Research Degrees 

Durham attracts some of the strongest postgraduate students in the world, and we will support you to develop yourself and your career. 

With a research degree, you will develop a topic in an original way and so make your mark on the discipline. The degree is examined by an extended piece of written work and taught through close supervision from two supervisors. 

Learn more about our degrees

MA by Research - A one year full-time (two years part-time) programme, examined through a thesis of up to 50,000 words. If you demonstrate aptitude, this degree can lead to further postgraduate research. 

PhD - The PhD programme formally takes three years full-time (or six years part-time), though some students may complete during a fourth year. It is examined by a thesis of up to 100,000 words and an oral examination (viva voce). 

How to apply

Training 

In addition to advising on the direction, shape and content of the thesis and the methodology of the research, supervisors discuss research students' training needs with them and work out a programme of training to ensure that students are best placed to undertake their research. A range of research training will be available for you, organised by the department or centrally.

Find out more about our research areas.

Visiting Postgraduate Research Students 

Visiting Postgraduate Research Students are defined as students who attend the University and receive advice and support through supervision and use of research facilities. Such students may also audit existing taught modules where this would support their research and is approved by the module convener. These students will receive no credit or qualification from the University for either the research they undertake or any taught modules they join.

Visiting Postgraduate Research Student applications are welcome following direct contact and agreement with suitable academic staff of the History Department, who should be named on the application. Visiting Postgraduate Research Students must submit an application as detailed in How to Apply and meet our standard entrance requirements for the PhD programme as well as providing supporting evidence in relation to the benefits to be gained from the visit. Applicants must also provide evidence that they are currently enrolled onto a PhD programme at another university.

Fees 

*The maximum length of visit for a PGR is 12 months.

For stays of more than six months visiting students will need to apply for a student visa. For shorter visits the Department can issue an invitation for a short-term visitor visa, once the student has received an offer letter for the visiting research student programme from the admissions team.