Master of Arts in History Specialization in Medieval and Renaissance Studies

The Department of History offers the degree of Master of Arts (with or without thesis) in History. Within the limits imposed by the availability of qualified staff, students may pursue their studies in English or in French.

At the master's level students undertake research in diverse areas corresponding to the expertise and interests of faculty members. The program includes a co-op option at the master's.

The Department participates in the collaborative programs in Womens Studies and in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the master's level, allowing students to specialize in one of these areas. For further details, please consult the section of the master's program.

The collaborative masters in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (MDR) has two goals:

• To offer at the graduate level a multi-disciplinary education in Medieval and Renaissance Studies;
• To teach students the theoretical approaches and methods of research specific to the study of the period.

Since the 16th century, study of the middle ages implies studying a middle, or intermediary period, seen as standing between two great civilizations: Roman antiquity and the modern western world. This definition has had a major impact on scholarship, crystallizing a periodization that has now become traditional in most of the humanities.

The programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

Students must have an honours BA in history (or the equivalent) with a minimum average of 70 per cent (B) before they can be considered for admission. The department may require a written or oral entrance examination.

Collaborative Programs

The Department of History is a participating unit in the collaborative programs in Women's Studies (master's level only) and in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (master's level only).

The program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in History by including an interdisciplinary component in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. The specific requirements of this collaborative program include two core courses in medieval studies and a thesis on a topic related to Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

Students should indicate in their initial application for admission to the master's program in History that they wish to be accepted into the collaborative program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Candidates must hold an honours degree or the equivalent.

Co-op Option

To be admissible to the co-op option, students must commence the Master of History Program in the fall term and be enrolled full time. Applications for the co-op option must be received by the end of the first month of the student’s enrollment in the MA program. Acceptance into the co-op option is offered on a competitive basis and is managed by the Co-op Office. Enquiries should be directed to that office.

Language Requirements

All applicants must be able to understand speak and write either English or French proficiently. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable tests is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. 

In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.