MA in History
The Canada’s Internment Era Field School – the first post-secondary course dedicated to the internment and dispossession in Canada. In July 2019 ten students and ten teachers embarked on a five-day tour of the former sites of the Japanese Canadian internment. East Lillooet was the final stop in the tour.
The Canada’s Internment Era Field School – the first post-secondary course dedicated to the internment and dispossession in Canada.
Students Stephen Topfer and Lesley Golding discuss Stephen's exhibit at the Victoria Art Gallery
MA in History
Come and experience:
- Oral and Indigenous history
- Cutting-edge research
- Hands-on community engagement
- Real-world work experience and professional networking
- History for the digital world/new media
Admission Requirements
Subject to the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, admission to the MA stream in Public History normally requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall average of B+ (6.0 GPA), or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum average of A- (7.0 GPA) in the final year’s work. Many more students apply each year than can be accommodated in the program. A candidate with background deficiencies in History may be required to register for a year as a non-degree undergraduate student before being admitted to the program. A candidate with significant experience in community-based or professional historical engagement may be considered for admission without meeting the full requirements indicated above.
Programs
Please see the calendar for MA program requirements.
Public History MA
Our 20-month MA in Public History trains students to communicate the rich stories from the past to the widest possible audience. Public historians are skilled researchers and creative professional communicators who work for archives, museums, First Nations, historic parks, tourism agencies, art galleries, universities and government, conveying history via digital and traditional media. As students work alongside faculty to carry history to public audiences, they’ll learn its purpose, importance, and meaning.
Thesis MA
Our two-year MA History trains students in the theory and methodology of history, and the rich history of particular areas or topics during the first course-based year. In the second year, students have the opportunity for sustained, independent research in the production of a 70 to 100 page thesis.
Thesis MA Committee and Oral Defence Information
Major Research Paper (MRP) MA
Our one-year MA History is rooted in courses on historical theory and methods, and on several topical and geographical areas. Students complete the program by preparing a 35-50 page major research project.
Thesis MA with Concentration in Cultural, Social and Political Thought (CSPT)
Students who are particularly interested in theoretical issues may consider applying to undertake the CSPT option, which requires the completion of all History requirements, in addition to completing courses in CSPT. Students generally find that the program takes longer than the usual two years of a History MA.
Other Requirements
After the first eight months of coursework, students are required to meet with their supervisors and fill out the MA Student-Supervisor form. This form is due to the graduate secretary by May 31.
By October 15 of the second year of study, the supervisor and student will meet to assess the student’s progress and make plans for degree completion. The MA Progress Report is due to the graduate secretary due by October 15. Students who do not complete the program within the normal timeframe are required to fill and sign out a new progress report each year by October 15.
Supervisor
Each student will have a supervisor nominated by the academic unit who is a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. A faculty member who wishes to be appointed as a co-supervisor for a student who is in a program outside of the faculty member’s academic unit must be approved for the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Membership list as an Associate Member in the student’s home academic unit.
The duties of the supervisor include: recommending a program of study chosen in conformity with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and academic unit’s regulations and supervision of the project. See “ Graduate Supervision Policy” on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for more information.
Good Standing
Students must remain in good standing in order to continue to register each semester. Any concerns about academic or non-academic good standing will normally be handled by a committee including the student’s supervisor and the graduate advisor. Any issues relating to supervisor/student relations will normally be adjudicated by the graduate advisor and the chair of the department. All determinations of good standing follow the procedures outlined in the Graduate Supervision policy.
If you have questions please contact our graduate assistant.
- Thesis and dissertation basics
- Ethical issues and copyright considerations
- Scope, structure and formatting
- Final submission of your thesis or dissertation