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We have 10 Modern History PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK
Modern History PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK
We have 10 Modern History PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK
PhD in Modern History
Students of Modern History investigate a variety of primary sources to better understand the processes, ideas and events that shaped modern populations in a variety of countries. Your findings will then be written up as a dissertation, contributing your unique ideas and perspectives to the wider academic discussion.
What’s it like to do a PhD in Modern History?
During a PhD in Modern History you will spend a large amount of time engaging with primary material and meeting with your supervisor to discuss your ideas and progression. Your analysis should be contextualised within the wider literature of the relevant historical field. There are many themes of historical research within the category of Modern History. Some of the most popular include:
- Civil rights
- Globalisation
- Migration and movement
- Nationhood
- Propaganda
- Violence and war
Using discussions of these broader themes you will investigate a niche area of history, such as a specific location, period, organisation or group.
Most Modern History PhD students propose their own research project. However, there are some advertised projects available where specific research parameters will be set. By the end of the degree you will have written up a 75,000 word thesis which is assessed in an oral viva exam.
The location of your sources may require you to travel for research. This could be nationally or internationally. There will plenty of opportunity to engage in the wider academic community through conferences and publishing. You may also be offered paid teaching work within your department.
PhD in Modern History funding options
Most Modern History PhD courses in the UK are funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Their fully-funded studentships cover tuition fees, a living stipend and necessary travel expenses. You must already have a confirmed place at a university in order to apply.
Other forms of funding include university studentships and grants. Make sure to check institution websites to see if they have anything on offer. Additionally, there are many charities, trusts and business that are willing to offer small, short-term financial grants to research students.
Most advertised projects will come with funding but make sure to check what this includes. Students may also choose to self-fund their studies. Through employment, the UK government doctoral loan or a mixture of the two many students are able to support themselves financially.
PhD in Modern History careers
A PhD in Modern History sets graduates up with the skills needed to succeed in a wide range of careers. The most direct route of progression would be to pursue a career in research, academia or teaching. However many Modern History graduates may also find themselves in publishing houses, charities, civil service or global private corporations.
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Sir Geoffrey Jefferson (1886-1961) and the making of British neurosurgery (history of medicine).
This studentship, based in the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM), will develop a comprehensive understanding of the history of neurology in Manchester across the twentieth century. Read more
Middle Eastern History, 17th-20th centuries (RDF23/HUMANITIES/HILL)
Applications are invited for a PhD project in Middle Eastern history at Northumbria University. Read more
School of Arts and Humanities French History Scholarship
Applications are invited to undertake a fully funded 3-year PhD programme at the University of Huddersfield under the supervision of Dr Lindsey Dodd on the subject of children in France during the Second World War. Read more
School of Arts and Humanities History of Mental Ill-health Scholarship
Applications are invited to undertake a 3-year PhD programme at the University of Huddersfield under the supervision of Dr Rob Ellis on the subject mental ill-health/learning disability (LD) in the twentieth century. Read more
The Lilian Black Scholarship Scheme
This scholarship scheme will support research into topics related to the Holocaust and genocide. The scheme is a collaboration between the School of Arts and Humanities and Holocaust Centre North (HCN). Read more
PhD Modern War Studies
“We must continually ask questions of the past, even the most recent past, because it holds the key to the future. History must be handled carefully of course, for it is trained experts that must provide the intellectual underpinning for decisions taken by politicians and the senior leaders of the Armed Forces. Read more
Strathmartine Scholarship in Modern Scottish History: People and the Natural World
From the mid nineteenth-century, stand-alone associations dedicated to recording, collating and analysing instrument-recorded climate observations did most to embed meteorological science within medical and environmental analysis. Read more
History - Postgraduate Research Opportunities
History PhD/MA by Research (On-Campus or by Distance Learning). As a postgraduate researcher in the Department of History you will have the opportunity to work alongside academic staff whose research is at the forefront of current historical scholarship. Read more
Territorial Integrity, 1815-Present: A Conceptual History
In virtually every recent territorial dispute, the concept of 'territorial integrity' is invoked, from Ukraine's efforts to repel Russia's invasion to China's efforts to exercise influence over Taiwan. Read more
PhD opportunities in Global Lives: analyse and influence constantly evolving political, social and cultural situations
Make a difference with interdisciplinary research around key issues that societies at local, national and global levels face in the 21st century. Read more
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