Why you should join us

Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.

Join a lively research environment

Our cross-disciplinary research centre hosts an annual seminar and training for historians.

Choose from our study pathways

Flexible programmes include full-time, part-time and distance learning research degrees.

Benefit from close industry connections

We have strong links to cultural and archival industries and professionals.

Play a part in local projects

Contribute to the Manchester Histories Festival and the Gothic Manchester Festival.

Our research areas

Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.

We have particular thematic expertise in:

  • leisure, consumption and material culture
  • religious and intellectual histories
  • war, conflict and society
  • youth, gender and sexuality

We can offer academic supervision in the following areas:

  • 19th- and 20th-century British history
  • ancient history
  • community history
  • economic history
  • early modern history
  • history of religion
  • history of sport
  • medical humanities
  • medieval history
  • modern European history
  • post-1860 American history
  • public history and heritage

We also have extensive experience of supervising postgraduate researchers on collaborative doctoral awards. This includes supporting research that contributes to historical site museums and archives, as well as offering experience in the heritage sector and career development.

We work with the National Trust, English Heritage, Chetham’s Library, the National Archives and the National Museum of Wales.

If you are interested in developing a collaborative proposal, get in touch.

Qualifications you can study

You can do a research degree on campus or remotely through distance learning. Choose from one of these programmes:

  • PhD History — three years full-time, six years part-time
  • Masters by Research — one year full-time, two years part-time
  • MPhil History — two years full-time, four years part-time

Find out about the research degrees we offer.

Start dates

Most of our postgraduate researchers enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Application information

Entry requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.

International postgraduate researchers must have strong English language skills.

We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Find out more about our standard entry requirements.

How to apply for a research degree

Discover the key steps in the application process.

Scholarships, fees and funding