University of New Brunswick

What you'll study

The MA in History at the University of New Brunswick emphasises historical research methods, historiography and regional as well as thematic specialisations. Students undertake a combination of core seminars and electives that cover topics such as Atlantic Canadian history, Indigenous histories, labour and social history, military history, environmental history, and the history of Empire and migration. Training in archival research, oral history techniques, and digital history tools is typically available.

Programme structures commonly include a taught component of advanced seminars and reading courses followed by a substantial research thesis supervised by faculty. Alternative course-based or major research-paper pathways may be offered depending on the student’s objectives and supervisor agreement. Typical modules and course topics include:

• Historiography and Research Methods – theoretical approaches, research design, archival practice and ethics.
• Atlantic and Maritime Studies – regional economic, social and cultural developments, including Acadian and Atlantic Indigenous histories.
• Social and Labour History – class, labour movements, gender and family history.
• Environmental and Resource Histories – human-environment interaction, forestry, fisheries and resource governance.
• Military and Diplomatic History – conflict, defence, and international relations from historical perspectives.
• Public and Digital History – museum practice, public interpretation, digital humanities methods, and community engagement.

Students complete a major research project under faculty supervision, developing primary-source analysis, archival literacy and scholarly writing. Opportunities for internships, placements with local archives or museums, and collaboration with regional centres (such as the Provincial Archives and heritage organisations) are common.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in history or a closely related discipline with strong academic standing. Competition is based on academic record, the fit between the applicant’s research interests and faculty expertise, and the availability of a supervisor.

Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of research interests or a research proposal outlining intended MA topics and methodology.
• Letters of academic reference (usually two) from instructors familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
• A writing sample such as an undergraduate research essay or paper demonstrating analytical and writing ability.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.

Specific minimum grade/GPA requirements, documentation details and any additional departmental prerequisites should be confirmed with the UNB Department of History or the graduate admissions office before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in History pursue a wide range of careers that benefit from advanced research, critical thinking and communication skills. Common career directions include:

• Further academic study (PhD) and careers in teaching or research.
• Work in archives, libraries and records management, including positions in provincial and municipal archives.
• Museum and heritage sector roles: curatorship, collections management, exhibition development and public programming.
• Public history and community engagement projects with cultural organisations, Indigenous communities and heritage groups.
• Policy, research and analysis roles in government, non-governmental organisations and think tanks.
• Publishing, journalism, and communications roles that require strong research and editorial skills.

Graduates also bring transferable skills to careers in project management, education, law, and cultural resource management.

Why study at University of New Brunswick

UNB offers a close-knit graduate community with access to faculty who research regional and thematic areas relevant to Atlantic Canada and beyond. The university’s location provides strong links to provincial archives, local museums and community heritage organisations, which supports hands-on research and public history work. Small seminars and one-to-one supervision promote intensive training in research methods and professional writing.

Students benefit from multidisciplinary collaborations across the university, opportunities to engage with Indigenous and community partners, and support services for graduate researchers. The programme’s balance of methodological training and regional expertise is well suited to students who want to undertake original archival research and prepare for careers in academia, heritage management or public-sector research.