Research opportunities in History are available for either full-time or part-time study.
Research degrees in History enable you to extend your knowledge in a selected area at MA (Res) level, and, in the case of a PhD, make an original contribution to knowledge through an individual piece of research. We have particular research strengths in the areas of British (Victorian), local, women’s, early modern, and social/cultural history, twentieth century American social/cultural history, Russian/Soviet history, and historical geography.
The department benefits from extensive regional study materials, including the library of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society in the university's archival collections. In relation to cultural history and to American history, the university has also recently acquired the Paul Oliver Archive of African American Music and Related Traditions.
Our lively research environment includes access to open lecture programmes and seminars across the university, and we will expect you to contribute to the research culture and experience. We encourage attendance at relevant conferences, as well as the giving of papers towards the later stages of your study. You will be well supported through your supervisory team, and can expect regular individual tutorials with supervisors, combined with peer group seminars and discussions.
We offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research within humanities (e.g. Women’s and American Studies) and across the university, and our system of using a supervisory team as opposed to an individual supervisor makes this mode of study particularly appropriate.
Applications for interdisciplinary research degrees in British Studies, Women’s Studies, aspects of American Studies, and in other areas listed under individual staff entries, are also welcome.
Training in Research Methods
All research students who have not completed a relevant Masters Degree, or other appropriate research methods training, are required to complete two core modules of the Master of Research (MRes).
Entry requirements
- you will need an Honours Degree of upper second class or above, from a UK university or equivalent, normally in a subject area relevant to your proposed research
- in exceptional circumstances, the University will consider applications from mature non-graduates with experience of undertaking research. Registration may be for an MA by Research, MPhil or PhD
- candidates with a recent Masters qualification in a relevant subject which contained appropriate research methods training may register for PhD directly. Research and MPhil students have the possibility of transfer to PhD
Staff offering supervision
Anna French BA PhD
Lecturer in Early Modern British and European History
Early Modern Cultural History, Religion and Spirituality; Family, Gender and Sexuality; Ideas about Witchcraft and Story-telling
Melanie Ilic BA MPhil PhD
Reader in History
Russian and Soviet History; Women's History
Vicky Morrisroe BA MA PhD
Lecturer in Modern British and European History
Victorian History; Modern British Culture, European Intellectual History
Iain Robertson BA PhD
Senior Lecturer in History
Local History; Memorialisation of Historical Events; Cultural Landscapes
Neil Wynn MA PhD
Professor in Twentieth-century American History
American Social and Cultural History; Race Relations; War and Social Change