Shaping tomorrow’s thinkers through the lessons of history - scholarships available

UCL Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences seeks to understand the social, political, economic, cultural and environmental processes that have shaped the world over time. Our academics develop cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research and education that has positive, real-world impact. We will challenge you to think in new ways, engage critically with global issues and look for creative solutions.

We are consistently ranked among the world’s top 15 across our disciplines and 3 subjects in the global #5 according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
(Archaeology #3, Anthropology #4, Geography #4). We are also ranked 1st in the UK for research power in the social sciences REF 2021).

Our courses

We offer a range of postgraduate study options with specialist degrees to prepare you to thrive in your career and leave a lasting impact on the world:

Anthropology

From our evolution as a species, to our relationship with the material and digital worlds and our vast range of social practices and cultural forms - we study humanity in all its aspects. Our research expertise spans over 60 countries and the whole human story, from our earliest origins to today's digital age. 

• MSc Medical Anthropology
• MSc Social and Cultural Anthropology
• MA Ethnographic and Documentary Film

Institute of the Americas

We are specialists in area studies (Latin America, the Caribbean, the US and Canada), providing in-depth expertise on the history, politics, and economics of the region.

• MA Latin American Studies: History, Politics and Society
• MSc International Relations of the Americas
• MA United States History and Politics

Institute of Archaeology

Currently ranked 3rd in the world for archaeology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the UCL Institute of Archaeology is a world-class destination for graduate study.   

• MA Archaeology of the Mediterranean, Egypt and Middle East
• MSc Environmental Archaeology

Geography

UCL Geography courses address global challenges such as climate change, urban development, migration, environmental management and geopolitics. We equip students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact.

• MSc Environment Politics and Society
• MSc Migration, Politics and Society
• MSc Climate Change

History

Our dynamic and diverse history courses cover over 5,000 years of history across every continent. Our students benefit from UC’s proximity to numerous libraries, archives, museums, lectures and events, and institutions of higher learning.

• MA Public History
• MA History

History of Art

This interdisciplinary, object-based, problem-led, and sector-facing programme trains the next generation of contemporary art conservators.

• MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media

Economics

Join our international, research-led community and you'll learn to identify, analyse and tackle social, economics and policy problems in our rapidly changing world. We can count 2 Nobel Laureates (Prof. Philippe Aghion, 2025 and Prof. James Heckman, 2000) as part of our community.

• MSc Economics
• MSc Data Science and Public Policy (Political Science route)

Political Science

 Our range of postgraduate taught degrees will allow you to develop expertise in subjects ranging from Global Public Policy and Management, to Democracy and Comparative Politics, to Security Studies.

• MA Human Rights
• Climate Change Policy and Politics MSc

Funding and Scholarships

UCL offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and funding options for postgraduate taught students.
Key opportunities include:

• UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students.
• UCL Masters Bursary for UK students.
• Postgraduate Master’s Loan (UK students) and external awards such as the Fulbright-UCL Award.

For full details and eligibility criteria, visit UCL Scholarships and Funding

Take the next step

• Register your interest to receive updates about upcoming events, scholarships and application guidance.
• Find out more and apply through the UCL Social and Historical Sciences postgraduate pages.