PhD in Military History

PhD students of Military History research into the diverse and compelling history of conflict, war and military developments. Focusing on a particular conflict, development or group, students will specialise their research according to their interests. By the end of the PhD, you will have completed a dissertation that contributes a unique perspective to the academic field.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Military History?

A PhD in Military History requires students to identify and engage with a range of historical sources. These many include archaeological artefacts, physical sites, written documents and oral histories. Your analysis of your chosen source base must then be contextualised in the wider literature. Some popular topics in Military History include:

• Air power
• Cyberwarfare
• Military ethics
• Military law
• Minorities in the military
• The First World War
• Trauma and assault

Most students who wish to study Military History will have to propose their own research project. While advertised projects are possible, they are a lot less common. No matter which route you take you will have to produce a written dissertation of around 75,000 words. You will then be asked to defend this work in an oral viva exam.

Throughout the PhD you will spend the majority of your time engaging with sources and discussing your progress with your supervisor. Depending on the availability of your sources, you may be required to undertake research trips. There will also be plenty of opportunity to develop skills, such as teaching, and engage with the academic community through conferences and publishing.

Entry requirements

Most PhD programmes in Military History will ask applicants to have a Masters degree with a Merit or Distinction in a relevant subject, such as History or Politics. Some institutions may consider applicants without a Masters degree as long as they can demonstrate a history of academic success and professional research experience.

PhD in Military History funding options

Most Military History PhD courses in the UK are funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Depending on your research topic you may be eligible for funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Both provide full studentships which cover tuition fees, a living stipend and any necessary travel costs. Please note that you must have an accepted place at a university in order to apply for Research Council funding.

PhD funding is highly competitive and so many students choose to self-fund their studies. Financial pressures can be managed through savings, employment or the UK government loan. Additionally, many charities, national bodies and businesses offer short-term financial grants to research students depending on your subject, so make sure to do your research before enrolling.

PhD in Military History careers

A PhD in Military History can help prepare students for a range of careers. The most obvious progression would be to pursue a career in academia, teaching or research. However, Military History graduates have gone to work in the armed forces, civil service, policy and international development.