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Graduate (VRS)
Application code:V1EH
Department of International History

Visiting Research Student in International History

Spend up to a year at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ as a Visiting Research Student, engaging in research, accessing resources, and collaborating with leading academics.

Overview

Introduction

We welcome research students from other universities to spend from one term up to one academic year at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ as a Visiting Research Student (VRS).

The VRS scheme allows students who are registered as doctoral researcher at other institutions to participate in research activities in the department and the School, to interact with other research students, and to benefit from the expertise of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ faculty, the training offered by the , and ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Library facilities. Note that Visiting Research Students don’t have access to any ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ taught courses.

We welcome applications that complement the academic interests of faculty members in the department and we recommend that you investigate their research interests before applying. Once you have found an academic whose research interests are relevant to your own you should contact them directly, outlining your proposed area of research, to see if they’ll agree, in principle, to act as an advisor during your time at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳.

As a VRS, you won’t be able to take accredited or examined courses or be fully supervised in the same way as an ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ doctoral student. You’ll be able to participate in doctoral workshops and research seminars, interact with other doctoral students, and discuss your research with your nominated advisor. You’re expected to be self-funded.

Because of its emphasis on independent research, the VRS scheme is better suited to students who are at an advanced stage in their doctoral training and research.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

History is a wide ranging and challenging subject to study. It seeks to understand the past and to make sense of the present, adding an important dimension to the understanding of many aspects of human society. The department is world renowned in its field, offering a unique perspective on the history of relations between states, peoples and cultures. We pride ourselves on giving students the benefit of ground-breaking research throughout our teaching programmes.

Our degrees will give you a broad international perspective on the past. We give attention both to domestic and international issues and many of the courses we offer deal with major events in the history of international relations.

Since the behaviour of countries in the international arena cannot be understood without a knowledge of their distinct social, political, economic and cultural characteristics, we provide courses covering major aspects of the history of ideas and mentalities.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ was founded in 1895 originally as an institute of higher education for graduate students. The department reflects this tradition and takes its responsibility for undergraduate teaching and supervision very seriously. We admit nearly as many undergraduate students as master's students. We have one of the most cosmopolitan undergraduate communities in London and one of the most vibrant and dynamic.

Learn more about our programmes, research, public eventsÌýandÌýpeople.

Your application

Overview

To apply as a visiting research student, you apply in the same way as for our MPhil/PhD programmes, with the same entry criteria. Find the entry criteria for the MPhil/PhD International History.

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at ourÌýstaff research interestsÌýbefore applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • references
  • CV
  • outline research proposal
  • sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Competition for places at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Fees and funding

The shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes offered by the School.

Home

£100

Home student fee per week (2025/26)

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

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