Makerere University

What you'll study

The MA in History combines advanced coursework, specialised seminars and an independent research thesis. Core themes include historiography and theory, research methods (qualitative and quantitative), archival and oral history techniques, and regional specialisms focused on East Africa and broader African comparative history. Students balance mandatory modules with electives and a supervised dissertation that develops original research.

• Historiography and Historical Theory — debates in historical writing, approaches to periodisation, and theoretical frameworks used in contemporary historical scholarship.
• Research Methods in History — archival practice, oral history methodology, source criticism, quantitative approaches to historical data and research ethics.
• African Political and Social History — examinations of pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial political and social transformations in East Africa and beyond.
• Economic and Environmental History — topics such as the history of trade, labour, agriculture, urbanisation and human–environment interaction.
• Public History and Heritage Studies — museum practice, heritage management, commemoration and the public communication of history.
• Oral Traditions and Indigenous Knowledge — collection, preservation and interpretation of oral sources and indigenous knowledge systems.
• Dissertation — a substantial supervised research project that makes an original contribution to historical knowledge.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in history or a closely related humanities/social science discipline from a recognised institution. Makerere typically requires evidence of strong academic performance (for example a second-class upper or an equivalent qualification) and some departments may consider applicants with lower second-class honours who demonstrate relevant experience or a convincing research proposal. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose or research proposal, and academic references. Proficiency in English is required where the applicant's previous instruction was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in History pursue a wide range of careers in and beyond academia. Common paths include:

• Doctoral research and academic teaching at universities and colleges.
• Museums, archives and heritage organisations — roles in curation, conservation and collections management.
• Public history and cultural policy work for government bodies and NGOs involved in heritage, education and community projects.
• Research and analysis roles in think-tanks, research institutes and international organisations focusing on historical context for development and policy.
• Media, publishing and communications — producing informed historical content for print, broadcast and digital platforms.
• Education sector roles at secondary and tertiary levels, curriculum development and educational consultancy.

Why study at Makerere University

Makerere University offers the MA in History within a strong faculty of humanities with longstanding regional expertise in East African and African studies. Students benefit from access to national and regional archival collections, an active seminar culture, and supervisors engaged in diverse research fields including social, political and environmental history. The university’s location in Kampala provides opportunities for fieldwork, collaboration with museums and heritage institutions, and connections with regional research networks, making it a robust environment for developing advanced historical skills and a professional network.