History at Lancaster ranges from medieval to modern, and spans the globe from the Americas, through Europe and Africa, to South and East Asia. We are part of the School of Global Affairs, which takes a bold and often multidisciplinary approach to addressing the complex and multi-dimensional problems facing humanity, past and present.
Our PhD students work both on topics that are core to history as a discipline, and also pursue a range of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects. Joint supervision between history and other disciplines, both within and without the School of Global Affairs, is welcomed.
Why study for a PhD in History at Lancaster?
- Benefit from expert supervision and support
- Access specialist research training modules
- Study on campus in the University Library’s bespoke postgraduate study space
- Join in guest lectures and seminars
- Participate in the activities of the School's different research groups and centres
What research specialisms in History are offered at Lancaster?
Colleagues in History have notable research strengths in the Atlantic world, science, medicine, war, and the environment, as well as gender, identity, and the body and are happy to supervise across this range. Our research activities are enormously varied, but many of our colleagues share an interest in one of our three Research Centres: the Centre for War and Diplomacy; the Digital Humanities Centre; and the Regional Heritage Centre which also speak to the diverse research projects undertaken by PhD students.
How will my PhD in History be structured?
Our doctoral programmes are designed to support you at every stage of your intellectual journey. During the initial phase of study, you will develop the theoretical, methodological and professional skills needed to undertake independent, high-quality research.
Working closely with your supervisors, you will refine your project, engage with relevant scholarship, and develop a strong foundation for your thesis.
Following successful progression, you will undertake original research that contributes new knowledge and perspectives to your chosen field, culminating in an MPhil thesis or a longer PhD thesis. Advice and guidance will be given by your supervisor as to the specific format of your award.
Join our vibrant research culture
The Department has a lively and cosmopolitan postgraduate research community and we aim to help you to become a first-class researcher and scholar.
You will be able to participate in our research community; for example, through the sharing and discussing of your work and by contributing to reading groups, work in progress meetings, visiting speaker seminars, professional development classes, and research conferences.
Applications and Funding opportunities
We accept applications for a wide range of proposals and offer expert supervision from staff within the Department and, where necessary, through close relationships with other departments or colleagues in North Western institutions as part of the ESRC doctoral training partnership. Typically, a good proportion of our students will hold ESRC, AHRC or, Faculty scholarships, with a number also accessing funding from external sources.
Learn more about funding opportunities, writing a research proposal or making an application.
Find the right supervisor
We invite you to browse our History web pages to find out about our research specialisms and the wide range of fascinating research in which our academic staff are currently engaged. Where there is a good match with your proposed area of research, feel free to contact the potential supervisor informally in the first instance.
We aim to support you throughout your work towards a PhD in History at Lancaster through the direct support of your named supervisors and by other members of History staff and the wider University community.
