Course summary

Launched in 2013, our innovative online MSc in History allows you to take advantage of the remarkable range of historical expertise available at the University of Edinburgh. Thanks to our e-learning tools and extensive digital resources, you can gain a world-class postgraduate qualification without the expense of relocating. Our flexible structure allows you to fit your studies around work or family commitments and to develop your own specialised interests under the expert guidance of experienced academics. The thematic breadth of this programme means you can choose from a diverse range of topics and you will be able to further your own specialised interests through the dissertation. This programme will give you specialised knowledge and understanding of history and its central issues and give you the skills to examine historical sources and evaluate existing research. Choose from a diverse range of topics - from American politics to modern Japanese history, or interwar Europe to medieval Scottish history. You'll then be able to further your own specialised interests through the dissertation. Taught by one of the largest groups of historians in any British university and ranked 13th in the world for history (QS World University Subject Rankings 2025), you will encounter a stimulating environment in which to further your interest in practically any era of history and many regions of the world. If you have recently graduated and would like to continue your studies, are considering returning to education, or wish to retrain or pursue a personal interest in the subject of history, the online MSc provides the ideal balance between a busy life and studying towards an internationally recognised graduate qualification, without the disruption or expense of relocation. Over 150 students have already graduated from our programme.