History University of British Columbia

Overview

The Master of Arts in History at the University of British Columbia provides a rigorous platform for students to analyse the complex forces that have shaped human societies across the globe. This programme encourages scholars to investigate the past through diverse social, cultural, and political lenses to better understand contemporary global challenges. Students benefit from a vibrant academic community and extensive research resources.

Why History at the University of British Columbia?

The Department of History is home to over 30 full-time faculty members and a large community of graduate researchers. Students have access to the UBC Library, which is the second largest research library in Canada, featuring exceptional collections focused on East Asia, Canada, and Europe. The programme is distinguished by its thematic research clusters, including the interdisciplinary Science and Technology Studies stream, which allows for collaborative work across various academic units.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9884 per year
• National fee: CAD 5626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around advanced coursework and the completion of a significant original thesis. Research and study areas may include:

• Science, Technology, and Medicine
• Global History, Maritime History, and Empire
• First Nations, Aboriginal, and Indigenous History
• Environmental History
• Ethnicity, Race, and Nationalism
• Gender, Sexuality, and the Body
• International Relations
• Culture, Power, and History
• Migration, Borderlands, and Transnational History

Careers with History

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse professional paths in both the public and private sectors. Many alumni secure roles as historians, museum curators, archivists, and librarians. The analytical and research skills developed during the degree also lead to successful careers as lawyers, public policy analysts, diplomats, journalists, and school teachers. Additionally, many students progress to doctoral studies at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Harvard, Cambridge, and NYU.