History University of Northern British Columbia

Overview

The History programme at the University of Northern British Columbia provides students with a rigorous academic environment to pursue advanced historical research. This Master of Arts degree is designed to foster independent critical thought while exploring complex global and regional narratives through various scholarly lenses.

Candidates can choose between three distinct pathways to complete their degree: a thesis-based stream, a project-based stream, or a course-based option. The thesis route requires fifteen credit hours of coursework alongside an original research document, while the project stream allows for creative outputs such as digital history initiatives or museum exhibits. The course-based path focuses on broader academic study supplemented by a major research paper.

Why History at the University of Northern British Columbia?

The institution provides a supportive and intimate research environment where every student is assigned a dedicated supervisor upon admission. This mentorship ensures consistent progress through the two components of the degree: intensive graduate coursework and the final research requirement. The faculty includes distinguished professors emeriti and active researchers with international reputations.

The regional focus of the department is uniquely broad, covering the history of Canada, Britain and its empire, and the Iberian world. This allows for comparative studies that are rarely found in programmes of this size. Furthermore, the university’s commitment to indigenous relations provides a meaningful context for those studying the traditional territories and histories of Northern British Columbia.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 2651 per semester
• National fee: CAD 1894 per semester

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Historical Methodology and Research
• Historical Methods and Approaches
• Themes in the History of Gender
• Themes in Indigenous History
• Themes in Environmental History
• Themes in the History of International Relations
• Themes in Cultural History
• Themes in Social History
• Independent Study

Careers with History

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a variety of professional roles that require high-level analytical and communication skills. The diverse nature of the degree pathways allows students to transition into sectors such as heritage management, archival work, and museum curation. The project-based stream specifically prepares students for careers in knowledge transmission and digital history.

The rigorous research training provided by the university also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing careers in the public service, law, or education. Many alumni use the Master of Arts as a stepping stone toward doctoral studies or specialised research positions within governmental and non-governmental organisations. The focus on original research ensures graduates possess the critical thinking skills valued in the modern workforce.