MA History Course, Admissions, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career

What is MA History?

MA or Master of Arts in History is a two-year postgraduate degree programme divided into four semesters. It is the study of the past and current interpretations of the past. The study focuses on the events, stories, and narratives of historical societies, their practices, cultures, languages, art, and many other things. Candidates wishing to pursue a postgraduate degree must complete their BA History course. If a student is interested in doing a history course, then BA and after that MA in the said subject should be pursued.

Admissions to top colleges and universities are done through entrance examinations followed by interviews. The degree opens ample opportunities in various fields depending on the interest and choice of students for popular roles such as archaeologist, auctioneer, research assistant, historian, and others.

Highlights - MA History

MA History Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MA in History are similar for most colleges and universities. Candidates from different academic backgrounds can pursue an MA History degree course. To be eligible for the MA History programme offered by a number of universities and affiliated colleges, students must have a bachelor’s degree in the related course or must fulfil the following requirements:

• Students must have completed graduation from a recognized institute or college in any discipline.

• Students must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent marks.

• Students must clear the entrance test with the required cutoff specified by the institute followed by the personal interview.

MA History Admissions

The MA History admission varies from college to college. Some institutes offer admission on the basis of marks scored in the entrance exam and bachelor’s degree. Some institutes consider the marks secured by the students at the qualifying exam under the direct admission process. Students can find the complete admission process for top colleges offering the MA History degree.

• Students are required to appear for the entrance exams depending on the college or university to which they are applying for admission. It can be any entrance exam like IPU CET, CUET PG.

• Students qualifying for the entrance exam can pursue the degree in the required institute of their choice.

• Some institutes offer admission on the basis of marks acquired in all stages of the entrance exam. Those students who qualify for the entrance exam cutoff required for the particular course will pursue the degree in their preferred college.

Top Entrance Exams for MA History

MA History Skills Required

In order to pursue MA in History, candidates must possess skills that are required for a better understanding of subjects. It requires exceptional skills and the subjects would teach them skills like analytical thinking, intellectual, and communication skills which will help them in the future. Some of the key skills required for the MA History are as follows:

MA History Syllabus

MA History focuses on Indian as well as world history. The syllabus covers different aspects of historical events, languages, and cultures, and a detailed perspective of those important events to analyse history in a better way. Some of the detailed subjects offered in almost all the colleges and universities have been listed below:

MA History - Fee Structure

The Fee Structure for MA History varies from college to college. The average tuition fee amount ranges between Rs.10,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs. However, the amount charged by government colleges is much less as compared to private institutions.

Scope of MA History

After completing the course, students can explore possibilities across a variety of fields, including archaeology, historical research, academics, historical fiction, restoration of monuments, and museums. Students can also pursue higher studies doctoral or postdoctoral degrees such as M.Phil or Ph.D. in history. Students can also pursue their own research and publish papers, and books on historical events. They can also prepare for the civil services exam as it becomes quite easy for history graduates to qualify for the test.

Career Options after MA History

With a master’s degree in history, candidates can target a variety of job titles in the public as well as the private sector. Students can also find their employment in companies at various positions such as archaeologists, Historians, History Experts, Archivists, and many more. The average salary for professionals who complete a history degree is around Rs. 6 Lakhs per annum. Other career options for the history graduate are they can use analytical thinking and investigative abilities to excavate new sites and learn about the history, cultures, traditions, and languages.

Career Options after MA History

Archaeologist: Archaeologists are researchers whose work includes excavation, coin examination, and interpret inscriptions. They also write reports, papers, and articles for publication. They supervise and guide staff people and help them in research.

Historian: Their work is to study, research and compile information about historical documents. They write papers, and journals and publish them. Private institutions hire historians to conduct research and archive them. They teach students in colleges and universities and educate them about historical events.

Research Associate: They work under senior researchers. They collect information and check facts before submitting it to the panel. They also make presentations and posters to make sure that the information they have collected must be recognized by the senior researchers.

Archivists: They specialize in preserving historical documents and collections. They organize events, and exhibitions across the globe of historical records, archives, and other things. They work in museums, libraries, national and state archives offices, and other departments.

Documentation Specialist: Their work is to coordinate with other colleagues to ensure proper documentation of the work. They organize, and categorize documents. They supervise the documentation work and also perform proofreading sometimes when required.

List of Top Companies

• Indian Council of Historical Research
• National Heritage Agencies
• Archaeological Survey of India
• National Museum
• Government Museum and Art Gallery

Benefits of Studying MA History

The job opportunities for MA History graduates are quite vast. The course highlights the great achievements and helps the students to understand how things were and can change their approach to make things better. It offers quite high jobs in the government sector in areas like historical parks, research centres, survey offices, archive offices, and many more. The history graduates can also opt for higher studies or they can undertake research-based work, publish papers and develop a keen historical sense of thinking, investigating, and analysing facts.

Expected Salary after MA History

The salary expectations of each job profile depend on experience, skills, capabilities, and other factors. For history graduates with less than one year of experience, the average annual compensation offered is around Rs. four Lakhs. After gaining experience for two years, the candidates can expect a salary of around Rs. six Lakhs. The salary for candidates who have more than five years of experience is around Rs. nine Lakhs. The salary could be higher if one is working abroad.

Source: upGrad

List of Top 10 MA History Colleges in India

In India, several colleges offer MA History courses. The fees of these colleges are merit-based. These colleges have been recognized across the world for their performance in the field of history. Some of the top 10 colleges are as follows:

Top Private MA History Colleges in India

The private colleges in India offering MA History courses are performing exceptionally well in terms of academic performance. Admission to these colleges is based on the entrance exam. These colleges have successfully managed to place themselves among the top colleges in the country. Some of the top private colleges in India are:

Top Government MA History Colleges in India

The government colleges offering MA History have been recognized for their academic and placement statistics globally. They charge fewer fees as compared to private colleges. However, the selection is done through the entrance exam. Some of the top colleges and universities are as follows:

Top MA History Colleges in States

There are several colleges offering MA History in India. The colleges enroll students on the basis of entrance exam merit. These colleges have successfully managed their place among the top colleges and universities across the world. Some of the top colleges in the states are: