Postgraduate research

The Institute offers an intellectually stimulating environment for the development of postgraduate research students. Our international community of doctoral students work on topics encompassing a wide chronological, geographical, and thematic aspects of early modern history.  Find out more about the research being undertaken by our current students and the theses written by our alumni.

Our postgraduate students have progressed to academic positions around the world, including in the US, China, UK, Germany, and Canada; and beyond academia, to a range of roles. PGR students benefit from the support provided by the University’s Careers Service.

PhD students at St Andrews complete a thesis of up to 80,000 words in three to four years, assisted by the advice of their supervisors.  The academic and intellectual support offered by the Institute is complemented by wider training and developmental opportunities offered by the School of History and the University more broadly.

St Andrews also offered one year research degrees (the MSt(Res)) in which students complete a thesis of up to 30,000 words.  The MSt(Res) may be studied after or as an alternative to the MLitt, and independently of or as a prelude to a PhD.

The School welcomes applications for part-time postgraduate research study, where part-time study is permitted by the University. Find out more about modes of attendance at the University.

Applications for postgraduate research are made through the University, though prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss a project with a potential supervisor in advance.  Postgraduate research students are admitted to the School of History, and should carefully read the information provided by the School of History to postgraduate research applicants, along with information provided by the University on how to apply.