PhD Modern and Contemporary History

The University of Brighton has a thriving research culture for History PhD students.Our primary strength as an academic community is in modern history, including global perspectives on the twentieth-century. Our historians use a wide range of interdisciplinary methodologies that draw on social, political and cultural history and investigate the complex interconnections between present and past, evoked by concepts of memory.Research expertise for modern and contemporary history PhD study at the university covers documentary and oral histories, literary and cultural analysis, political, moral and applied philosophy and contemporary critical theory, as well as exciting interdisciplinary combinations, and we welcome approaches for supervision in any of these areas.We have an excellent record in achieving funding for PhD students in modern and contemporary history and related studies.Together with colleagues from closely related Centres of Research and Enterprise Excellence (COREs), we offer supervision for history focused projects that cross disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences and our department thrives on its interdisciplinary interests and the close research culture that stems from it.Your supervisory team and academic network can draw on expertise in, for example, cultural studies, social anthropology, cultural geography, art and design history, art practices, media and visual studies, performance studies, critical theory, sociology, psycho-social studies, critical heritage studies, narrative theory, archive and museum studies and digital humanities.Our graduates have gone on to work in, among other fields, academia and the heritage and museum sectors. We welcome approaches to discuss suitable projects and can provide advice on application, proposals and any suitable funding.Apply to 'Humanities' in the applicant portalApply with us for funding through the AHRC Techne Doctoral Training PartnershipKey informationYour Modern and contemporary history PhD will be supervised by expert academics who will also guide you towards career decisions and allow your work to draw on and contribute to the wider academic society at Brighton and at partner universities.

The entry requirements for the PhD are:

a recognised Masters degree with a significant research component, for example MPhil from another university, or similar qualification which is regarded by the University of Brighton as being equivalent and relevant

or substantial appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An application made by someone with this experience will be considered on its merits and will normally require independent academic references

or, unless a school exercises their right to specify more stringent entry requirements, we may consider a first or upper second honours degree or other qualification which is regarded by the University of Brighton as being equivalent and relevant.