MPhil/PhD in International History

Programme Code: RPIH

Department: International History

For students starting this programme of study in 2025/26

Guidelines for interpreting programme regulations

Footnotes

# means there may be prerequisites for this course. Please view the course guide for more information.

Progression and upgrade requirements

On being admitted, all students are formally registered for an MPhil. By 13 June (Week 8 Summer Term) of their first year (1 March of their second year for part-time students) they are required to submit three 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titles of their chapters; (2) a bibliography, setting out as comprehensively as possible the primary published and unpublished sources they intend to use, along with the books, articles, unpublished theses and other sources they will consult; (3) an historiographical essay, evaluating the contributions of other scholars to their subject, and indicating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.

Composition of theses submitted for examination

Only monographic theses are permitted. Theses by papers are not permitted. Within the framework set out in the Regulations for Research Degrees, the specific composition of the monograph will be decided between the student and supervisor(s).

Note for prospective students:
For changes to graduate course and programme information for the next academic session, please see the graduate summary page for prospective students. Changes to course and programme information for future academic sessions can be found on the graduate summary page for future students.