| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
PhD Military History
Course Overview
The PhD in Military 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 years if studying full-time and usually six years if studying part-time.
Study Period
The usual period of doctoral research is three years for those who engage in full-time study, though the University’s Regulations also permit candidates who make particularly rapid progress to apply to the University Research Committee for permission to submit at the end of their second year of study. Part-time study is also available, with students completing the dissertation in five or six years.
Supervision
Every PhD student in the School of Humanities is supported by two 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, including Annual Review meetings with a senior professor (where progress is monitored and support offered towards the planning of the next period of study).
Entry Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to have a first or upper second-class degree or significant relevant experience. However, age is usually an irrelevancy. Wherever possible, students are encouraged to begin their studies at the start of the academic year (in September), in order to be in step with their peers. Where this is not possible, however, entry points exist at the start of each academic term.
Teaching & Assessment
PhD students undertake supervised but independent research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. The length of the dissertation should not be fewer than 70,000 words and no longer than 80,000 words of text (excluding the thesis-abstract, appendices, footnotes, tables, and bibliography).
After Your Course
The University’s Course Directors, students’ supervisors, and the Research Officer and Tutor for Graduate Students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.
Course Fees
The fees for this course are:
- Sep 2025 Full-time (3 Years): UK £8,267, INT £14,500
- Sep 2025 Part-time (6 Years): UK £4,133, INT £7,250
- Jan 2026 Full-time (3 Years): UK £8,267, INT £14,500
- Jan 2026 Part-time (6 Years): UK £4,133, INT £7,250
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
- Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship: The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.
- Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship: Research scholarship that offers outstanding applicants some or all the fees paid for by the University.
Program Outline
Outline:
The PhD in Military History
is an advanced research degree awarded based on a thesis and oral examination.
- Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time.
- Objectives:
- Prepare and present original research.
- Develop independent research and writing skills.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of a chosen area of military history.
- Structure:
- Independent research.
- Regular meetings with supervisors.
- Attendance at research seminars and workshops.
- Completion of a thesis (70,000-80,000 words).
- Modules:
- The program offers a wide range of possible thesis topics.
- Schedule:
- Students can begin their studies in September, January, or April.
Assessment:
- Thesis:
- Evaluated for originality, critical thinking, research skills, and writing ability.
- Must be 70,000-80,000 words long (excluding abstract, appendices, footnotes, tables, and bibliography).
- Oral examination:
- Defends the thesis and answers questions from examiners.
Teaching:
- Supervision:
- Each student receives two supervisors: a primary supervisor for regular guidance and a secondary supervisor for occasional consultation.
- Supervisors provide support throughout the program.
- Research seminars and workshops:
- Provide opportunities to share work, engage with experts, and develop research skills.
- Faculty:
Careers:
Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Academia:
- Research
- Teaching
- Government and policy
- Museums and archives
- Journalism and media
- Military organizations
- Private sector
Other:
- The program welcomes mature students and international applicants.
Start Type 1st Year Total cost Sep 2024 Full-time (3 Years) UK £8,267 £24,800 INT £14,500 £43,500 Sep 2024 Part-time (6 Years) UK £4,133 £24,800 INT £7,250 £43,500 Jan 2025 Full-time (3 Years) UK £8,267 £24,800 INT £14,500 £43,500 Jan 2025 Part-time (6 Years) UK £4,133 £24,800 INT £7,250 £43,500 Apr 2025 Full-time (3 Years) UK £8,267 £24,800 INT £14,500 £43,500 Apr 2025 Part-time (6 Years) UK £4,133 £24,800 INT £7,250 £43,500 Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
