Modern War Studies

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or upper second-class degree at undergraduate level and a Master’s degree. Age is usually an irrelevancy. In exceptional cases, extensive and relevant work experience may also qualify a student for postgraduate research.

Students without a Master’s degree and wishing to undertake doctoral research may enrol on the relevant MA programme in their first year and, given appropriate progress, ‘upgrade’ to PhD registration at the start of their second year of full-time study; the first year of MA study counts as the first of the three years required for the PhD. Part-time options are also available.

Wherever possible, students are encouraged to begin their PhD studies at the start of the academic year (the Autumn Term, beginning in late September), in order to be in step with their peers. Where this is not possible, however, the Programme Director may allow the student to commence their PhD research at the beginning of one of the later terms. Please note that the MA has a single entry point, in late September.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The PhD Modern War Studies (Doctor of Philosophy) at the University of Buckingham is an advanced research degree designed for students seeking to investigate war, conflict and military history in depth under expert academic supervision. Rooted in rigorous independent research, the programme enables candidates to make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge within the fields of modern war studies and contemporary military history through the development and completion of a doctoral thesis.

Based at the University’s London centre, the programme draws students from across the world and benefits from strong links with leading research institutions including the Imperial War Museum, the National Archives, the Royal United Services Institute and Chatham House. Students also have access to specialist resources such as the Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies and the Field Marshal The Lord Bramall Archives.

Throughout their studies, PhD candidates receive tailored guidance from a supervision team, engage with research seminars and skills workshops, and are encouraged to participate in academic events, including specialist lectures and study days. The programme is offered on a full‑time and part‑time basis and supports flexible research locations in line with each student’s project needs.

This doctoral degree prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, research consultancy, heritage and museum sectors, and other roles requiring high‑level research expertise and critical analytical skills.

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.

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

Please visit our website for the latest information relating to our tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries.