PhD in History PhD/MPhil

Tuition is £25,350 full-time / £12,650 part-time per year (International).

Overview

The aim of our History PhD is to support you to become a fully-fledged independent researcher. You’ll prepare an original thesis under the expert guidance of two supervisors, becoming an expert in your chosen field.

Introduction

The Department of History is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, one of the largest Schools in the University, exploring culture and society from the origins of humanity to modern day politics. We’re an interdisciplinary group of historians committed to an engaged approach to the global past. We place particular emphasis on addressing historical injustices through our work on the Holocaust, medical racism, slavery, and colonial and postcolonial violence.

Research Culture

As a PhD student, you’ll form part of an active postgraduate research community within the Department of History, who hold Work-in-Progress seminars and organise an annual history postgraduate conference, which invites speakers from within and outside the University.

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.