Scottish History Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The PhD in Scottish History offers you the opportunity to explore Scotland’s past at an advanced level through independent research.

The University of Edinburgh has one of the largest concentrations of scholars interested in the Scottish past. Our research expertise in Scottish history within the School includes medieval kingship and queenship, politics in all periods, the Reformation and religious change, the witch hunt, the Highlands, Scotland’s external relations and involvement in empire, modern arts and culture.

Colleagues in archaeology and classics also have Scottish interests, and these scholars are supplemented by academics in other areas of the University, including:

* Celtic and Scottish Studies

* Social and Political Sciences

* Geography

* Education

* Divinity

* Scottish Literature

The breadth of expertise in the School and in the wider University makes it possible for us to supervise a very wide range of topics. 

Each student is allocated at least two supervisors, allowing us to combine thematic, chronological and, if appropriate, disciplinary expertise in the supervisory team. 

We also have close links with external organisations, such as National Museums of Scotland, and may be able to include external partners in supervisory teams.

In a three-year PhD (six-year part-time), it is crucial that your proposal be well defined before you start. Please approach your proposed supervisor far ahead of the application deadline, to give them time to read your thesis proposal and suggest improvements. This will improve your chances of admission and funding.