PhD in World History

World History encourages an engagement with large-scale processes that have impacted a multitude of countries throughout history. During the PhD, you will seek to understand these processes and the experience of the people who lived them. Your findings will then be written up in a unique dissertation, contributing to the wider academic discussions.

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

PhD students of World History will spend the majority of their time finding and engaging with a select group of primary sources. Your analysis of these documents should be contextualised in the wider literature of your historical field. There are many different themes of historical research open to World History PhDs. Some of the most prominent include:

• Colonialism
• Development of modern ideologies
• Globalisation
• Global development
• Imperial intrusion and resistance
• Postcolonialism
• Religion

Using discussions of these broader themes, you will investigate a niche area of history, such as a specific period, location or organisation.

Most PhD students of World History will propose their own research project which forms the basis of the final 75,000 words thesis. However, there are some advertised projects each year which will require you to research a specific and pre-identified area of history. At the end of the degree you will be required to defend your work in a formal oral viva exam.

Depending on the location of your sources, you may have to travel during the PhD. This could be nationally or internationally. There will also be plenty of opportunities to engage with the academic community through conferences and publishing.

Entry requirements

Most PhDs in World History require applicants to have a Masters degree in History or a related subject, such as Politics or International Studies. Some institutions will consider students without a postgraduate degree as long as they can demonstrate prior academic prowess and extensive professional research experience.

PhD in World History funding options

Most World History PhDs in the UK are funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Their fully-funded studentships cover tuition fees, a living stipend and travel expenses for research. To apply for these studentships you must have a confirmed place at a university. Many institutions’ History departments will also offer funding opportunities, so make sure to check their websites.

If you are applying for an advertised project then the funding specifications may be different. These will be outlined in the project details.

PhD funding is extremely competitive and so many World History PhD students opt to self-fund. Through employment or the UK government doctoral loan, students are able to support themselves financially throughout their degree. It is also worth researching national bodies, charities, trusts and businesses related to your area of research as many are able to offer short-term financial support to research students.

PhD in World History careers

The skills needed to complete a PhD in World History can help graduates begin a career in an array of fields. The most obvious route would be to pursue research, academia or teaching. However many World History graduates can also be found in areas such as civil service, the media or world charity organisations.