Research opportunities in the Department of History

The Department of History at the University of York is one of the largest History graduate schools in the country. We offer world-class research opportunities to a vibrant international community of students.

Research degree programmes

• MPhil in History
• PhD in History
• PhD in History (by Distance Learning)

We invite applications for MPhil/PhD degrees across a broad range of research themes. Our academic staff have a huge breadth of research interests, both geographically and chronologically, and are able to offer supervision across a wide range of topics. We recommend, in the first instance, that applicants approach a member of staff informally to discuss research topics.

All our PhD students are invited to apply for an annual desk exchange scheme with Lund, Sweden.

Why us?

• Our department’s research was ranked 11th in the UK and third nationally for the impact of its research in the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021)
• Ranked in the world top 100 in the 2022 QS World University rankings
• Ranked 9th in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and 10th in the Complete University Guide 2022
• Athena SWAN Bronze Award
• More than 45 academic staff who are leading experts in their fields
• The University of York is the home to the Borthwick Institute for Archives, one of the largest and most important repositories in Britain
• Access to other primary sources at King's Manor Library, York Minster Library and the nearby British Library Document Supply Centre at Boston Spa
• The beautiful city of York is rich in historically significant buildings, museums and galleries
• We are part of the White Rose College of Arts and Humanities, a collaborative initiative between the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield which also offers postgraduate support and training

We are affiliated to a number of internationally renowned research centres and institutes:

• Centre for Modern Studies
• Centre for Medieval Studies
• Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past 
• Centre for Pilgrimage Studies
• Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies
• York Centre for the Americas
• Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture
• York Asia Research Network
• Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies
• Centre for Historical Economics and Related Research at York
• Institute of Railway Studies
• Centre for Women's Studies

We offer

• Our Humanities Research Centre provides a hub for interdisciplinary research and postgraduate life in the arts and humanities at York
• Weekly research seminars attracting scholars of international standing as well as research students approaching completion
• Encouragement and financial support for students giving papers at conferences away from York.
• Opportunities for funded scholarships including AHRC White Rose College of the Arts and Humanities Studentships, ESRC White Rose Social Sciences DTP and China Scholarships Council joint research scholarships.

What next?

Check that your research interests align with the expertise of one of our staff. Once you've identified a potential supervisor, please contact them before applying to discuss your application and potential research areas.

Complete an application.