COURSE CURRICULUM

The M.A. program in the Department of History at Queen’s University requires all incoming full-time students to complete six term-length graduate courses, or their equivalent, during the first year of study, in addition to a Master’s Thesis (HIST-899). Integral to the program is a mandatory workshop-based research methods and professionalization course, HIST-811, which is designed to equip students with essential skills in historical research, analysis, and professional development. HIST-811 is scheduled across both the fall and winter terms and counts as one of the six required term-length courses, providing a structured yet flexible approach to mastering research methodologies and historiographical techniques. The Master’s Thesis represents a substantial independent research project in which students work closely with a faculty supervisor to investigate a specific historical topic, allowing them to demonstrate their ability to conduct original scholarship and contribute meaningfully to the field. Through this combination of rigorous coursework and intensive research, the program ensures that students acquire both deep subject knowledge and the analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills required for advanced study or professional applications. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue doctoral studies, academic careers, or positions in government, media, education, and other sectors where historical expertise and research proficiency are valued.