The award of the PhD is based entirely on a major thesis. However, to ensure that our graduates obtain as thorough preparation as possible for their future careers, the university has put in place a structured PhD programme. Students in the Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy taking the combined MLitt/ PhD course are required to take 60 credits worth of taught modules over the duration of the course.

Course Structure

The award of the PhD is based entirely on a major thesis. However, to ensure that our graduates obtain as thorough preparation as possible for their future careers, the university has put in place a structured PhD programme. Students in the Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy taking the combined MLitt/PhD course are required to take 60 credits worth of taught modules over the duration of the course, of which some are generic, and some are required by the relevant department. For History students, attendance and presentation at the History research seminar count towards these credits. Direct entry PhD students with a Master’s qualification in History or a subject cognate to their research topic take 30 credits; those with a Master’s in a subject not cognate to their research topic take 35 credits.

Career Options

This structured research programme prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, including lecturing, consultancy, government agencies, library, museum, arts work and publishing.