The School of Histories and Humanities offers two research programmes: a Doctoral Programme leading to the PhD degree (3-4 years full time, 6 years part time). PhD students complete a thesis of no more than 100,000 words.

Doctoral students undertake focused research with supervision. Potential applicants should prepare a proposal on an original research topic and approach a member of staff with appropriate expertise to act as supervisor for the project. Once a supervisor has been identified students must submit a formal application through the online admissions system.

All students are enrolled in the Structured PhD Programme. Programme (as appropriate). This requires the completion and maintenance of a Research and Professional Development Plan, participation in relevant research seminars and annual progress reviews as part of compulsory research training modules. Where appropriate, doctoral students may audit additional modules to gain specific skills. The Student Learning Development team also offer workshops to support postgraduate students. These cover topics such as research skills, writing skills, self-management, presenting papers and getting published.