School of Social Sciences and Humanities

PhD Postgraduate research in History

Award
PhD
Start date(s)
Variable start date
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years),Part-time (8 years)
Campus location
Wolverhampton City Campus
School
School of Social Sciences and Humanities
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The Department of History, Politics and War Studies offers a vibrant and stimulating environment for MPhil/PhD students. The department, which includes the Centre for Historical Research, has a well-established and proven track record of research and dissemination. Staff publish their work widely and aim to bring their research to a wider community.  Our MPhil/PhD students play a key role in our research community and we aim to support your development into researchers, academics or whatever career you aspire to.

The Department prides itself on the levels of support provided to postgraduate research students in the course of their MPhil/PhD journey. Our academics are committed to their subject areas and meet regularly with their supervisees to work closely with them at all stages of the project, from inception to completion.

Postgraduate research students are encouraged to present their research to University academics and fellow PhD students through hosting research seminars. Again, this is an area where our supportive and knowledgeable PhD supervisors are happy to support and advise where needed.

Our postgraduate research students are afforded the opportunity to develop their research skills through participation in training events organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University’s Doctoral College.

What happens on the course?

The PhD programme in the School has the following three milestones:

  • Registration
  • Progression
  • Examination

Registration

Applicants who satisfy the entry requirements are encouraged to complete the online 'Expression of Interest' form. If the initial application is satisfactory, a conditional offer will be issued and a potential supervisor will be allocated who will provide guidance on the research proposal development.

An interview will take place when the final draft of the research proposal is submitted for approval. The granting of the interview does not imply that the applicant will necessarily be admitted to a research degree programme.

Subject to the satisfactory interview and that the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) is satisfied that: a) the research proposal is sound and has the potential to deliver a postgraduate research award; and b) the proposal is appropriately resourced, the applicant will be admitted to the research degree programme.

Progression

All students who wish to study for a PhD are required to complete a progression within 18 months (for full-time students) or 36 months (for part-time students).

The student at the progression needs to produce a paper which summarises his/her achievements on the research programme and outlines future research plans (including research methods), and conduct an oral presentation of the paper at a workshop set up for the progression purpose.

An independent assessor, nominated by the FRC, reviews the paper produced, together with supervisors’ assessment, the student’s presentation and other evidence. On this basis, the assessor will provide evaluative comments and recommendations to the FRC. Upon considering all aspects, the FRC may recommend that the student a) proceed as proposed; b) proceed subject to changes or amendments being made, addressing the concerns raised; c) be placed 'at risk'; or d) change the research degree originally sought.

Examination

Towards the end of the research programme, the student will be examined on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). Normally two qualified examiners are appointed, at least one of whom is external to the institution. If the student is a member of staff at the University, then a second external examiner will be appointed.

Following the oral examination, the examiners will make recommendations to the University’s Research Award Sub-Committee (RASC) whether the research degree sought can be awarded.

Potential Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. In History, Politics and War Studies, having a PhD is now an essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education. As well as higher education, a PhD will assist in accessing research opportunities within government, commercial and international organisations. As well as demonstration of your research skills, a PhD shows your extensive knowledge of a particular field in an applied and rigorous manner that is attractive to employers.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.

The Centre for Historical Research has an international reputation for excellence across a range of subjects and our staff are happy to receive inquiries regarding potential research topics. Our principal areas of research are:

  • Retailing and Distribution;
  • Military History;
  • Terrorism and Conflict Resolution;
  • Class, Gender and Respectability;
  • Labour Biography;
  • German History;
  • Migration; and
  • Child Forced Labourers in Nazi German Occupied Eastern Europe.

The Centre for Historical Research also has an established programme of conferences and seminars. [link to events: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/centre-for-historical-research/centre-for-historical-research--events/] and offers access to a range of archives and research materials.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £ per year 2024-25
Home Part-time Distance Learning £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time Distance Learning £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time Distance Learning £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time Distance Learning £ per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2356 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £2356 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £ per year 2024-25
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £ per year 2024-25
International Part-time Distance Learning £14450 per year 2022-23
International Part-time Distance Learning £15450 per year 2023-24
International Part-time Distance Learning £15450 per year 2023-24
International Part-time Distance Learning £ per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

 Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english. 

 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.


Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.


Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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