In the 2014 REF, 97% of our research was rated as being at least of international quality, ranking us among the best of new university History departments. This degree is hosted in the Faculty of Development and Society Graduate School.

Your supervisory team includes a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. However, much of the work for your degree will be carried out independently, and you will need the initiative, motivation and commitment to succeed. Your supervisors help you to define your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while encouraging you to develop as an independent researcher.

We have a vibrant research culture and we value and support all our research students who make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University. You will be part of our community of researchers in the Humanities, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of discipline, faculty and University-wide seminars, workshops, training and conferences. We offer formal research training events and academic seminars as well as more informal workshops where you can practise delivering conference papers in a supportive environment. Funds are available to support you in attending conferences and we encourage you to deliver papers and publish your work.

We recognise that doctoral researchers arrive with a diversity of skills and experience. Therefore, we provide flexible training and development opportunities covering a range of research-related skills, including transferable skills, research ethics and integrity (mandatory), data management, teaching skills and career planning. Your development needs are identified and agreed with your supervisory team at the start of your degree, and reviewed and updated as appropriate.