Overview

Ideas and patterns of thought always have been, and continue to be, subject to historical change. The ways in which they change, and the reasons why they do so, make for fascinating study.

You will also have the opportunity to explore particular themes in intellectual history, such as the Enlightenment, the American Revolution, the religious thought of the Reformation, slavery in eighteenth-century Scotland, or the politics of history in the Arabic-speaking world since 1750, allowing you to develop a detailed understanding of the origins, historical circumstances, and implications of these phenomena.

Courses at the School, which can be complemented by a limited number of courses from other departments, can range from medieval patterns of thought to political analyses of 20th-century totalitarianism.

The courses can change from year to year, but in previous years, our courses included areas such as the Enlightenment, medieval debates about marriage, and modern African political culture.

By the end of the programme, you will have the tools you need to appreciate the interdependence of text and context and the importance of ideas in past and present, as well as the ability to research effectively and present your work with confidence.

Career opportunities

Many students are attracted to the MSc in Intellectual History programme at The University of Edinburgh as an advanced qualification that may be valued by a range of employers; a more specialised supplement to their undergraduate degrees that could set them apart in a crowded job market. Others are interested in pursuing academic careers and see the MSc as preparation for a PhD, while some are considering an academic career as a possibility and use the MSc to establish whether it is the right career choice.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Historical Methodology

Developing Historical Research

An uncertain world: the West since the 1970s

Books, Law and Lawyers in Scotland: From Humanism through Enlightenment

Capitalism and Slavery

Controversies in the Data Society

Creeds, Councils and Controversies: Patristic and Medieval

Creeds, Councils and Controversies: Reformation and Modern

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Modern History View 75 other Masters in Modern History in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA or its international equivalent, in a subject related to this programme, normally History.

We will also consider honours degrees in other subjects such as Philosophy, Classics, Literature, or Politics if your personal statement demonstrates how you are equipped to undertake the programme.

Relevant experience, or professional or other qualifications will also be considered.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32000 GBP / year

≈ 32000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

13700 GBP / year

≈ 13700 GBP / year

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Intellectual History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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