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University of Bristol: History
| Institution | University of Bristol View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Graduate School of Arts and Humanities |
| Web | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate |
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
MA
Summary
The MA in History offers you the opportunity to explore a variety of historical approaches, and many different periods and places. This MA is characterised by a high degree of choice, both in what and how you learn. It offers unique opportunities to get hands on experience for students looking to move into work in heritage and research.
You can opt to take specialist master's level units, join third-year undergraduate units, or undertake independent solo research projects. Several units also offer the chance to engage with external partners such as the SS Great Britain, BBC History Magazine, or the National Trust.
The wide range of research and teaching expertise in the department means that we are confident you will find units that reflect your own interests, whether that's medieval notions of the apocalypse, the English Civil War, maritime empires, race in North America, or something else entirely.
Across the year, students can choose to specialise by following pathways through our programme that reflect our strengths in:
-
medieval and early modern history
-
contemporary British, European and American history
-
global history (with particular focus on African and Asian history)
-
histories of colonialism, empire, and race
-
environmental history
-
public history
-
histories of gender, sexuality, and the body
Alternatively, you may prefer to obtain a broad knowledge of different historical subjects, themes, debates and methodologies.
As well as benefitting from the research expertise of our staff, you will be immersed in a vibrant postgraduate community at Bristol. This is underpinned by regular seminar series, guest speakers, and skills workshops, as well as social events organised by our History Society and student reps. You will also be connected to a number of prestigious research groups in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences in which the Department of History plays a prominent part. This includes our centres for Medical Humanities, Black Humanities, Environmental Humanities, and Medieval Studies.
| choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 394 1649 |
| Study type | Taught |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences, and a minimum mark of 60% in your final-year dissertation. In cases where an undergraduate transcript does not contain a research element such as a dissertation, we may ask applicants to provide an example of their academic writing that demonstrates capacity for independent research. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: - evidence of significant, relevant work experience in Creative industries; Journalism, Teaching, Curating, Museum work, Professional careers (eg Law, Accounting, private business, Medicine); See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 14600 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 29300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 29300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The MA in History offers you the opportunity to explore a variety of historical approaches, and many different periods and places. This MA is characterised by a high degree of choice, both in what and how you learn. It offers unique opportunities to get hands on experience for students looking to move into work in heritage and research.
You can opt to take specialist master's level units, join third-year undergraduate units, or undertake independent solo research projects. Several units also offer the chance to engage with external partners such as the SS Great Britain, BBC History Magazine, or the National Trust.
The wide range of research and teaching expertise in the department means that we are confident you will find units that reflect your own interests, whether that's medieval notions of the apocalypse, the English Civil War, maritime empires, race in North America, or something else entirely.
Across the year, students can choose to specialise by following pathways through our programme that reflect our strengths in:
-
medieval and early modern history
-
contemporary British, European and American history
-
global history (with particular focus on African and Asian history)
-
histories of colonialism, empire, and race
-
environmental history
-
public history
-
histories of gender, sexuality, and the body
Alternatively, you may prefer to obtain a broad knowledge of different historical subjects, themes, debates and methodologies.
As well as benefitting from the research expertise of our staff, you will be immersed in a vibrant postgraduate community at Bristol. This is underpinned by regular seminar series, guest speakers, and skills workshops, as well as social events organised by our History Society and student reps. You will also be connected to a number of prestigious research groups in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences in which the Department of History plays a prominent part. This includes our centres for Medical Humanities, Black Humanities, Environmental Humanities, and Medieval Studies.
| choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 394 1649 |
| Study type | Taught |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences, and a minimum mark of 60% in your final-year dissertation. In cases where an undergraduate transcript does not contain a research element such as a dissertation, we may ask applicants to provide an example of their academic writing that demonstrates capacity for independent research. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: - evidence of significant, relevant work experience in Creative industries; Journalism, Teaching, Curating, Museum work, Professional careers (eg Law, Accounting, private business, Medicine); See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| Channel Islands | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The Department of History delivers expert postgraduate supervision by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of subject areas. The department offers a lively research community in the setting of an exciting city and region with a rich heritage. Excellent research resources are available for postgraduate study locally (for example in the library's Special Collections department and its print holdings), online through the library's database subscriptions, and in close proximity to the city.
Members of the History department publish and supervise research in a range of areas within the broad fields of cultural, social, economic and political history. We cover the medieval, early modern and modern periods. Our research culture is diverse and dynamic, and our collective work includes interests in political culture, studies of people and ideas on the move, environmental history, public and creative histories, and work on visual and material culture alongside colleagues in the Department of the History of Art.
Prospective applicants should make contact with a potential supervisor before submitting an application to discuss their proposed research questions, the state of the proposed field of study and appropriate primary source material.
In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of historical studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
Discover the University of Bristol
Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top 10 universities (QS World University Rankings 2026), with a global reputation for world-leading research and academic excellence. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, Bristol also ranks top five in the UK for research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
With its independent and pioneering spirit, the University has a reputation for doing things differently. Bristol was the UK’s first institute of higher education to admit women on an equal basis with men. In 2019, …
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