History

Entry requirements

For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Delve into British, European and world history from c.500 to the present day. Shape the future of historical research when you join our Department of History.

As a postgraduate researcher at Birmingham, you’ll have the option to really specialise in your chosen area of History, supported by expertise across a diverse range of historical topics.

Course highlights

At Birmingham, our research strengths include medieval history, cultural and social history, politics, economics, religion, war studies, the history of the Midlands, the history of sexuality and emotion, and history of the environment.

We also welcome research across subject boundaries. There are opportunities for you to work in the fields of Byzantine, Latin American, and art history, as well as philosophy, politics and anthropology.

• From research seminars to workshops, there are plenty of ways to work with people passionate about History and develop your skills.
• Explore the University’s extensive library collection and enjoy access to regional archives and libraries to support your research.
• Develop useful skills for academia and beyond through workshops, conferences and publications.

Course delivery

Most of our postgraduate research-only programmes offer a PhD or Masters by Research option, but some programmes only offer the PhD route. The PhD is taken over three-six years and the Masters by Research over one-two years. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

• There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research (if available). Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
• Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
• If you take the distance learning option you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
• You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.