Q. Why should I consider applying to do a MA/PhD in History at MUN?

A. The Department of History sees history as a foundational discipline within the liberal arts and social science traditions that is essential to an engaged citizenry. We are committed to helping our students gain a greater appreciation of the past and a fuller understanding of the world in which they live. To this end, the department provides a well-established program of graduate studies that reflects our members’ teaching interests and research profiles, and the needs of our students. We provide our graduate students with a challenging program built on collaborative relationships and active, cutting-edge research. The Department of History offers an MA (thesis or non-thesis option), and welcomes students interested in aspects of Canadian, European, Newfoundland, and United States history, as well as aboriginal, environmental, labour, maritime, media, medical, military, and gender history. The PhD program is currently offered in Canadian history, maritime history, and the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. Click on the following link for areas of research interest and contact information for faculty members.

Q. Do you have any advice for an international student who is considering doing a graduate degree in History at MUN?

A. Students from all over the world have come to study at Memorial. Please see the following links for more information:

http://www.mun.ca/become/graduate/international/

http://www.mun.ca/isa/

http://www.mun.ca/international/

Q: How do I apply to do a MA/PhD in History at MUN?

A. The deadline for applications is January 15. Apply through Memorial’s School of Graduate Studies application portal:

http://www.mun.ca/become/graduate/apply/

Q. What criteria are used for evaluating applications to the MA/PhD program in History at MUN?

A. The Graduate Committee assesses the applicant’s transcripts/GPA (and particularly looks for signs of excellence in History courses), letters of reference, quality of the research proposal, and writing sample. The availability of a faculty member(s) to supervise the topic is also important. Applicants are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor at the time of application. However, bear in mind that the Graduate Committee in the Department of History is ultimately responsible for pairing students with supervisors. Click on the following link for areas of research interest and contact information for faculty members.

Q: I am considering applying for a MA/PhD in History at MUN. Can you tell me if I am eligible? I have attached my CV and Transcripts.

A. Please do not send or email any documents (such as CV, Transcripts, Writing Samples, or Research Statements) to the Graduate Coordinator. The Graduate Committee will only evaluate complete applications received from the School of Graduate Studies.

Q: I have applied for a MA/PhD in History at MUN. When will I find out whether or not I have been accepted?

A. Normally, the Graduate Committee in the Department of History assesses complete applications after the February 15 deadline, and strives to provide unofficial/conditional offers of acceptance or rejection within a month. However, the official letter of acceptance/rejection from the School of Graduate Studies may not be delivered until much later.

Q: I am applying to the MA program in History. Should I choose the thesis or non-thesis route?

The majority of students take the non-thesis route, which culminates in a 35-40 page Major Research Paper on a historical topic based on primary sources and which demonstrates a thorough grasp of the secondary literature. The thesis option is available for those students who want to pursue a more ambitious project. The length of the thesis is generally 100 pages and is examined by a member of the History Department and an external examiner. For more details on these options, see the Info for Grad Students handbook.

Q: What funding is available for graduate students in History at MUN?

A: There are a number of levels of support for academically eligible full-time graduate students (both MA and PhD), such as fellowships and graduate assistantships (sometimes known as teaching assistantships, or TAs) or research assistantships (RAs). The Graduate Committee of the Department of History normally makes recommendations for internal funding at the time of admission to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students should refer to the following link for more information: http://www.mun.ca/sgs/support_guidelines.pdf. Students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships and awards (e.g. SSHRC or Vanier). Please see: http://www.mun.ca/become/graduate/fees_funding/graduate_funding.php

Q: I have been accepted into the graduate program in History at MUN, how do I become a TA?

A. The availability of TAships varies from semester to semester. Normally, new and currently enrolled graduate students notify the Graduate Coordinator in writing that they would like to be considered for a TA (GA) position during the third week of August. The Graduate Committee meets to determine TA allocations before the first week of classes. We determine assignments on the basis of GPA average over the last 20 credits, the TAUMUN CA, and enrolment numbers.