PhD in History (by distance learning)
Join our rich and thriving academic community and deliver research on key research areas in history, with the flexibility to study online.
Year of entry: 2024/25
| Length | Start dates (semester dates) | |
|---|---|---|
| PhD by distance learning |
3-4 years full-time |
January |
If your passion lies in research, our doctoral degrees give you the independence to focus on a specialism of your choice. You'll have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. Study with us and receive expert research guidance from our supportive staff.
Your research
You'll focus on an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Your research will culminate in a dissertation of up to 90,000 words.
Join one of our leading research groups, which bring together historical expertise in various fields. Find out more about our research groups.
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Funding
Explore funding for postgraduate researchers in the Department of History.
Supervision
We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. Explore the expertise of our staff.
Training and support
Your progress throughout your degree will be continually guided by your supervisor, who will help you to hone your focus and deliver specialised research. Alongside regular online meetings with your supervisor, you'll attend a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP), consisting of at least one member of staff in addition to your supervisor. You'll meet twice a year (yearly for part-time students) to discuss your research project, including more general professional development and career training.
Course location
This course is run by the Department of History.
You can study this course from around the world. You must attend a five-day induction programme in York at the beginning of your first year. You'll also visit York in your second and third years (every other year for part-time students).
Entry requirements
You should have, or be about to complete, an MA degree in History or an equivalent subject with a distinction or very high merit.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.
Check your English language requirements
Applying
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Find out more about how to apply.
Identify a supervisor
As part of any application for a research degree you will need to name one or more academic staff who could supervise your research. You should approach them informally to discuss your proposed project before you apply.
Interview
As part of your application, you'll be interviewed by one or two academic staff members, including your prospective supervisor. The interview will last around 30 minutes to an hour, with plenty of time for you to ask questions and find out what York can offer you. Your interview can be in-person or online.
Careers and skills
Your PhD will help to extend your qualifications, giving you the ability to use research and historical thinking to shed light on historical problems and communicate this knowledge with others. You will become equipped with transferable skills in communication, data analysis, archival research and collaboration, opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.
Career opportunities
- archives practitioner
- historian
- heritage manager
- academic researcher
- museum professional
- historic buildings conservation officer
- lecturer or teacher
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Distance learning at York
Learn more about the York approach to distance and online learning.
Support and resources
Explore the support and resources we offer for distance and online learners.
Our research
Discover our research and the researchers who shape it.