Lancaster University’s research specialisms cover a broad range of historical periods and geographies, and we are recognised experts in training future historians. You will explore how historical scholarship impacts the real world, from informing government policy to courtroom advocacy how it shapes public understanding of the past, and how big historical themes play out across the centuries and around the world.

With advanced knowledge and skills, you'll be ready to launch a standout career, whether as a professional historian or in a wide range of exciting fields.

On this challenging master's programme, you will explore the many ways in which historical research, knowledge and skills have an impact. You will learn how to apply your historical craft to real-world challenges. Developing cross-chronological insights and global perspectives on the past, you will explore the significance of important historical themes - including changes in environment and climate the relationship between war, health and society and the preservation and promotion of histories through the heritage industry.

You will discover how public understanding of the past is shaped through exhibitions, historical fiction and gaming, trade publishing and documentaries, and you’ll build your fluency and confidence in communicating with a range of audiences. In short, you’ll develop the ability to make your own contribution to our knowledge of the past.

Our expert historians will lead you behind the scenes of the historical profession and train you in the specialist techniques needed to undertake original research and engage with debates at the forefront of the discipline.

You will discover how and why historians disagree with their peers and predecessors, and how they frame their findings as significant. Meanwhile, you will develop the historian’s essential skill: finding and interpreting primary sources.

You’ll also hone your skills in academic history at an advanced level: how to explore an archive and develop your research topic, how to assess the research of other historians in book reviews, and how to write for academic audiences and respond to peer review.