Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect type thin film magnetic head includes a MR element having the electrical resistance changed according to a change in an applied signal magnetic field, a lead electrode for detecting a voltage change generated across the ends of the MR element in which a change in electrical resistance is generated, and high coercive force films for applying a weak magnetic field to the MR element. The high coercive force films are arranged in the proximity of the ends of the MR element and at a predetermined position between the ends. According to this structure, a weak magnetic field is applied in uniform over the entire MR element to facilitate unification of magnetic domain of the MR element even in the case of a long MR element.