PhD in Economic and Social History

We host one of the largest economic and social history research groupings in the UK and this enables us to support research in economic and social history across a wide range of time periods and geographical regions, from the early modern period to the present day, and from Britain to the Caribbean. 

Current research interests include:

• the study of economic development
• financial history
• energy policy
• globalisation
• slavery
• demography
• urban history
• consumption
• material culture
• museums and collecting
• leisure
• religious belief
• popular culture
• medicine and disease
• gender
• sexuality
• the family

Colleagues in the economic and history research group work closely with colleagues with related interests in other Schools, notably the School of Social and Political Science and the School of Economics.

The breadth of expertise in the School and in the wider University makes it possible for us to supervise a very wide range of topics. Each student is allocated at least two supervisors, allowing us to combine thematic, chronological and, if appropriate, disciplinary expertise in the supervisory team. Details of PhD projects currently being undertaken in the School can be found on our list of research student web profiles.

Programme structure

The PhD is a substantial piece of independent research which makes a contribution to the state of existing knowledge in the field. The PhD programme is designed to take three years full-time or six years part time. The PhD is examined by submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words and by oral examination.

PhD students work closely with their supervisors, who are recognised experts in the field of study. All PhD students pursue an individually tailored programme of research training agreed with their supervisors. The PhD programmes in History provide core training in the research skills necessary to flourish at doctoral level and beyond, through a core course in semester one, Professional Skills for Historians, and a day-long annual conference for PhD students in semester two. All PhD students in the School also benefit from School and University-wide training in research and professional skills.

PhD students are encouraged to share their research with other postgraduate students through workshops and seminars, and to take an active part in the research life of the history subject area, the School and the University through our research groups and centres and through student-led workshops and seminars.

You must contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact the Programme Director.

Apply for this programme

• Fees and funding
• School guidance on  applying (link to 5 step guide)
• If you require a visa we advise that you apply as early as possible.

Deadlines:

• All candidates who want apply for funding must submit their application for a place at the University in advance of the relevant funding deadline (in December and January typically - details can be found on the funding website).
• The final deadline for which the School will consider applications for the programme is 1 July 2025.

Apply through our Degree Finder now

• If you are hoping to study for this degree by distance please read further details and entry requirements here - PhD by Distance