Program Overview

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PhD History

Overview

The PhD History program at the University of Essex offers supervision in a range of topics from the period c.1500 to the present day, with particular focus on themes linked to the university's three research clusters and its Centre for Public History. The research clusters cover several themes, including:

• Race, gender, and identity
• Political cultures, class, and citizenship
• War, conflict, and memory The university has particular expertise in the following geographical areas:
• Britain (including local and regional history)
• Europe
• The United States
• Latin America
• Russia
• Southern Africa
• East Asia

The program provides excellent research training and careful supervision in a friendly atmosphere, with good staff-student relationships. Many graduates have gone on to teach in higher education institutions, while others have pursued careers in archives, museums, and heritage organizations, as well as in marketing, communications, and public relations.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A Master's degree, or equivalent, in history or a related subject
• A well-developed research proposal
• Normally, an interview or Skype interview is required for acceptance
• Acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International students should contact the Graduate Admissions team to inquire about the specific requirements for their country.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, students will need to have IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree does not have a taught structure, giving students the chance to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. The program allows students to develop new high-level skills, enhance their professional development, and build new networks.

Assessment

During the second and third years, students will carry out research and prepare draft chapters, which will be presented at the two supervisory panels held each year. Students will be in regular contact with their supervisor. In the final year, students will complete their research and write up their thesis.

Dissertation

The thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a length of around 80,000 words. The PhD is awarded after the successful defense of the thesis in an oral examination, in which the student is interviewed about their research by two examiners, at least one of whom is from outside the University of Essex.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

｣5,006 per year

International Fee

｣19,650 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

Related Courses

• MA (by Dissertation) History
• MPhil History

Both of these courses are available full-time or part-time and are located at the Colchester Campus.