History Research Programmes

Summary

History at Ulster offers a strong and serious research environment for our postgraduate community. We have consistently produced 4* (world-leading) and 3* (internationally excellent) research. In REF2021 60% of our publications, 75% of our research environment, and 75% of the impact of our work on policy and practice beyond Ulster was rated at these levels. History has an outstanding PhD completion rate, which increased by 52% in REF2021 from REF2014. The Centre for the History of Medicine in Ireland (CHOMI) resides here and has won several competitive research awards and has a thriving and growing postgraduate community.

The University welcomes applicants from those interested in researching:

• Early Modern and Modern Irish history
• Modern British history
• European history
• Mediterranean history
• Russian and Soviet history
• Social history
• Medical humanities,
• Social history of medicine
• Labour history
• Diaspora and migration
• Imperialism and decolonisation

A clearly defined research proposal is required detailing the background, research questions, aims and methodology of the research, along with a comprehensive and articulate personal statement.

Research Materials:

The University has a broad range of research materials available including files of major newspapers, such as the Times, New York Times, Irish Times, Guardian and some local papers. There is a good collection of the British cabinet papers and conclusions for the period 1916-1945 and other British official papers, as well as the personal library of Sir James Headlam-Morley, historical adviser to the British delegation at the Paris Peace Conference. The library has one of the most extensive collections of microfilms of American material in Britain and Ireland. It is particularly strong on the history of African- Americans, including slavery and Civil Rights and on the history of radicalism, both right and left-wing.

History staff and postgraduates work closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the Linen Hall Library, Derry Central Library, and the Centre for Migration Studies at the Ulster-American Folk Park, all of which have extensive holdings. As well as Irish materials, the Public Record Office in Belfast has impressive manuscript collections of imperial and diplomatic figures with the library having extensive online holdings of journals and archives.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.