phd history entry requirements

Department of History

Requirements of the ph.d..

The official requirements for the graduate program in History are detailed in the Graduate School of Arts and Science Programs and Policy Handbook .  Important elements of the history program are summarized here, but students should refer to the Programs and Policy guide to check any technical requirements.  

Coursework (Years 1 and 2)

• 10-12 term courses, 6 of which must carry a HIST graduate number
• HIST 500  Approaching History   is required for all first-term Ph.D. students
• HIST 995 (the Prospectus Tutorial) is recommended for all second year students and required for second year students studying European history
• Two seminars must be research seminars (requiring an original research paper from primary sources)
• Two seminars must focus on a time period outside the student’s period of specialty
• All second-year students should take a course to prepare for a comprehensive exam field (This course may be HIST 994 Orals Tutorial with one of the student’s examiners or a readings course on an exam field topic)
• Honors requirement – each student must achieve Honors in two term courses during the first year with a High Pass average overall.  Students much achieve Honors in a total of four courses with a High Pass average overall by the time they complete the coursework requirements.

Language Proficiencies (Years 1 and 2)

Each subfield of History has different language proficiency requirements.  A list of requirements by subfield i s  available here .

Proficiency can be documented in several ways:

• A student who had an undergraduate minor in the language can be certified upon presentation of a transcript;
• A student who is a native speaker of a language can be certified with confirmation from the student’s academic advisor;
• A student who has researched and submitted scholarly work in the language can be certified with confirmation from the student’s advisor;
• Students who take one of the “for Reading” courses offered in the Graduate School (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) can be certified with a grade of B+ or better.  Please note that you must inform the Graduate Registrar when the grade is posted in order to be certified;
• Passing a language translation exam administered at Yale;
• Other circumstances (e.g., translation exam from another institution) with the approval of the DGS

Comprehensive Exams (Years 2 and 3)

Students are strongly encouraged to complete their comprehensive exams by the end of the fifth semester and are required to be completed by the end of the sixth semester.  (Some faculty prefer students to complete the prospectus in the fifth semester and take exams in the sixth semester; please consult your advisor.)

The Comprehensive Exams include a written component and an oral portion.

Written component:

• One major field; an 8,000-word historiographical essay based on the major field is to be submitted to the Graduate Registrar at least two weeks prior to the oral component of the exams.  With the approval of the examining faculty member, the student may submit a course syllabus in the major field as a substitute for the historiographical paper.
• Two or three minor fields; a syllabus for a lecture course in each minor field is to be submitted to the Graduate Registrar at least two weeks prior to the oral component of the exams.
• The oral portion of the comprehensive exams last for two hours. 
• For those students who choose two minor fields, the major field will be examined for 60 minutes and the minor fields will be examined for 30 minutes each.
• For those students who choose three minor fields, each field will be examined for 30 minutes.

Prospectus Colloquium (Year 3)

Advancing to candidacy (year 3), chapter conference (year 5).

Students must participate in a chapter conference with their dissertation committee no later than the end of their ninth semester. The dissertation committee and student discuss a dissertation chapter to give early feedback on the research, argument, and style of the first writing accomplished on the dissertation.

Dissertation Defense and Submission (Year 6)

Submitting the Dissertation

Overview of History PhD Requirements

Click here for Overview of Ph.D. Requirements

•  CONFLUENCE-Secure Site

Doctoral Program

• Ph.D. Fields
• Language Exams
• Fellowships and Financial Aid
• Dissertations-in-Progress
• Award Announcements
• Graduate Handbook
• Annual Newsletter
• Doctoral Students
• Graduate History Association
• Masters Programs
• Classical Studies

The Graduate Program

Columbia has been one of the most important centers of graduate education in history since modern Ph.D. programs began in America over a century ago. Recipients of our degrees hold distinguished positions in virtually every major university in the United States, and in many abroad. Our program offers a broad education in most areas of historical scholarship and attempts to train students for a discipline and a profession in the midst of considerable change. That includes not simply assisting students in acquiring the knowledge and skills essential to becoming contributing scholars, but also helping them to become effective teachers and to exist comfortably within a demanding and complicated professional world.

The members of our faculty represent many different approaches to the study of the past, and we strive to attract students of similarly diverse interests and commitments. No one should feel that being at Columbia requires accepting any one approach to the study of history.

This part of our website is designed to provide both prospective and current students with answers to some of the many questions they may have about the department.

Admissions answers commonly-asked questions about our admissions process.

Under Ph.D. Fields you will find information about the separate fields of study available in our program and the relationship among them.

Fellowships and Financial Aid explains the various ways we provide our students with fellowships and financial aid.

Dissertations-in-Progress summarizes the course of study towards the Ph.D and highlights the work of our students.

Research awards and recent honors are showcased in Award Announcements .

The section entitled Placement sketches how we prepare our students for the academic job market and reports on how our students have done in that market in recent years.

In the Graduate Handbook , we explain our curriculum and our academic requirements and provide more detailed information about aspects of the program such as the MA, Orals, M.Phil., Dissertations, etc.

Our FAQs are useful for students seeking admission as well as for current students seeking quick information.

The Annual Newsletter keeps us informed about our students.

History PhD

The Department of History offers a PhD program in History. The program prepares the student in four selected fields of study: Three fields of history (called the first, second, and third field) and one field in another discipline (called the outside field). Students indicate their choice of the first field at the time of application to the program, and they decide upon the second, third, and outside fields by the end of the first year of study.

The department represents a rich spectrum of research interests, collaborations, and approaches spanning 16 established fields of history: Africa, Ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantine, Early Modern Europe, East Asia: China, East Asia: Japan, Global, Jewish, Late Modern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Medieval Europe, Middle East, North America, Science, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The depth and breadth of our program and the strengths of our faculty members, students, and other professionals provide an especially stimulating and congenial setting for graduate training.

Contact Info

[email protected]

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At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 1, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

Ph.D. in History

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 34 primary History faculty
• Students: 48
• Students receiving Financial Aid: Typically all Ph.D. students. 
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: December 14

Jehangir Malegam Director of Graduate Studies Department of History Duke University Box 90719 Durham, NC 27708-0719

Phone: (919) 681-5746

Email:  [email protected]

Website:  http://history.duke.edu

Program Description

Admitting approximately 8 Ph.D. students each year, the Ph.D. program in History offers highly personalized guidance and instruction in close cooperation with an excellent faculty. Candidates are encouraged to pursue special research interests while also studying broad historical fields. The department offers graduate instruction in the broad historical areas of North America; Latin America; Europe; Great Britain and the Commonwealth; Russia; Japan; China; South Asia; Middle East; and Africa; and in the thematic fields of women’s history; military history; history of science, technology, and medicine; environmental history; labor history; and slave societies. Duke's library offers extensive resources, manuscript collections, archives, etc., and the collections of the UNC-Chapel Hill library are also available.

• History: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• History: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• History: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• History: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  December 14

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample A writing sample of at least 10-15 pages, preferably a research paper, should be submitted as part of the application process and should be uploaded in the Departmental Requirements section of the application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

Admissions & Requirements, PhD History

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Admissions at a Glance

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*Statement of purpose: explain how your research interests are relevant to the research conducted by the department's faculty

Admissions and Program Requirements

How admissions decisions are made.

Admission to the PhD program is at the discretion of the Department's Graduate Committee and Chair, who act within the framework of American University and College of Arts and Sciences standards. Admission is normally contingent upon the student's prior achievement of an MA degree, but on occasion some exceptionally well-qualified students may be admitted directly to the PhD program from their undergraduate work, although they must fulfill MA requirements on the way to the PhD.

The student's MA need not necessarily be in the discipline of history, provided that he or she has a good background in history and a strong record of course work in history at the undergraduate and graduate level. The holder of an MA degree in another field who has a limited background in history is better off applying to the History Department's MA program.

Please include a statement of purpose indicating educational and career objectives, areas of interest within history, and relevant academic or practical experience.

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Department of History College of Liberal Arts

PhD Degree Requirements

Doctoral training in history typically involves something of a programmed curriculum along with a great deal of independent reading and close mentoring by selected faculty. The process resembles an old-fashioned apprenticeship more than a modern undergraduate major. The most successful professional careers result from the happy intersection of talented students with generous and appropriate faculty mentors. The wide distribution of scholarly talent across the country in the past generation has made it possible for new scholars to launch careers from all kinds of programs.

We encourage potential students to scrutinize the faculty roster and look for mentors whose teaching and publication interests seem compatible.

Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program in history must hold a Bachelor's Degree in history or be able to demonstrate an academic interest in the discipline. Applicants with a B.A. only will be considered for the 5-year "fast-track" doctoral program unless they apply for the M.A. Degree only. Applicants with an M.A. in history or its equivalent will be considered for the 4-year doctoral program. Specifically, you must submit the following: 

A completed Purdue Graduate School on-line application form.

Official copies of all transcripts of academic college level work. International students must supply official English translations of transcripts and copies of diplomas.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for International students whose native language is other than English.

At least three letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional potential.

An example of the applicant’s research and writing in history. This may be all or a portion of the M.A. thesis or a major term paper.

A statement of purpose, indicating the area of history the candidate wishes to study and any preparations (e.g. language proficiency) relevant to his or her program. Doctoral candidates must identify a potential major professor.

Applicants who are completing their M.A. degree in history at Purdue University should send a letter requesting permission to enter the Ph.D. program, a new statement of purpose, and with three letters of recommendation to the Director of Graduate Education in History. This letter should indicate the Major Professor(s) with whom the student wishes to pursue the Ph.D. The DOH Graduate Committee will then review the student’s academic record and consult with the faculty members who served on the student’s M.A. Advisory Committee as well as potential possible Major Professor(s) to determine whether the applicant shall be admitted.

Applicant who hold a master’s degree in another discipline may be admitted if there is sufficient evidence of proficiency in history. In such a case, the Graduate Committee will assess the applicant’s total hours in history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the discipline in which the M.A. was earned, and the overall academic record of the student.

Although these designations are not binding, at the time of application for the Ph.D. you must indicate which professor(s) you hope will serve as your major professor.  

Course and Seminar Requirements

A total of 90 semester hours of graduate coursework are required for the Ph.D. degree, 30 of which may be carried forward from a qualifying MA program and at least 30 of which must be earned in residence on the West Lafayette campus. Credit for M.A. work outside the discipline of history may be authorized by the DOGE and the Graduate Committee.

The small size of our program requires us to focus on a limited number of broadly defined course offerings and rely extensively on independent reading and directed research to complete any student's preparation for field exams and the dissertation project. All doctoral candidates take the Graduate Colloquium, at least 3 additional reading seminars, at least 1 additional research seminar, meet the 1st language requirement, and pass six other elective courses (total 12 courses or 36 hours, all with grades of B- or better) before taking prelims. After prelims, doctoral candidates must prepare and defend a dissertation prospectus, write and defend a dissertation. All candidates are expected to teach an appropriate survey course at least once, and all must accumulate 90 credit hours before they can receive their degree.

READING SURVEY   SEMINARS  called “Problems in XXX History,” designed to orient students for teaching undergraduate surveys and introduce historical and historiographical themes, trends, and questions.  At least one seminar will be offered each year in early and modern Europe, early and modern America, and some aspect of world or global history

SEQUENCE SEMINARS  (paired reading plus research) one semester of focused reading and historiography followed by a semester of research, yielding an original article.  These are to be taken as a linked pair, not separately, and will be taught by the same instructor or by two collaborators sharing the seminar from the start.  Content is intended to be expansive, flexible, accessible to non-specialists but more focused than content in Reading Survey Seminars.

WILD CARD SEMINARS  (reading or research) offering thematic or specialized content.  These are ad hoc offerings growing out of student demand or faculty initiative.  At least one will be offered each year in some area of history.

HISTORY 590s ( three types):

Linked 590 , in which a student audits a 300- or 400-level course, does extra reading, writes reviews or papers as required by faculty

Field Prep 590 ,  in which students pursue directed readings for field preparations, meeting and writing reviews or papers as required by faculty

Research 590,  in which students wishing to write an original research paper in a field not offered in regular seminars may do so under supervision of a faculty mentor.  May be linked with a lecture course.  This augments but does not replace the required research seminars.

All History 590  registrations must be reviewed in light of the student’s Plan of Study by the Graduate Committee

Doctoral students usually enroll in two and must enroll in at least one 600-level seminar each semester prior to taking their preliminary exams. Although the minimum grade in each course is a B-, you must maintain and cumulative GPA of 3.33 or better to remain in good standing.

Deviations from these guidelines may be approved by the DOH Graduate Committee in consultation with the student's Major Professor.

Language Requirement

Doctoral students in history must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language. Additional languages may be required by a student's major professor. The basic language requirement may be met in one of the following ways:

by passing a test of reading proficiency administered by DOH faculty

by earning credit in the fourth semester course of a standard undergrad sequence of language instruction (either taken as an undergraduate OR later but not for graduate credit)

graduate-level intensive language course(s) where available (500 or 600) 

test of reading proficiency offered by language departments where available 

off-campus language instruction programs (CIC institutes for example) as approved by major professor

satisfying the language requirement in another accredited graduate program

For subsequent languages required by major professor, a test of reading proficiency will be administered by the major professor or his/her designee.

The basic language requirement must be met before any Ph.D. student may sit for prelims. Subsequent language proficiencies must be met before the dissertation advisory committee approves a dissertation prospectus.

Evaluation and Progress toward the Degree 

Steady progress toward the degree is essential both for students and for the health of the program. Normally, full-time doctoral students will be judged as making good progress toward the degree if they:

Earn grades of B- or better in the 1st year Graduate Colloquium.

Maintain an average load of 9 credit hours (3 courses) per semester.

Accumulate a GPA of 3.3 or better by the end of semester 3 in the program.

Accumulate 36 credit hours of coursework with a GPA of 3.3 or better before taking prelims.

Meet the 1st language requirement before taking prelims.

Pass prelims by the end of semester 6 (ideal) and no later than the end of semester 7 (doctoral students admitted with an M.A. in hand should take prelims by the end of semester 4 and no later than the end of semester 5).

Prepare and defend a dissertation prospectus within 8 months of passing prelims.

New "fast-track" doctoral students entering the program without an M.A. will undergo a special evaluation early in semester 3 of your program. Based on your performance in the Graduate Colloquium, first year courses, and other information in your academic records, the Graduate Committee will recommend that you be invited to continue in the Ph.D. program. Students not recommended for continuation will receive a master's degree when they have met the appropriate requirements.

Students with graduate staff appointments: You must make good progress toward the degree or your appointments may not be renewed. The Graduate Committee will review your records each spring to determine progress toward the degree. Students failing to make adequate progress may lose their staff appointments or they may be dropped from the program. If you are dropped for these reasons, however, you may petition the Graduate Committee to review your entire academic record to consider a probationary status.

Field Preparation and Plan of Study

The plan of study is intended to help each student map out his or her course selections and reading preparation in the first few years of the doctoral program,  Each doctoral candidate selects a Major Research Concentration , a Major Reading Field , and one Minor Outside Field .  With approval of advisors students define their fields and reading lists within the following guidelines:

MAJOR RESEARCH CONCENTRATION (dissertation specialty):  supports scholarship in your major research area and is prepared by seminar work (Hist 611, sequence seminars, wild card seminars, and/or directed 590s—see below for definitions).  Examples include but are not limited to early modern England, Native American, Civil War/Reconstruction, modern Japan, colonial Latin America, thematic specialties (gender, science/medicine), transnational fields.  The Major Research Concentration is examined by your Major Professor (dissertation advisor).

MAJOR READING FIELD (broad survey fields): supports your primary teaching competence and is prepared by a combination of Reading Survey Seminars (see below), other courses, independent reading and special 590s.  Students may choose

Early Modern Europe

Modern Europe

Colonial and early United States

Modern United States

World or global history (on request may define as East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East)

These fields are examined by relevant faculty (NOT the student’s major professor) and will be defined in part by a battery of questions compiled by the faculty for the purpose.

MINOR OUTSIDE FIELD (teaching emphasis):  intended to encourage breadth of perspective and teaching competence and prepared through Reading Survey Seminars, 590s, and independent reading.  Minor fields are defined by the student and examining faculty and may be taken outside the department with permission.

Detailed Course Definitions

READING SURVEY SEMINARS called “Problems in XXX History,” designed to orient students for teaching undergraduate surveys and introduce historical and historiographical themes, trends, and questions.  At least one seminar will be offered each year in early and modern Europe, early and modern America, and some aspect of world or global history

SEQUENCE SEMINARS (paired reading plus research) one semester of focused reading and historiography followed by a semester of research, yielding an original article.  These are to be taken as a linked pair, not separately, and will be taught by the same instructor or by two collaborators sharing the seminar from the start.  Content is intended to be expansive, flexible, accessible to non-specialists but more focused than content in Reading Survey Seminars.

WILD CARD SEMINARS (reading or research) offering thematic or specialized content.  These are ad hoc offerings growing out of student demand or faculty initiative.  At least one will be offered each year in some area of history.

Field Prep 590 , in which students pursue directed readings for field preparations, meeting and writing reviews or papers as required by faculty

Research 590, in which students wishing to write an original research paper in a field not offered in regular seminars may do so under supervision of a faculty mentor.  May be linked with a lecture course.  This augments but does not replace the required research seminars.

All History 590 registrations must be reviewed in light of the student’s Plan of Study by the Graduate Committee

Suggested Program Maps

PhD Candidates, 4 year program map

Required for PhD:  90 hours total including Hist 610-611, at least 1 more research seminar, at least 3 more reading seminars (survey, wild card, or sequence).

Goal for year 1:  introduce the history profession

Goal for year 2:  field differentiation, professional identity, original research paper

Goal for year 3:  demonstrate competency (prelims), launch dissertation, maybe teach survey

Goal for year 4:  write dissertation and/or teach survey

PhD Candidates, Fast Track 5 year map

Goal for year 1:  introduce the history profession

Goal for year 3:  further content development, demonstrate competency (prelims)

Goal for year 4:  launch dissertation, maybe teach survey

Goal for year 5:  write dissertation and/or teach survey

These maps reflect minimum requirements.  Students may elect to take additional courses after having met their requirements in order to take advantage of subject offerings or optional training courses that were not available during the standard two-year course rotation. 

By the end of the first year in the Ph.D. program each student should file a draft Plan of Study (POS) listing the courses he or she proposes to take and the Major Professor and two other faculty members who have agreed to serve on the Advisory Committee (your prelims examining committee).

A final POS must be filed before the first day of the semester in which students intend to take prelims, as determined by Graduate School deadlines. The Plan of Study is reviewed by the Director of Graduate Education and then submitted to the Graduate School for approval. Students—not the graduate secretary or the DOGE—are responsible for meeting any and all requirements of the department and the Graduate School that relate to their degree programs. The student and the chair of the Preliminary Examination committee are encouraged to consult the deadlines posted by the Graduate School and maintain a checklist of requirements for the Ph.D. degree. A final POS can be changed at any time to reflect the addition or deletion of committee members or coursework.

Instructions for filing an electronic plan of study are available in the History program's graduate office or  click here .   

The Preliminary Examination 

The Preliminary Examination is designed to determine the Ph.D. student’s depth and breadth of professional preparation, including knowledge and interpretation of historical sources and literature, and ability to design courses in both major and minor fields. It should be taken near the end of coursework (semester 6 or 7 of graduate study--semester 4 or 5 for students entering with an M.A. in hand). Coursework alone does not constitute preparation for prelims. You must expect to do significant independent reading in preparation for your field exams. 

Preliminary exams in history usually comprise written exams in each of your three fields plus a final oral exam.  The exact nature of these exams is to be determined by the examining faculty in consultation with the student. These exams may be taken at any time, but all parts of the exam  must be completed inside a five week period of time.  

At the conclusion of the oral segment of the Preliminary Examination, the committee will determine whether you passed, failed, or partially failed the exam. If you failed all or part of the exam, you may be re-examined as directed by the Advisory Committee in not less than three nor more than eight months' time. Students who do not pass the second examination will be dropped from the program.  

For further details see  Guidelines for Administering History Prelims

Doctoral Dissertation, Prospectus, and Final Examination

After successful completion of the Preliminary Examination, you will be admitted to candidacy in the Ph.D. program by the Graduate School. You then will engage in the research and writing of a doctoral dissertation. You should prepare a Dissertation Prospectus to be presented to a doctoral examining committee (selected by you in consultation with your major professor). The prospectus shall include a discussion of the dissertation topic, the sources to be used, and any conceptual or methodological problems anticipated. Within 8 months of passing prelims you must defend the prospectus before the final doctoral examining committee; such defense may be open to other faculty members and graduate students.

Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, you will then defend your dissertation at a final examination administered by the doctoral examining committee (4 persons required). This committee may contain one member not on the permanent DOH faculty, and may include members who participate via telephone or other remote technology. Normally, no student may take the oral examination in the absence of the major professor. The examination must be scheduled with the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance.

Length of Time Required and Allowed 

The total elapsed time of a completed Ph.D. program at Purdue University from admission into the doctoral program to the completion of the Final Examination on the dissertation shall be no more than eight calendar years. Extensions of this limitation may be granted by the dean of the Graduate School and/or Graduate Council, upon recommendation and justification by the student’s Major Professor and the DOH Graduate Committee. Individuals seeking such extensions may be required to file new Plans of Study and/or retake preliminary exams.  

PLEASE NOTE:  Graduate students should also consult and conform to the Graduate School's regulations governing the Ph.D. requirements listed in the Graduate School Bulletin and the  Manual for the Preparation of Graduate Theses  in force at the time of their final examination.

Department of History

• PhD Program

PhD Admission Requirements

January 15, 2024 is the deadline for admission to the UNT PhD program in History for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The UNT Department of History takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants for admission to our graduate programs. Letters of intent that contextualize a prospective student's application play a significant role in our admissions decisions. GRE scores are NOT required, but are highly recommended. We do NOT have a minimum GPA or GRE score requirement, nor do we have a minimum undergraduate credit-hour in history requirement. However, the general guidelines below provide a broad picture of some of the common characteristics of successful applicants to our PhD program.

We do not require a MA degree for admission to the PhD program. However, many of our admitted students have already earned one, either in History or in a field of study related to their arena of specific research interest.

Application Process

Applying to a program in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences is a 2-part process . An applicant must apply to both the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and to the Department of History, as detailed in Steps 1 and 2.

Step 1 : Apply to the Toulouse Graduate School

• Submit an online application at ApplyTexas
• Contact the registrar's office at each college and university you have attended and request that each send an official transcript of your records to the Toulouse graduate school. Transcripts are required from every college or university you have attended and must arrive by the application deadline.

By U.S. Postal Service: Toulouse Graduate School 1155 Union Circle #305459 Denton, TX 76203-5017

By UPS/FedEx: Toulouse Graduate School 1147 Union Circle, ESSC 354 Denton, TX 76203-5459

• Submit your GRE scores (UNT School Code 6481; Must be within five (5) years old). NOT required, but highly recommended.

Step 2 : Apply to the Department of History

• Statement of purpose . The statement of purpose explains why you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in History at UNT. This letter should describe the central insights and intellectual questions that motivate your interests in history; the specific fields of historical study in which you are interested; and the broader goals you hope to achieve through your research and scholarship.
• Sample of writing . A piece of professional/academic writing from the master's degree.
• At least three (3) letters of recommendation . At least three letters should come from people who are familiar with your post-secondary academic record and are able to speak to your potential for success in the Ph.D. history program. Applicants must include recommenders name and email address when filling out their History application, in order for each recommender to receive the link to upload their recommendation letters. There is no specific recommendation form required.

Please note : If an applicant's application file is incomplete by the department's current application deadline, they may register as a Non-Degree Seeking student with Toulouse Graduate School and enroll in graduate history courses (with the written permission of the appropriate instructor; note instructors are not required to give permission) while they complete all of the history admission requirements. In such cases, students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of history graduate course work to count towards the completion of their history degree if they are later admitted unconditionally to the History graduate program. Admission to the History graduate program is not guaranteed by enrolling as a non-degree student. Applicants should visit and review the Toulouse Graduate School website before applying - https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions/other-graduate-opportunities

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS

International applicants should consult with the Toulouse School Office of International Admissions for more specific information related to application deadlines recommended for I-20 processing, if admitted.

• International Transcripts : The Toulouse office of International Admissions requires international transcripts to be provided in both English and your native language, if applicable. English translations must be from either the academic institution or a certified translator. They accept notarized or copied transcripts from foreign schools only for processing your application. If admitted, original and official documents will be required before you can register for classes.
• English Language Proficiency : UNT degree program applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. Minimum TOEFL score requirement is 79; Minimum IELTS score is 6.5; Minimum PTE score is 53. UNT-International provides a complete list of ways to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Admission Questions

Please contact the Graduate Student & Program Specialist, Cairan Bergstrom, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 940-565-2489.

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Department of History

PhD in History

Combine creative ideas and innovation with academic study to develop key skills for your career in the field, academia or research.

If your passion lies in research, our doctoral degrees give you the independence to focus on a specialism of your choice. Study with us and receive expert research guidance from our supportive staff.

Your research

The focus of your work will be an independent research project. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods to support your growing expertise. The PhD requires a dissertation of up to 90,000 words.

Postgraduate research provides opportunities to develop your academic, creative and practical skills. You'll work independently in an academic environment where scholarship and creativity go hand-in-hand.

Join one of our leading research groups, which bring together historical expertise in various fields. Find out more about our research groups .

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We also offer an MPhil in History, working towards shorter dissertation of up to 60,000 words over two years (four years part-time).

Apply for the MPhil in History

3rd in the UK for research impact

and 11th overall in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Committed to equality

We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality in history.

Access to exclusive resources

Our Borthwick Institute for Archives houses one of the most extensive collections of archives in the UK. York Minster Library is the largest cathedral library in the UK and holds material spanning 1000 years of history. We also have strong partnerships and consultancies with museums, archives, heritage sites, the media, artists and community organisations.

Explore funding for postgraduate researchers in the Department of History.

Supervision

We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. Explore the expertise of our staff.

Training and support

Your progress throughout your degree will be continually guided by your supervisor , who will help you to hone your focus and deliver specialised research.

Alongside regular meetings with your supervisor, you'll attend a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP), consisting of at least one member of staff in addition to your supervisor. You'll meet twice a year (once a year for part-time students) to discuss your research project, including more general professional development and career training.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of History.

You'll be based on  Campus West . Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield. Distance learning options are available.

There are opportunities for you to study abroad. We have an annual desk exchange scheme with Lund, Sweden, which all our PhD students are invited to apply for.

Entry requirements

You should have, or be about to complete, an MA in History or an equivalent subject with a distinction or very high merit.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Apply for this course

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply .

Identify a supervisor

As part of any application for a research degree you will need to name one or more academic staff who could supervise your research. You should approach them informally to discuss your proposed project before you apply.

Find a supervisor

As part of your application, you'll be interviewed by one or two academic staff members, including your prospective supervisor. The interview will last around 30 minutes to an hour, with plenty of time for you to ask questions and find out what York can offer you.

As part of the interview, you could have the chance to tour our facilities, including the Humanities Research Centre , the Borthwick Institute for Archives and the University Library, and attend a research seminar.

Careers and skills

Your PhD will help to extend your qualifications, giving you the ability to use research and historical thinking to shed light on historical problems and communicate this knowledge with others. You will become equipped with transferable skills in communication, data analysis, archival research and collaboration, opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Career opportunities

• archives practitioner
• heritage manager
• academic researcher
• museum professional
• historic buildings conservation officer
• lecturer or teacher

Discover York

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Meet us online or on campus

Find out all you need to know about applying to York

Scholarships

Find scholarships to support your studies

Graduate School

Ph.d. requirements.

• Academics & Research
• Programs & Requirements

Brown University awards more than 200 doctor of philosophy degrees annually.

The Brown Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Teaching is an important part of many doctoral programs, and many departments require candidates for the Ph.D. to have teaching experience.

Brown University offers substantial financial support to doctoral students. All incoming doctoral students are guaranteed five years of support, which includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health-services fee, and a health-insurance subsidy. Doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are guaranteed six years of support. All promises of student support are subject to students making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by their programs of study. Please see related links for additional details regarding the University's commitment to doctoral education.

Ph.D. Funding

Funding guarantee, four general requirements for the doctor of philosophy.

The candidate must be formally admitted to his or her degree program.

The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master’s degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use of a previously earned master’s degree to reduce PhD residency requirements is contingent upon approval of the program Director of Graduate Study. Graduate work done at other institutions and not used in fulfillment of the requirements for any doctoral degree elsewhere may, on the approval of the program Director of Graduate Study, be counted in fulfillment of up to, but not exceeding, one year of the residency requirement. A student who desires credit for work done elsewhere should file a timely application with the program Director of Graduate Study; transfer credit forms are available through the  Office of the Registrar .

A student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. when he or she has completed satisfactorily all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. Candidacy is determined by the department or program of study and certified by the Registrar. Most departments require a preliminary examination before advancing any student to candidacy. Most departments also require a final examination or defense. The examination is conducted by professors in the department and by such other members of the faculty as may be appointed.

The candidate must present a dissertation on a topic related to his or her area of specialization that presents the results of original research and gives evidence of excellent scholarship. The dissertation must be approved by the professor or committee under whose direction it is written and by the Graduate Council. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within five years after advancement to candidacy.

Faculty Member Leaves Brown

If a faculty member working with a doctoral student leaves Brown for any reason before that student has completed his or her degree requirements, it may not always be possible for that faculty member to continue working with the student as an advisor. In such cases, departments will work with students to help them locate a new advisor.

Additional Requirements

Individual departments and programs may have additional requirements regarding the number of courses to be taken, proficiency in foreign languages, special examinations, and theses. The department should be consulted for specific information.

Study Postgraduate

Mphil/phd in history (2024 entry).

Course code

30 September 2024

3-4 years full-time; 5-7 years part-time

Qualification

University of Warwick

Explore our MPhil/PhD in History.

With a reputation for national and international excellence and innovation, our History Department was ranked fourth in the country for the highest combined percentage (90%) of world-leading and internationally excellent research outputs (REF 2021). Surrounded and supported by a host of exceptional historians, you will be exposed to diverse and international views, people and research, all encouraging and challenging you to think unconventionally and creatively about the past.

Course overview

The breadth of expertise and experience in the History Department (currently forty or so full-time members of staff), along with a thriving culture of research, seminars and conferences, make Warwick one of the very best universities in the UK to undertake research in history. Our Department achieved a 93% overall satisfaction result in the 2021 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, one of the highest in the country.

PhD students normally complete their degrees within three to four years of full-time study, or five to six years part-time. As a research student, your closest contact will be with your supervisor, or supervisors, who will meet with you regularly to discuss your work, and agree a programme of reading, research and writing with you.

Additional support and training, including English language support for those studying for a PhD in a second language, are provided by the Department, Arts Faculty and the Graduate School, as well as by History’s many reading groups, seminars, workshops and conferences. History researchers will benefit from the University Library’s Research Exchange, a dedicated postgraduate conference and study area, with state-of-the-art facilities.

For postgraduate queries, please email PGHistoryOffice at warwick dot ac dot uk

For further information, please visit the History Department web pages .

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree and Master's degree (or equivalent) in History or a closely related subject

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• Overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 and component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

All of our courses are delivered in English so, if English is not your first language, you have not graduated from an English speaking university or worked in an English speaking environment for at least two years you must demonstrate a minimum overall standard in a recognised English Language Test . The certificate will be required as evidence.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

The Department of History at Warwick has particular strengths in the history of the early modern and modern periods. Our Faculty have expertise in subjects across the world, and a number of specialist Research Centres facilitating new research by students and scholars.

You can search our academic staff by their areas of expertise .

Warwick’s History Department features a host of exceptional historians and has an outstanding national and international reputation.

Our historians highlight global and innovative perspectives on traditional themes and share an enthusiasm for history beyond the confines of academia. Their research and teaching reflects a cutting-edge take on established historical fields and ideas. They are prepared to take an unconventional view. This willingness to look beyond the traditional boundaries of the discipline makes for a distinctive learning environment at Warwick.

The Department has an outstanding reputation as pioneering practitioners of social, cultural, early modern, European, Latin American and medical history, and has more recently been at the forefront of developing the methodologies of the new global history. Inspired by an expansive and inclusive vision of historical research, our historians' work is multi-disciplinary and draws on environmental, literary, visual and material sources spanning the globe across five centuries.

The Department’s commitment to supporting research that is internationally field-leading, innovative, and engaged is underpinned by the belief that understanding the past helps to shape the present and the future.

Research within the Department is underpinned by three key guiding principles: rendering visible people, objects, themes, institutions and processes whose histories have been neglected, misunderstood or under-valued; achieving engagement and impact for our findings, within academia, museums and archives and beyond; and internationalism, in terms of the scope of research, the composition of the Department, and our approach to collaboration.

If you are intellectually curious, and prepared for your investigations to take you into unexpected territories, you will be at home in Warwick’s Department of History.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your potential supervisor using the link below and contact them to discuss what you would like to research.

View our History Staff Directory where you will be able to explore the areas of expertise, research centres and research networks within the department. If you need additional guidance please email us .

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor .

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website .

Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

History Funding Opportunities

Find out more about the various funding opportunities that are available in our department.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

History at Warwick

Each year, we attract excellent students like you to Warwick.

We will help you develop the skills needed to conduct research, including in the archives, engage critically with your sources, and support you in developing critical thinking and writing skills.

Whether you’re working with classmates in seminars and workshops, or getting involved with the History Society, at every turn you’ll find like-minded people who share your fascination with the past and its significance in the present.

Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website. Link opens in a new window

Our courses

• Early Modern History (MA)
• Global and Comparative History (MA)
• History (MA by Research)
• History (MPhil/PhD)
• History of Medicine (MA)
• Modern History (MA)

Read more about our courses on the History website:

• History Postgraduate Taught courses
• History Postgraduate Research courses

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

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Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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Program Rules & Requirements

Program Overview:

The goal of the doctoral program is to train students to become both skilled scholars and conscientious teachers. The curriculum provides year-specific guidelines in which students complete courses of study, participate in teaching, and conduct research for their dissertation.

While most students complete the degree in six to seven years, the university allows for up to ten years to complete all requirements for graduation. See  Student Progress for more details.

Graduate Program Requirements by Year:

The first two years.

The first two years of study are dedicated to fulfilling the language requirement, to coursework, and to preparing for and taking the general exam.

The language requirement , which is based on a student’s field of research, may be fulfilled in two ways: by passing a written translation exam, or by being certified in the language by an instructor of the language or by an advisor. Exams are offered the week before classes begin in September, and also again in January.

Coursework: typically consists of four courses for each of the first four semesters .

All first-year students participate in History 3900: The Writing of History , which is offered in the fall, and is taught jointly by two faculty members. In addition to History 3900, students may take courses offered by faculty members from the department, or with faculty members affiliated with other departments.

In the second year, students usually register for a series of History 3010s in both the fall and spring semesters. These tutorial-style courses are designed to prepare students for the general exam , taken in the spring of the second year.

Passing the general exam qualifies students to begin teaching in the third year.

Coursework : all students participate in History 3920hf , the Colloquium on Teaching Practices , which meets at intervals in the fall and spring semesters under the guidance of a senior faculty member and a teaching fellow.

The Colloquium provides a forum for discussing issues relating to teaching both at Harvard and beyond.

Teaching : Most students teach sections of lecture courses, and, in some cases, in sophomore and junior tutorials.

Dissertation Prospectus Conference: Also in the third year, students formally begin their dissertation by participating in the dissertation prospectus conference held in January.

Year Four and Up

In the fourth year, students may teach or change their residency status to conduct research and write the dissertation away from Harvard.

The fifth and subsequent years are dedicated to completing the dissertation .

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PhD in History

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Primary tabs

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The PhD in History is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral viva voce examination. The primary purpose of the PhD is the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research, completed in three or four years if studying full-time and five years if studying part-time.

Every PhD student in the Faculty of History is supported by a supervisor (or in some cases, supervisors). Supervisors are experts in their field of study and support students throughout the PhD. Students will also benefit from the advice and support of other academic members of the Faculty who will be involved in progression through the various stages of the PhD, from the registration assessment exercise at the end of the first year through to the completion of the thesis.

Most of our PhD students study here full-time but each year we admit a number of students who wish to study on a part-time basis. Part-time study can be ideal for those who are looking to gain a postgraduate qualification without leaving employment and wish to develop their careers while they continue earning, or for those who are home-based for whatever reason and wish to develop their skills. However, it’s important to note that the part-time PhD at Cambridge is not a distance-learning course. Part-time students are expected to fully engage with the Faculty, to integrate into the research culture of the University and to attend the University on a regular basis for supervision, study, skills training, research seminars and workshops.

Throughout their time at the Faculty, PhD students are encouraged to attend one or more of the Faculty’s postgraduate workshops in their subject group or area of research. These workshops are spaces for PhD students to share their work and collaborate with visiting speakers, academic and peers. 

Learning Outcomes

The Cambridge PhD is designed as structured, flexible and individual preparation for becoming a professional researcher. It will help students develop the core skills needed by arts, humanities or social sciences professional researcher of the future, which are valued by both academic and non-academic employers.

The Faculty’s MPhil programmes provide excellent preparation for doctoral study and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a Cambridge PhD.

Students wishing to continue to the PhD are normally expected to achieve an overall average of 70 in their MPhil with a mark of at least 70 in their dissertation.

Admission to the PhD is always subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, faculty of history, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2024.

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Medieval History MPhil
• Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature) PGCE entry only MEd
• Modern European History MPhil
• Latin American Studies PhD
• Politics and International Studies PhD

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Department of History

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• Graduate Studies ›

Degree Requirements

Detailed requirements are available in the Graduate School Bulletin of Information and the Departmental Graduate Studies Guide.

The Department of History encourages Ph.D. students to complete their degree program, including dissertation, in five years. Success within this timeframe qualifies graduates for the  College of Arts and Letters 5+1 postdoc program .

Candidacy Requirements (2 years):

Students must fulfill the following six requirements during their first two years of study in order to advance to degree candidacy (ABD):

1) Coursework (minimum 36 credit hours)

2) Language proficiency

3) Research papers

4) Qualifying exam (written and oral components)

5) Dissertation proposal

6) Professionalization (including Teaching Assistant assignments)

Ph.D. Candidacy (3 years):

Following Admission to Candidacy, students devote themselves full time to researching and writing the dissertation. The dissertation must be defended in front of the student's dissertation committee and formally submitted to the Graduate School.

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

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PhD History

Year of entry: 2024

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• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and 
• Master's degree in a relevant subject – with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent) 
• Any strong relevant professional experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all  required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. 

Application Deadlines 

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by  12 January 2024. 

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self–funding, you must submit your application before the below deadlines to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these dates have passed. 

• For September 2024 entry:  30 June 2024 
• For January 2025 entry:  30 September 2024 

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Our interests span from the early Medieval to the present day, across Britain, continental Europe, South and East Asia, Africa and the Americas.
• Join a large and lively PhD researcher community, with over 40 established members of research-engaged staff.
• Top 5 History department in the UK for research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• We are committed to investing in our History department, and have welcomed 20 new academic staff in the last four years.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £4,786 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £2,393

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including AHRC NWCDTP and School of Arts, Languages and Cultures studentships is 12 January 2024. 

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• AHRC North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Arts, Languages and Cultures PhD Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Arts, Languages and Cultures New Generation PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

See: About us

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

International applicants must provide one of the following: 

• IELTS test minimum score – 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing. 
• TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score – 100 overall, 25 in all sections. 
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score – 76 overall, 76 in writing. 
• To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years. 
• Other tests may be considered.

Please note, CAS statements are only issued when all conditions of the offer have been satisfied, offer accepted, and a PDF copy of passport received.

English language test validity

Other international entry requirements.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

The University requires you to reside within a commutable distance from Manchester during your time as a registered student, unless you are on approved fieldwork/a formal placement or are on a period of Submission pending. This is to ensure that you are able to meet attendance expectations and participate in wider research activities within your discipline area and/or School.  

Other entry requirements

Application and selection, how to apply, advice to applicants.

Before you start your application, you should: 

• Develop your own research proposal and project title. 
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics’ profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research. 
• Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor. 
• A 1,500 word PhD research proposal
• Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. If your Master’s degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript. 
• An up to date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information. 
• You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process. 
• International applicants must additionally provide English Language evidence (e.g IELTS).  

Interview requirements

As part of the offer making process applicants will be required to undertake an interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in–person interview, or video call. 

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team.  You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your primary supervisor and an independent interviewer. 

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard programme entry criteria for that year of entry. 

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme. 

Programme details

Programme description.

Our History PhD programme is a three-year course of study (or six years of part-time study) that enables you to carry out a piece of in-depth research in the area that most interests you.

You will prepare an original thesis under the guidance of two supervisors with specialist expertise. Your progress is monitored at regular meetings of your research panel. This composes of two supervisors and an independent reviewer. They also provide training and career guidance.

The aim of the programme is to turn you into a fully-fledged independent researcher. You will be encouraged from the outset to disseminate your work at seminars and conferences and by publishing in high-quality locations.

The programme culminates in the submission of an 80,000-word dissertation that makes an original contribution to historical knowledge.

As a postgraduate researcher in the History department, you will join a large and lively research community. We have over 40 established members of staff engaged in research, often in ways that help to re-shape their fields, and there are also many historians working in other departments and research institutes across the University.

Additional programme information

Humanities Doctoral Academy

Our Humanities Doctoral Academy combines the strengths of our four schools to bring expertise, knowledge, support and high quality services for postgraduate researchers.

We are a community of academic leaders and postgraduate researchers across all levels in the Faculty of Humanities. The Doctoral Academy Hub houses our specialist professional service teams who support postgraduate researchers throughout the programme journey. This includes admissions, registration, student experience, progression, examination and graduation. We collaborate closely with other University directorates including Manchester Doctoral College, Researcher Development team, and the corresponding Doctoral Academies in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Together we provide the best experience and support for your studies and research. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion  is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. 

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. 

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

All appointments are made on merit. 

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

Your research will normally be supervised by two members of staff - usually from the History department, but if appropriate, from another department in the University.

Close supervision based on regular production of written work is at the heart of the PhD student's working life. But your supervisors will aim to nurture your capacities as an independent researcher, and equally central to the learning process is your ability to take advantage of the wider opportunities offered by the University - seminars, conferences, reading groups, training courses, and the like.

We offer one of the UK's fullest and most innovative training programmes in the humanities, artsmethods@manchester .

This provides a rich menu of courses on methods (eg using medieval manuscripts, interview methods, using newspapers in research) and theory ('Using Marx'. 'Using Foucault', 'Using Cultural Studies'), as well as researcher-led conferences organised by groups of PhD students (eg 'How does gender mean? Debates and applications in modern Britain').

Historians working on the interface with the social sciences also have access to the social sciences counterpart, methods@manchester , which offers a similar range of opportunities.

These two programmes are reinforced by the Humanities Researcher Development programme, which offers generic training - eg on academic networking, or how to prepare for your viva - and courses aiming to enhance your career development.

The Faculty of Humanities runs a placement programme which offers PhD researchers the opportunity to develop their public engagement skills and/or their employability skills by undertaking a period of work with an organisation outside academia - a museum, an archive, or a festival, for example.

Recent History PhDs have undertaken placements with the People's History Museum, the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport, and Bramall Hall.

We also have a well-established exchange with the European University Institute, Florence , under which one or two of our PhD researchers each year will be able to spend a semester at the EUI, enhancing their skills in international networking and benefiting from a different kind of research environment. 

Coursework and assessment

This programme requires regular attendance at the University, except during periods of approved 'fieldwork', ie archival research away from Manchester.

It is not available on a distance-learning basis, since regular engagement with the University's research environment as well as with your supervisors is integral to your development as a researcher.

Part-time students should ensure a minimum of two full days in the working week for their studies for the same reason; evening and weekend study on its own is unlikely to be sufficient.

Your progress will be reviewed by your research panel, consisting of your two supervisors and one other member of staff.

This will meet with you once per semester (or once per year for part-time students) to give you formal feedback on your work and report on your progress to the School.

Please note that the first year of the PhD programme and the first two years of the part-time programme are probationary: at the end of this period, your panel is required to confirm that you have made satisfactory progress towards completion and may therefore proceed.

Thereafter, progression through each year of the programme is dependent on your ability to produce evidence of continuing progression.

The PhD is assessed on the basis of a thesis up to 80,000 words. This is examined by two examiners, one of whom is external to the University.

An oral examination is an integral part of the assessment process.

Related research

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) History at Manchester was ranked in the top 5 departments in the UK in terms (by grade point average) among the 81 departments assessed under Unit of Assessment 28.

91% of our research was judged to be in the highest two categories (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'.

Find out more about History research at Manchester.

What our students say

Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's greatest research libraries.

Find out more about libraries and study spaces for postgraduate research students at Manchester.

We also have one of the largest academic IT services in Europe - supporting world-class teaching and research. There are extensive computing facilities across campus, with access to standard office software as well as specialist programmes, all connected to the campus network and internet.

Every student is registered for email, file storage and internet access. If more demanding computer access is required, our specialist computing division can provide high-end and specialist computing services.

Disability support

Career opportunities.

Most of our PhD students aim to go into an academic career, and we have an excellent record of helping them obtain teaching and/or research posts in UK and overseas universities.

In recent years, our doctoral graduates have gone on to positions at many universities in the UK and overseas, including Aberystwyth, Huddersfield, Keele, Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, New York University, Nottingham, Ohio State University, Oxford, Oxford Brookes, Sheffield Hallam, Simon Fraser University (British Colombia), the University of Virginia, Lazarki University Poland Ryokoko University, Japan, and University College London.

Previous student careers include: Lecturer in History, University College, London; Lecturer, University of Birmingham; Lecturer, University of Liverpool; Assistant Professor in Women's Studies, Trinity College, Dublin; Library of Congress Fellow, USA; Postdoc. Northwestern University, USA; Postdoc. University of Konstanz; Postdoc. University of Exeter; Editorial Assistant, Oxford University Press; Researcher for the think tank Reform; Education Policy and Research Officer, General Medical Council; Independent Documentary Film Maker; Academic Research and Engagement Co-ordinator, National Trust.

At the same time, if you make the most of the opportunities available to you during your programme, you can develop a portfolio of skills that make you highly desirable to other employers, from the civil service to think-tanks, from museums and archives to large business organisations.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help support you with your goals for the future.

Graduate Program

UC Berkeley's Department of History is one of the top-ranked history departments in the nation. Our faculty's research covers almost the entirety of recorded history and spans most of the globe.

Across the world, the Department is known for its expertise in cultural history, but our faculty also specialize in political history, the history of science, economic history, religious history, the history of sexuality, intellectual history, urban history, imperial and world history, and many other fields. Members of this department have won the most prestigious awards our profession has to offer , from the MacArthur "genius award" to Berkeley's own Distinguished Teaching Award. We have a well-deserved reputation on campus not only for the quality of our courses but for the quality of our major. The department's alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers in research, education, law, business, public affairs, and other professions. 

Resources for Current Students

Information for Prospective Students

2023-2024 History Graduate Program Guide (PDF)

Applying for the History MPhil/PhD

This page is designed to give you the information you need to support a successful application to the History MPhil/PhD programme. Take the time to read it carefully before making your application.

Applications for the 24/25 academic year are now open. 

The department operates two deadlines for applications each year. The deadlines for admissions in the 2023/24 academic year are as follows:

• Wednesday 3th January 2024: This is the deadline for all students who wish to apply for funding through UCL 
• Friday,  31 May 2024: This is the final UCL deadline for applications. No new applications for September 2024 entry will be considered after this date.

Please note that we accept applicants for  September entry only .

You should normally have a first- or upper second-class honours degree or an equivalent qualification and have performed well in your MA degree programme. In normal circumstances, we do not accept candidates without an MA degree. Those applying from overseas should have achieved high grades, especially in the modules or subjects relevant to their research, and should attach a certified official transcript to their application.

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their capacity to research and write in English. You are expected to have what is termed 'Advanced' level English.

Further details regarding entry requirements and English language requirements can be found on the course details page .

In order to study at UCL History you will need to identify a suitable supervisor for your proposed research. Your first step should be to review the list of academic staff members given on the People section of this website . You will notice that staff are listed by geographical area and by the historical period on which they work. Every staff profile page includes information on the types of PhD projects that the academic is willing to supervise. Take time to look carefully and identify the person whose research interests match most closely with your own.

Once you have identified your preferred supervisor, we recommend that you contact them directly. Tell them a little bit about yourself and give them an outline of your proposed research (this should be between 300 - 500 words in length). Ask them whether they would be willing to supervise your work. They may require a more substantial writing sample, as well as ask you to think of who would be a suitable second supervisor (from within the department or beyond). 

Please do not contact potential supervisors unless you have a relatively clear idea in mind of the work that you wish to do. If in doubt or if you need help identifying a potential supervisor, you may contact the postgraduate tutor, Professor Jason Peacey .

You should have a short draft of your research proposal in hand before you contact your preferred supervisor. This should be approximately 300 - 500 words long. Your formal application will include a longer proposal of 1,000 - 1,500 words.

The quality of your final research proposal is essential to a successful application, particularly if you wish to be considered for funding. As such it is strongly recommended that you contact your potential supervisor early in the academic year in order to obtain their advice on your proposal so that you can refine it before you submit your application. In most cases, your proposal will go through several drafts. You should discuss it with your academic advisors at your home institution as well as your chosen supervisor here at UCL and identify the problems that your thesis might be able to solve.

You may find it helpful to consult this document on 'How to Write a PhD Proposal' (pdf) , written by current and previous UCL graduate tutors.

In addition to your formal research proposal of 1,000-1,500 words, your system application must include  two  academic references, from people able to comment on your suitability to undertake the research you propose. You will also be asked to supply certified transcripts of your undergraduate and MA grades (if complete).

The central application system might request you upload a personal statement as well. 

All successful applicants to the History research degree programme will initially be registered for the MPhil degree. If your studies progress as planned, then you will upgrade to the PhD degree during your second year of full-time (third or fourth year of part-time) study. You can read more about the upgrade process here . Essentially, you will be required to submit paper materials including a draft chapter and outline of your planned research; to give a presentation on your work to an audience of your peers; and to be vivaed by four academic staff (including your supervisor) on the work that you have submitted. If the upgrade team agrees that your work is progressing to the expected standard then you will be moved onto the PhD track. Those who are unsuccessful in the viva after two attempts may decide to pursue an MPhil degree instead. This would usually be completed in two or three, rather than three or four, years, and involves a dissertation of up to 60,000 words instead of the PhD dissertation of up to 100,000 words.

UCL Term times 2023-24

Key dates (enrolment).

download as PDF: 

Key Dates - Enrolment

If you have further questions about postgraduate study at UCL History, you can contact the UCL History postgraduate administrator, Oana Borlea-Stancioni ( [email protected] ) or the postgraduate tutor, Professor Jason Peacey ( [email protected] ).

• Guide to PhD Entry Requirements
• Applying to a PhD

Although undertaking a PhD can be an exciting challenge, understanding the numerous entry requirements is an important first step. These prerequisites ensure that prospective PhD students like yourself are well-prepared for the academic challenges that await. The entry requirements for STEM disciplines can differ significantly, depending on the specific program, institution, and country of study; this guide explains these requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Entry Requirements : PhD entry requirements can vary significantly based on the specific STEM programme, and the country or institution in question.
• Academic Qualifications : While a Bachelor’s degree with upper second class honours is a standard requirement, many institutions also place considerable emphasis on a Master’s degree, especially when obtained with Merit or Distinction.
• English Language Proficiency : For non-native speakers, English language qualifications like TOEFL or IELTS scores are crucial. Some institutions offer pre-sessional English programmes for students marginally missing the mark.
• Professional Experience : Non-traditional candidates can often offset their academic qualifications with significant professional experience relevant to the proposed research.
• Visa and Residency : International students must ensure they meet residency requirements, often needing a specific student visa like the Student Route visa in the UK.
• Financial Considerations : Prospective students should be aware of tuition fees and explore potential external funding options to support their PhD journey.
• Holistic Application Process : Apart from academic qualifications, the application process evaluates research proposals, references, and personal statements to gauge a candidate’s potential for research and contributions to academia.

Standard UK PhD Requirements

For doctoral candidates interested in institutions in the United Kingdom, several standard requirements must be met:

• Bachelors Degree : A minimum of an upper second class honours (2.1) is typically required. It indicates not just academic ability, but a strong foundation in the relevant field.
• Masters Degree : While some STEM fields may accept candidates solely based on their undergraduate performance, many institutions highly value a Masters degree. Notably, achieving a grade of Merit or Distinction can significantly strengthen your application, especially a first class honours degree.
• Relevance in Study : A degree in a field relevant to the chosen PhD program is crucial. This ensures that the student has the foundational knowledge vital for doctoral-level research.

International Degree Equivalents

While the UK has specific grading systems and qualification standards, international students with degrees from overseas institutions shouldn’t feel discouraged. Many UK universities and academic departments accept international qualifications that are deemed equivalent:

• Degree Grades : Depending on the country, a degree with grades like ‘Distinction’ or ‘Honours’ might parallel the UK’s 2.1 or First Class honours.
• Evaluation Process : Institutions often utilise recognised international qualification databases or in-house experts to assess the equivalence of overseas qualifications.
• Professional Qualifications : Some candidates may not follow the traditional academic route. In such cases, substantial professional experience in a relevant discipline can potentially offset the need for conventional academic qualifications.

Vital Components for Admission

Achieving the right grades is just one part of the equation. Prospective PhD students are evaluated holistically:

• Research Proposal : This is a window into the applicant’s research aptitude. It should be robust, well-thought-out, and demonstrate a clear research area or subject area of interest.
• Interview Process : Institutions often invite promising candidates for interviews. Here, potential supervisors assess the candidate’s aptitude, enthusiasm, and suitability for PhD projects.
• References : A well-drafted reference letter or academic references from established academicians or professionals in the field can provide invaluable insights into the applicant’s capabilities.

International Students and Residency Requirements

The landscape of global academia thrives on diversity. However, international students have to navigate additional steps:

• Visa Essentials : International students in the UK, for instance, typically require a Student Route visa . The visa mandates full-time study, with confirmation of enrolment secured before the visa application.
• Financial Stability : Prospective PhD students need to demonstrate sufficient financial support, ensuring they can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs for the duration of their study.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

For international students whose first language isn’t English, proving English language ability is a cornerstone of the application process:

• Testing Platforms : Widely recognised tests such as TOEFL and IELTS are utilised to gauge English language qualifications. For most PhD programmes, IELTS 7.0 overall (with at least 6.5 in each section) or TOEFL scores of 95 overall (no section scoring below 21) are the benchmarks.
• Validity of Test Results : Ensure that your language test results are recent. Institutions typically require that these qualifications be less than 2 years old at the start of the program.
• Exemptions : If a candidate has previously earned a degree in a native English-speaking country, they may be exempted from taking English language tests.
• Pre-sessional English Programs : For those who narrowly miss the minimum entry requirement, many universities offer a Pre-sessional English program. Successfully completing this can pave the way for formal admission into the PhD programme as an alternative means of meeting the English language requirement.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Preliminary Studies and Assessments

Many universities introduce prospective PhD students to a preliminary phase of studies, which stands as a precursor to the main research journey. This phase often doesn’t account for the official registration duration but is essential for assessment. A notable example of such a program is the MRes Programme, offering candidates rigour training in various research methodologies; it’s an excellent bridge for those transitioning from postgraduate studies to a full-fledged research degree . Post preliminary studies, there’s typically an evaluation of the candidate’s academic ability, aptitude for research, and the feasibility of their proposed project. Only after this evaluation’s successful completion does the formal PhD period commence.

Furthermore, the value of these preliminary studies extends beyond mere assessment. They serve as an orientation, acquainting students with the research culture of the institution and fostering essential skills. Not only do these programs help in refining one’s research proposal, but they also offer the chance to build networks with potential supervisors and other researchers. This early immersion can be pivotal in shaping a productive and rewarding PhD experience.

Typical Routes and Professional Experience

In the world of academia, not all roads to a PhD are paved in conventional terms:

• Professional Experience : For those without a traditional academic trajectory, substantial professional experience in the chosen research area can significantly boost one’s application. Professional doctorate programmes often cater to such candidates.
• Research Proposal : Here, more than anywhere else, the research proposal becomes pivotal. It should demonstrate how your professional experience aligns with the proposed research area and how it equips you for the rigorous research project ahead.

Financial Considerations

While intellectual capabilities are undeniably crucial for doctoral admissions, financial considerations also hold significant importance:

• Tuition Fees : The tuition fee structure can vary significantly, especially between domestic and international student classifications. It’s crucial to understand these nuances and prepare accordingly.
• External Funding : Several external funding opportunities, ranging from scholarships to grants, are available. They can significantly alleviate the financial burden of a PhD degree.

Application Process and Final Thoughts

Successfully navigating the application process requires careful planning and a systematic approach:

• Online Application Form : This is often the first official step. Ensure that you furnish accurate details, from your academic qualifications to professional doctorate experiences (if applicable).
• Research Proposal Submission : As highlighted, this document often holds significant weight. It should lucidly outline your research project and its relevance to the broader academic community.
• Visa Requirements : For international students, the visa application is crucial. It often hinges on the offer of admission, proof of sufficient funds, and a clear criminal record.
• Personal Statement : A well-crafted personal statement can provide a personal touch, elucidating your motivation, journey, and aspirations regarding the PhD.

In the pursuit of a PhD, understanding and meeting the entry requirements is your first step. This guide hopefully clarifies these prerequisites, providing a strong foundation for prospective PhD students. Whether you’re fresh out of your undergraduate studies, have completed postgraduate research degrees, or are banking on extensive professional experience, the world of academia calls! Prepare carefully, reach out to potential supervisors, engage with the academic departments, and enjoy the process.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided clarity and direction for prospective STEM PhD candidates. Remember, each journey is unique – and while guidelines and requirements are essential, passion, determination, and genuine curiosity will remain the main factors of successful PhD students. Best of luck in your academic pursuits!

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