History PhD

Durham University

The PhD programme formally takes three years full-time (or six years part-time) of research and writing, though some students may complete the writing-up of their thesis during a fourth year. The PhD is examined by a thesis of up to 100,000 words and an oral examination (viva voce). A PhD thesis is a substantial piece of original, research which demonstrates the ability of the student to undertake independent academic work. Successful completion of a Masters-level qualification, in History or a related subject, with a merit or above is required for entry onto this programme. If you intend to study for the PhD and do not already hold a Master's degree (or equivalent), we will normally ask that you register for one of our MA programmes in the first instance. We will often recommend that you take a Taught Masters because it provides research training. In addition to advising on the direction, shape and content of the thesis and the methodology of the research, supervisors discuss research students' training needs with them and work out a programme of training to ensure that students are best placed to undertake their research. A range of general and specialist research training will be available for you individually and in groups, organised by the department; there are also more general research preparation courses organised centrally. Your individual training needs will be assessed at the start of your degree, and this process is repeated annually. Students have gone on to a wide variety of academic, academic-related, heritage and professional careers. Our MA graduates go on to a diverse range of careers, from professional services (law, civil service, accountancy), to teaching, business and entrepreneurial sectors.