Doctoral study
Our PhD programme is aimed at students who have already completed a Masters degree in History or a related field.
We invite applications from candidates wishing to work in all the major areas of interest covered by the department's research expertise. The particular interests of individual staff are outlined on our staff page, and this often includes recently supervised research topics.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential advisors early on. They will be pleased to give you advice on the feasibility of your research ideas and offer feedback on a draft proposal.
Read our research student profiles
Study abroad: We have an annual desk exchange scheme with Lund, Sweden, which all our PhD students are invited to apply for.
Details of programme
Successful candidates are registered for a three-year programme of study. After 12 to 18 months, a Thesis Advisory Panel reviews the registration status of every PhD student.
The MPhil is a research degree in its own right, and requires a dissertation of up to 60,000 words to be submitted by full-time students after a period of two years' study (by part-time students after four years).
The PhD requires a dissertation of up to 90,000 words, to be submitted by full-time students after a period of three years' study (or six years for part-time students), with a further one year allowable for writing up.
Academic support
Alongside regular meetings with their supervisol research students have a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP), consisting of at least one member of staff in addition to the supervisor, which meets twice a year and oversees more general professional development and career training.
Additionally, all students receive introductions to the University Library, the Borthwick Institute, and other libraries, archives and research facilities in York and elsewhere.