PhD History: The University of Manchester

Course description

The PhD is a three-year 'course' with strong support from a supervisor and an associate supervisor, who, together with one other academic, also comprise an advisory research panel. Ongoing research training in relevant matters, e.g. tailor-designed training in certain foreign languages, in presentation of conference papers, etc; plus career development advice, is built into all years of the programme. PhD research proceeds in the context of a vibrant PhD community (about 40 strong) which organises its own research seminar. The programme culminates in the submission of an 80,000-word dissertation that is an original contribution to historical knowledge.

Career opportunities

Their research students are embedded in a high performance research culture, which stimulates the questions and approaches that give the thesis a cutting-edge quality. The depth and diversity of research activity in their subject area, with their strong links to the international scholarly community of historians, ensures a dynamic environment in which to pursue a MPhil or PhD. Important opportunities to network include: graduate student seminar programmes; staff-student research seminar programmes; school-wide research student conferences; and the SAGE bespoke training scheme. The History Graduate Student Seminar is a lively forum for students to present their own work. If of sufficient quality, the papers may be reworked for inclusion in the School's Working Papers series. Students also have their career prospects enhanced by training in academic leadership, teaching, writing articles and book proposals, and work placements.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A First or Upper Second class honours degree (or its equivalent for overseas applicants) in History or other relevant area, plus the equivalent level of achievement in a recognised MA programme.

English language: Students whose first language is not English are required to take either the IELTS or TOEFL test. On the IELTS test applicants are normally expected to score a minimum of 7.0 overall; on the TOEFL test a minimum score of 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test) is expected.