PhD Modern War Studies at University of Buckingham

Programme overview

We offer PhDs by research in Military History, Modern War Studies and Contemporary Military History at our London office. “We must continually ask questions of the past, even the most recent past, because it holds the key to the future. History must be handled carefully of course, for it is trained experts that must provide the intellectual underpinning for decisions taken by politicians and the senior leaders of the Armed Forces. We need more research and Defence must work ever more closely with academics if we are to make sense of our complex world and so provide practical solutions to knotty problems.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Social Sciences | Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Intake: September 2026, January 2027 | Location: Buckingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Each student is allocated two supervisors. There is a First (or Principal) Supervisor, who is the student’s regular guide during his or her research, and with whom the student meets regularly throughout the year. There is also a Second Supervisor, whom the student may consult on a more limited basis where a ‘second opinion’ on a particular draft chapter may be helpful.

Career pathways

The University’s Course Directors, students’ supervisors, and the Research Officer and Tutor for Graduate Students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or upper second-class degree at undergraduate level and a Master’s degree. Age is usually an irrelevancy. In exceptional cases, extensive and relevant work experience may also qualify a student for postgraduate research. Students without a Master’s degree and wishing to undertake doctoral research may enrol on the relevant MA programme in their first year and, given appropriate progress, ‘upgrade’ to PhD registration at the start of their second year of full-time study; the first year of MA study counts as the first of the three years required for the PhD. Part-time options are also available. Wherever possible, students are encouraged to begin their PhD studies at the start of the academic year (the Autumn Term, beginning in late September), in order to be in step with their peers.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,267 a year (2026/27). Full-time (3 years); From £8,267 per year Source

International applicants: GBP 14,500 a year (2026/27). Full-time (3 years); From £14,500 per year Source

Intake: September 2026, January 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/course-redirect/?coursecode=RDPF3PMW

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