Program Overview

History by Distance Learning PhD

Overview

The History by Distance Learning PhD is a research-based program that allows students to explore their research interests with expert guidance. The program is designed to provide students with a range of key transferable skills, including written and oral communication skills, archival research skills, data analysis skills, teaching skills, and research collaboration skills.

Research Overview

The Department of History at the University of Nottingham has a large team of research-active academics, with over fifty staff members. The department is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to Times Higher Education, and 90% of the department's research is classed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The department has broad research interests, covering all historical periods from the early middle ages to the contemporary history of the present day. Staff have expertise in a range of historical methodologies, including black studies, colonial and diplomatic history, cultural history, economic and urban history, histories of conflict and protest, histories of the environment, histories of sexuality and gender, medical and disability history, political history, and religious history.

Course Content

A PhD in History is mainly made up of independent study, with supervision meetings spread throughout the year. The PhD involves a minimum of three years full-time or six years part-time directed research, at the end of which students will produce an 100,000-word thesis on their chosen subject. Students will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce, where they explain their project in depth to an examination panel.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and the university accepts a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements for 2025 entry are:

• Home/UK students: 2:1 (or international equivalent) preferably in history, and a master's in history at Merit level or above
• EU/International students: 2:1 (or international equivalent) preferably in history, and a master's in history at Merit level or above
• International and EU equivalents: The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from all over the world
• IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• English language requirements: The university also accepts other English language qualifications, including TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB, and O level English

Fees

• Home/UK: £5,006
• International: £23,000

Funding

Distance Learning PhDs are not eligible for the main sources of external funding used by the university. However, there are many ways to fund a research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Support

• Regular supervision: Students will have a team of at least two supervisors and will meet online with their supervisory team at least 12 times each year (six times for part-time students)
• Researcher training and development: The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them
• Student support: Students will have access to a range of support services, including academic and disability support, childcare services, counselling service, faith support, financial support, mental health and wellbeing support, visa and immigration advice, and welfare support
• Students' Union: The Students' Union represents all students and provides a range of support networks, including groups for international students, black and minority ethnic students, students who identify as women, students with disabilities, and LGBT+ students

Careers

Completing a History PhD will give students a range of key transferable skills, including written and oral communication skills, archival research skills, data analysis skills, teaching skills, and research collaboration skills. As a result, graduates have moved onto full-time academic posts, post-doctoral work, the public or private heritage and museum sector, policy work for HM Government, and other careers.

Related Courses

• Classics PhD
• Archaeology PhD
• Archaeology MRes

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The Department of History placed 23rd out of 81 departments nationally for research activity, with more than 80% of outputs and 100% of both Impact and Environment rated as either 'World Leading' or 'Internationally Excellent'.