History, Ph.D. / M.Phil.

A PhD or MPhil in History enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests. The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time. You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). In both programmes you will conduct original research, supervised by our experts, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the past. We specialise in Medieval, Early Modern and Modern History including British, European and Global History. The research of our staff and postgraduates is integral to the life of the department, making Swansea a dynamic and stimulating place to study. The Department of History organises a large number of seminars, conferences, and other research activities which you are able to attend to enhance your research project. A number of research groups also offer focus and community for staff and postgraduates: • The Richard Burton Centre for the Study of Wales • The Health, History and Culture Research Group (HHCRG) • The Conflict, Reconstruction and Memory Research Group (CRAM) • The Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Research (MEMO) • The Centre for research into Gender in Culture and Society (GENCAS) You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in the field of history, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the Postgraduate conference. You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

International students: £19,000 per year

UK students: £5,006 per year

Apr or Jul 2026

Rolling admissions – apply as early as possible

• Singleton Park Campus, United Kingdom