UK · Master's
Durham University
MA in History
Durham University
Course Overview
The MA in History at Durham University — a Russell Group member and consistently a top-five UK university — is a one-year taught Master's from one of the strongest history departments in the country. The programme spans medieval, early-modern, and modern history with globally recognised strengths in the history of the Middle East, South Asia, empire, and the medieval world. Students take advanced research-methods and specialist option modules and write a 15,000-word dissertation, working alongside faculty who supervise doctoral research at the highest level.
Durham's collegiate structure and its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral-and-castle setting give the degree a distinctive academic community, and its lower cost of living relative to London matters for Sri Lankan applicants budgeting carefully. Graduates are eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route and progress into funded PhD study, heritage and archives, education, the civil service, and research-heavy roles across policy and journalism.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A good Bachelor's degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in History or a related humanities/social science subject — a Sri Lankan Second Class Upper degree from Colombo, Peradeniya, Kelaniya, or an equivalent overseas degree is competitive.
- check_circle A writing sample (typically 2,000–3,000 words) and a research statement.
- check_circle Two academic references.
- check_circle Applicants from adjacent disciplines considered with strong historical coursework.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.0 in each component).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall (min 23 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your prior degree was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degree programmes qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (£) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (1 year, 2026) | £25,000 | Rs. 10,000,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, Durham) | £12,500 | Rs. 5,000,000 |
| Student Visa & IHS Fee | £1,800 | Rs. 720,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | £39,300 | Rs. 15,720,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Durham History graduates are eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route. Alumni move into funded PhD study (Durham, Oxford, Cambridge, and US programmes), heritage and archives, the civil service, education, publishing, and research roles in policy and journalism. Durham's Russell Group reputation carries weight with UK employers; graduate humanities salaries typically start £25,000–£32,000.
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