History UCL

Overview

Thanks to its wide-ranging expertise, which covers almost all areas of historical scholarship, and its proximity to institutions such as the British Library, the British Museum, the Institute of Historical Research, the Warburg Institute and the Wellcome Collection, UCL provides exceptional conditions for doctoral research in history. Our staff and research community come from all over the world, creating a diverse and stimulating research environment.

Alongside the department’s weekly training sessions throughout the academic year, you will have the opportunity to participate in Institute of Historical Research seminars and take modules at the UCL Doctoral School. You will also be encouraged to organise workshops, conferences and seminars, and to present your research at conferences in the UK and abroad. The department provides limited funding to support research-related travel, with priority given to postgraduate researchers who do not hold external funding.

Graduate attributes

By completing this degree, you will develop the advanced research, analytical and communication skills required to conduct original historical scholarship and contribute to academic and professional communities. 

You will gain expertise in evaluating complex evidence, engaging with conceptual and methodological debates, and producing independent research of the highest standard. Through participation in research seminars, conferences and training activities, you will develop the confidence to present and defend your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The course also supports the development of transferable skills that are highly valued across a range of careers, including project management, critical thinking, problem-solving, written and oral communication, and collaborative working. Opportunities to engage with professional development training, publication workshops and careers support will help prepare you for careers both within and beyond academia.