This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of international history. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

The Department of International History at LSE is one of the UK's leading centres of historical research. With its emphasis on the international and transnational context of historical developments, it provides a supportive, but challenging environment for those individuals interested in undertaking a research project leading to a PhD in international history. The Department currently has about 20 faculty engaged in innovative research who are ideally placed to supervise research students on a wide range of subjects. The Department of International History at LSE can offer a comprehensive range of special areas for research, ranging from the early 16th century to the late 20th century.

Each year we receive a large number of applications from prospective PhD students from across the globe. The Department currently has over 35 graduate research students, from virtually every corner of the world, who provide a vibrant and friendly community at the heart of the PhD process. You will benefit from partaking in research training alongside your academic research, attending and participating in workshops and specialised research seminars, and from access to an unparalleled diversity of archival resources in London. Our graduates teach in some of the best university departments in Britain and overseas, or work in the media, civil service or private and voluntary organisations.

Progression and assessment

All research students admitted to the International History Department are initially registered for the MPhil degree in their first year. After eight months of study, students who want to be registered for a PhD have to submit the materials required for the upgrade. Most of the work the students undertake with their supervisors during the first year of study is geared toward passing the upgrade exercise.

You register for the MPhil in the first instance. An assessment of your work, which usually occurs between 12 and 18 months from your start date, will allow us to appraise your aptitude for original research at doctoral level. If you have progressed satisfactorily you will be retroactively upgraded to full PhD status. The total duration of study is a maximum of four years full-time.