survey courses.

These emphasise processes and patterns within broad chronological and geographical frameworks. This is designed to prepare you for more specialised study in Years 3 and 4.

You will also:

• study two compulsory courses, covering the Middle Ages and early modern periods
• have the option to study modern history
• take a compulsory skills course examining the nature of history as an academic discipline and the methods and skills required for historical research
• choose from a wide range of option courses outside your primary subject

Year 2 history courses will cover a wider geographical range and time period. Courses currently cover various historic periods and themes in:

• American history
• European history
• British history
• Scottish history
• global history

As in Year 1, Year 2 history courses offer broad surveys that are designed to prepare you for more specialised study in Years 3 and 4.

• continue to study a range of histories
• deepen your knowledge of particular geographical regions, chronological periods, and themes
• choose two courses from the covered periods and themes
• take a compulsory course on historiography

In Year 3, you will:

• Reflect on history as a discipline and be introduced to the practice of historical research.
• Study courses from a range of specialised elective courses. Depending on the courses you choose in Years 1 and 2, you may have the option to choose one from another subject outside history.

In Year 4, you will:

• take two year-long special subject courses in history
• engage in independent research to produce an honours dissertation on a topic of your own choosing

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities.

The School of History, Classics and Archaeology is located in the heart of the city, in the University's Central Area. Here you will have access to:

• a range of study spaces
• our Student Research Room
• research collections
• an undergraduate common room

You will also have access to the University's libraries and computing facilities, located in George Square.

You will be taught in a range of lecture theatres and seminar rooms in the School and across the University's Central Area.

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of History, Classics and Archaeology and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

• Take a virtual tour of the School of History, Classics and Archaeology

External resources

As well as using our own resources and those of the University Library, you can apply for access to the outstanding collections of the:

• National Library of Scotland

Study abroad

There are plenty of opportunities to study abroad in Year 3 by applying for one of the University’s many international exchanges.

These cover many parts of the world, including:

• North and South America
• New Zealand

These are unique opportunities to immerse yourself in different university systems and cultures.

• What are my options for going abroad?

Learning and assessment

How will i learn.

You will be taught through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• independent study

For option courses, teaching and learning methods may vary.

Pre-honours

In Years 1 and 2, formal teaching involves lectures and tutorials.

Lectures are delivered by experts in the field and provide an overview of key themes, concepts and questions relating to the week's topic.

In tutorials, the emphasis is on student discussion in small groups. Some courses also incorporate small student study groups, which help you learn from each other in preparation for tutorials.

You will also study independently, with a focus on reading in preparation for lectures and tutorials.

Years 3 and 4 involve more seminars and independent study, with individual supervision of your final-year dissertation.

How will I be assessed?

Our courses use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop transferable skills and improve your performance.

You will be assessed by exams and coursework. Your coursework may include:

• primary source analyses
• oral presentations
• online discussion forums
• participation in tutorials and seminars

Career opportunities

You will gain key transferable skills that employers are looking for. You will learn to:

• Develop intellectually rigorous arguments, based on sound independent research and analysis.
• Compile and critically evaluate large amounts of complex and conflicting evidence.
• Formulate and present your views coherently and convincingly, both orally and in writing.

The research and analytical skills history students develop can be used in any research-based career. These skills can also be applied to careers such as:

• museum and heritage work
• public relations
• the diplomatic service

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers, including in:

• the civil service

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement.

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAA, preferred by S5.)
• A Levels: A*AA.
• IB : 39 points with 666 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB : 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA : Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB : HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA , GCSE and IB

For SQA , GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS , PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online.)

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for MA History

Additional costs

Your choice of dissertation topic may require fieldwork. Some additional costs may be associated with this fieldwork such as:

• accommodation
• photocopying

The overall cost to you will depend on the topic you choose and where your fieldwork takes place.

If you study abroad in Year 3, your costs will vary by country.

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Have a query about undergraduate study?
• Send an enquiry

Degrees in History

7 degrees in history.

• History (MA) V100
• History and Archaeology (MA) VV1K
• History and Classics (MA) VQ18
• History and Economics (MA) V200
• History and History of Art (MA) VV13
• History and Politics (MA) LV21
• History and Scottish History (MA) VV12

You may also be interested in

• Ancient and Medieval History (MA) V190
• Ancient History (MA) V110
• Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations (MA) VV41
• Arabic and History (MA) TV61
• Chinese and History (MA) TV11
• English Literature and History (MA) QVH1
• French and History (MA) RV11
• German and History (MA) RV21
• Interdisciplinary Futures (MA) FIA1
• Italian and History (MA) RV31
• Law and History (LLB) MV11
• Russian Studies and History (MA) RV71
• Scandinavian Studies and History (MA) RV61
• Scottish Literature and History (MA) QVJ1
• Spanish and History (MA) RV41
• How to apply
• Why choose History

More information

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PhD Dissertation defense: Jonathan Hepworth

Speaker jonathan hepworth.

Jonathan Hepworth will defend his doctoral dissertation, " Obscured Genesis: Latter-day Saint Success in the Nineteenth-Century American South ", July 8. The major professor is Dr. Stephen Berry. Members of the university community are invited to attend. Please contact the graduate program at [email protected] if you wish to attend by July 1.

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