Throughout your course you'll have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field. Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and we will encourage you to submit papers and seek opportunities to publish and engage different audiences with your research. All our doctoral students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.

The Humanities Research Centre hosts a stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field.

SHU doctoral students are supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. As an example, Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Impact Case Studies for History showcased work on Germany’s black diaspora and on feminism, anti-slavery, and dissent.  

You'll work with a supervisory team that includes a Director of Studies and one or more additional supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area. Your supervisors help you to define and plan your research programme, agree any associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as an independent researcher. 

The learning experience includes:

• independent study

• project supervision by active researchers in your chosen area
• access to excellent facilities and learning resources
• lively debate and discussion with your peers
• researcher development training events
• presenting your research at conferences and seminars
• writing and defending a PhD thesis

You'll receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher.  Explore how to disseminate your research and establish an academic profile. You'll present at the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact. 

Your learning is supported by access to:

• a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Humanities and PGR administration team
• a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
• SHU Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
• the University English Scheme for international students
• a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing

A research degree is an essential qualification for academic careers such as teaching history in higher education. The rigorous analytical thinking necessary for research degrees is attractive to employers. You'll have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable in related areas such as museums, archives, libraries, university administration, the media, and beyond.

All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).

All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.

Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.