Biography

Entry requirements

The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows:

• a first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
• a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Discover the art and craft of life writing with the MA and PhD in Biography at the University of Buckingham - programmes dedicated to exploring how individual lives can illuminate history, culture and society. Unique in the UK, Buckingham’s Biography Programme has built a strong reputation for combining rigorous historical research with compelling narrative writing, helping students transform original research into powerful biographical work.

The MA in Biography by Research offers an intensive introduction to the theory and practice of writing biography. Students develop their research skills through guided coursework - such as an annotated bibliography and a short biography in the style of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography - before completing a substantial research dissertation on a subject of their choice. Alongside independent study, students take part in specialist seminars and guest lectures from acclaimed biographers, critics and publishers, providing valuable insights into both scholarship and the publishing world.

For those wishing to pursue deeper research, the PhD in Biography enables students to produce an original thesis that makes a meaningful contribution to the study and practice of biography. Doctoral candidates benefit from close supervision - often from two supervisors - and join a vibrant research community exploring subjects ranging from historical figures to contemporary life writing. The programme typically takes three years full-time (or six years part-time) and encourages students to situate individual lives within their broader historical, social and cultural contexts.

Teaching takes place at Buckingham’s London premises in Bloomsbury, placing students close to world-leading libraries, archives and literary institutions. With guidance from experienced scholars and practising biographers, students gain the tools to research, interpret and write compelling biographies that can reach both academic and wider audiences.

If you are fascinated by the stories behind history - or have a life you want to bring to light - the MA or PhD in Biography at the University of Buckingham offers the expertise, support and intellectual environment to help you turn that ambition into a substantial work of research and writing. Explore the programme and start your application today.

Information for international students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Fees and funding