MPhil/PhD in International History

Programme code: RPIH

In addition to progressing with their research, students are expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses.  Students may take courses in addition to those listed, and should discuss this with their supervisor.

Year One
Training courses
Compulsory (not examined)
HY501 International History Research Student Workshop

Year Two
Training courses
Optional (not examined)
HY509 International History Research Seminar
HY510 Cold War History Research Seminar

Year Three
Training courses
Optional (not examined)
HY509 International History Research Seminar
HY510 Cold War History Research Seminar

Year Four
training courses
Optional (not examined)
HY509 International History Research Seminar
HY510 Cold War History Research Seminar

Progression and upgrade requirements
On being admitted, all students are formally registered for an MPhil. By 13 June (wk 8 Summer Term) of their first year (1 March of their second year for part-time students) they are required to submit 3 hardcopies of their dossier containing (1) the provisional title of their thesis, together with the provisional titles of their chapters; (2) a bibliography, setting out as comprehensively as possible the primary published and unpublished sources they intend to use, along with the books, articles, unpublished theses and other sources they will consult; (3) an historiographical essay, evaluating the contributions of other scholars to their subject, and indicating clearly how their own thesis will contribute to it; and (4) a draft chapter of approximately 10,000 words based largely upon primary sources. The dossier will be read by three members of the Department , and students will be required to undergo a 20-30 minute viva. After the viva you will be informed of the outcome and will receive a joint report from the panel. If the Committee deems the dossier/viva satisfactory, the Department will recommend the student for transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD status. If it is less than satisfactory it will be examined by the Committee who will determine whether the student should be allowed to resubmit revised upgrade materials, which may be permitted once. The review and viva process is designed to determine whether the student is likely to meet the requirements of a PhD, and whether the chosen topic is suitable for a doctoral dissertation.