University of Leicester

What you'll study

The programme combines thematic and comparative study of cities with hands-on training in historical methods and sources. Core teaching typically covers the historiography of urban studies, research methods for urban history (including archival research, material culture and digital approaches), and intensive case-study work that examines processes such as industrialisation, migration, housing, public health, urban governance and landscapes of work and leisure.

Students take a mix of taught modules and undertake a substantial independent research project (dissertation) supervised by staff with expertise in urban, social and economic history. Typical module themes include:

• Historiography and theory of urban change
• Research methods: archives, maps, material culture and digital tools
• Comparative urbanisation and city-region histories
• Places, identities and migration in urban contexts
• Urban conservation, planning and the politics of space

The programme emphasises primary-source work, critical engagement with urban theory, and skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis. It is offered with flexibility for full-time and part-time study, and includes opportunities to engage with local archives, museums and community projects in and around Leicester.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (for example a UK upper second-class honours or equivalent) in history, heritage studies, geography, planning or a related discipline. Candidates with substantial relevant professional experience in local history, museums, archives, heritage, planning or community work may also be considered.

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in English to the level required by the University. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to supply a writing sample and attend an interview, especially where research interests require specific supervisory expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Urban History go on to a wide range of careers that draw on skills in research, interpretation and public engagement. Typical career paths include:

• Further academic research (PhD) and teaching in history or related fields
• Roles in museums, archives and heritage organisations (curation, collections management, outreach)
• Local and regional government positions involving planning, conservation and community history projects
• Research and consultancy for cultural organisations, NGOs and policy bodies
• Roles in publishing, cultural tourism, education and community heritage initiatives

The programme is designed to equip students with advanced research skills, archival literacy, project management experience and the ability to communicate historical findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is home to established expertise in urban and social history and offers close engagement with local archives, museums and civic projects. Students benefit from supervision by staff with strong research profiles in urban history and related fields, and from the University's resources including special collections and research support services.

Leicester itself provides a rich urban laboratory: as a mid-sized city with layered industrial, social and migration histories, it offers accessible primary sources and community partnerships that inform student research. The Department's interdisciplinary links with geography, archaeology, heritage and digital humanities provide additional training and collaboration opportunities for students pursuing urban historical research.