Study for a postgraduate degree

The History group at Hertfordshire was ranked 5th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. This result reflects the department's outstanding performance in the supervision of research degrees and in fostering a world-class research environment for both staff and postgraduate researchers.

Hertfordshire offers world-class teaching and research opportunities to a vibrant community of graduate students from the UK and across the world. Whether you are beginning a career in academia, searching for additional skills before entering the job market, or looking to enhance your career prospects, postgraduate degrees at Hertfordshire can offer you critical skills, knowledge and intellectual development.

The history department offers a wide range of expertise for supervising research projects, from early modern to modern Britain, and 20^th century Europe and the Americas. Find out more about our staff's areas of expertise.

Why study at Hertfordshire?

We provide a supportive environment for research students. We foster long-term links with many institutions and societies who facilitate work experience, archive research and career networking. These include:

scholarly bodies such as the Institute of Historical Research, Social History Society and Economic History Society.
museums and archives such as the British Museum, Bank of England, Foundling Museum, National Archives, London Metropolitan Archives, and Hertfordshire Archives and Library Service.
local community groups and history societies in Hatfield, St Albans, Stevenage and across the region.

MA by Research
The MA by Research in History can be taken full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).
It is based on the development and completion of a discreet research project in any field of History for which expert supervision can be provided. The resulting thesis, which should normally be around 20-25,000 words in length, is defended in an oral examination led by an external examiner.
MA by Research students are required to attend relevant sessions of the University’s Generic Training for Research programme, and postgraduate research methods training sessions in History.
Contact us if you are interested in pursuing an MA by Research on a topic related to History or Heritage.
PhD
The PhD in History can be taken full-time (up to 4 years) or part-time (up to 7 years).
It is based on the development and completion of a discreet research project in any field of History for which expert supervision can be provided. Students also undertake the University Generic Training courses and History-specific training run by History staff and the Institute of Historical Research.
The resulting thesis, which should normally be around 80,000 words in length, is defended in an oral examination led by an external examiner.
Contact us for more information on how to apply for a PhD.
Professional Doctorate in Heritage
The Professional Doctorate in Heritage (DHeritage) brings together the theory and practice of Heritage and Public History in a flexible and inter-disciplinary research degree.
The programme offers you an innovative qualification that distinguishes you from the rest of your field.
The DHeritage requires students to reflect on their own practice; to explore the practical and intellectual possibilities offered by a range of disciplines relevant to their professional experience; and to contribute to the development of the heritage industry through published academic work.
The DHeritage provides training and research supervision to fit your interests across the disciplines of:
- History
- Philosophy
- Law
- Policy
- Education
- Digital Humanities
- Creative Writing
- Creative Arts
- Urban and Rural Planning
- Business and Tourism
Find out more about the DHeritage programme.

Every year History students and staff at the University of Hertfordshire hold their research conference at Cumberland Lodge in Great Windsor Park. See this video for further details: