Master of Arts in History (Thesis or Project) at UNBC - University Of Northern British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

The Master of Arts in History program at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) offers a unique opportunity for graduate study, focusing on various historical contexts including Canada, Britain and its empire, and the Iberian world. This program emphasizes areas such as gender, legal, environmental, and indigenous histories, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of historical narratives. Students are accepted into the program based on the availability of an appropriate supervisor, ensuring personalized guidance throughout their academic journey. The program is designed to foster critical thinking and original research, culminating in either a thesis or a substantial project.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in History program is structured to provide flexibility and depth in historical studies. The program comprises two distinct streams:

Thesis Stream: Students complete 15 credit hours of graduate coursework and a 100-page thesis based on original research.
Project Stream: Students complete 18 credit hours of coursework and a substantial project that may include various forms of knowledge transmission, such as museum exhibits or digital history initiatives.

Students are typically expected to complete their coursework within two semesters and the entire program within four semesters. Upon admission, each student is assigned a supervisor who oversees their academic progress and program requirements. This structure allows for a tailored educational experience, accommodating individual research interests and academic goals.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Arts in History program at UNBC offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Opportunity to engage in original research through the thesis or project options.
Access to a diverse range of historical topics, including gender, legal, environmental, and indigenous histories.
Personalized mentorship from faculty members who are experts in their fields.
Possibility to collaborate on projects that may include museum exhibits, documentary films, and digital history initiatives.
Engagement with a vibrant academic community that values critical thought and historical inquiry.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in History program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Historian: Conduct research and analyze historical data to provide insights into past events and trends.
Museum Curator: Manage collections of historical artifacts and develop educational programs for the public.
Archivist: Preserve and organize historical documents and records for institutions, ensuring access for future research.
Educator: Teach history at various educational levels, sharing knowledge and fostering critical thinking among students.
Public Historian: Work with communities to interpret and present history in accessible formats, such as exhibitions and public programs.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit UNBC - University Of Northern British Columbia official website

Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Arts in History (Thesis or Project) program, the following academic requirements apply:

Minimum average grade of 5 or higher in English 12, three academic subjects, and an elective for Vietnamese students.
Transfer applicants must have a minimum of 15 credit hours of acceptable university-level coursework from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Official documents must be provided prior to the start of the semester.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is recommended that applicants also provide grades from their final two years of upper secondary school for prerequisite purposes.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UNBC. Consequently, it is expected that an applicant be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of English in order to receive and participate in classroom instruction and discussion as well as to complete written assignments. Applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following tests (or its online equivalence, as determined by the Office of the Registrar):

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in each of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; score of at least 230 in the computer-based test or at least 570 in the paper-based test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules.
Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP (BC Council on Admissions and Transfer English for Academic Purposes) 4 program.
A final grade of 50% or better in English Studies 12 from the British Columbia high school system.
A final grade of 75% (B) or better in a University-transferable English course.
A final grade of 75% or better in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) / CISCE (Council for The Indian School Certificate Examinations) Class XII English Core.
Completion of two full years of full time degree level studies or equivalent at a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction.
A final grade of 2 or better in AP (Advanced Placement) English Literature and Composition or AP Literature and Composition.
A final grade of 3 or better in IB (International Baccalaureate) English A1 or A2 (higher or subsidiary level).
MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of at least 80, with a minimum of 3 on the Speaking Rating Scale.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) or the CAEL CE (Computer Edition) Assessment score of at least 70, with no subtest below 60.
A grade of B or better on Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced.
PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): overall score of 65, with not less than 60 in each of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!