PHD History

Program Overview

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Course summary

History

Part-time History

Explore your chosen topic of research during a period of intensive, supervised study and make an original contribution to historical knowledge.

How you learn

As an example, the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Impact Case Studies for History showcased work on Germany’s black diaspora and on feminism, anti-slavery, and dissent.

You'll work with a supervisory team that includes a Director of Studies and one or more additional supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. Your supervisors help you to define and plan your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as an independent researcher.

The learning experience includes:

• independent study
• project supervision by active researchers in your chosen area
• access to excellent facilities and learning resources
• lively debate and discussion with your peers
• researcher development training events
• presenting your research at conferences and seminars
• writing and defending a PhD thesis

You'll receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher. Explore how to disseminate your research and establish an academic profile. You'll present at the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact.

Your learning is supported by access to:

• a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Humanities and PGR administration team
• a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
• SHU Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
• the University English Scheme for international students
• a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing

Applied learning

Throughout your course you'll have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field. Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and we will encourage you to submit papers and seek opportunities to publish and engage different audiences with your research. All our doctoral students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.

The Humanities Research Centre hosts a stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field.

SHU doctoral students are supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition.

Course leaders and tutors

Ana Maria Sanchez-Arce

Associate Professor in English, Postgraduate Research Tutor for English and History

Ana develops, leads and teaches on Literature and Creative Writing modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level and conducts research on 20th and 21st century literature.

Future careers

A research degree is an essential qualification for academic careers such as teaching history in higher education. The rigorous analytical thinking necessary for research degrees is attractive to employers. You'll have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable in related areas such as museums, archives, libraries, university administration, the media, and beyond.

Equipment and facilities

You'll have access to excellent facilities and learning resources as well as a dedicated postdoctoral office space which promotes vibrant discussion and collaboration.

You'll be able to work with a wide range of databases and other electronic resources available through our library.

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities across both campuses to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

Entry requirements

All students

Applicants will need to provide evidence of:

• A relevant undergraduate degree qualification (2.1 or above)
• A relevant masters level qualification (Merit or above) with strong performance (60%+) in research related modules and dissertation. Note that studentship applicants must have all degree results in hand before applying

To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:

• A 1,500-word research proposal
• Degree certificates
• Module transcripts
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

All suitable candidates are invited to an interview and asked to give a short presentation about their proposed research. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our areas of research interest and expertise before applying. Potential supervisors can be identified through the research centre website linked above or by contacting the Postgraduate Research Tutor for advice.

International Students (additional information)

If you are an International student (including non-UK European) see International Entry Requirements for guidance on entry requirements for your country.

All international applicants are required to show evidence (current within the last two years) of English language ability before embarking on a PhD. For this course, it must be at a minimum level of IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in all skill components (or equivalent). For more information about the different English language qualifications we accept see English Language Qualifications. We also accept successful completion (within the last two years) of a UK degree course taught in English.

If evidence of English Language ability is not supplied at application, an offer of PhD study would be conditional on provision of such evidence.

Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £8,865 per year. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa).

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.