Doctor of Philosophy in History

Purpose

The objective of the qualification is to facilitate the exposure of prospective candidates to the highest levels of conceptual, theoretical, as well as methodological skills and competencies in the discipline of History. The aim of the qualification is similarly to inculcate a sense of 'historical mindedness' - that is, to conceptualise the inter-relationships of chronological sequence, periodisation, change over time, and the corollary of historical interpretation and historical outcomes and findings. One of the key objectives of the qualification is to ensure that prospective candidates make an original contribution to the study of history. By utilising the highest levels of theoretical, conceptual, and methodological skills and competencies, prospective candidates are expected to identify and to specialise in a specific niche area in the study of history.

Rationale

The rationale behind the Qualification is to equip students with an advanced level of research that will broaden their comprehension of the parameters of historical knowledge. This qualification provides candidates with a solid grasp of salient research methods in History, as well as equipping them with requisite analytical skills that will them to undertake advanced independent research work.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• RPL applications are all considered on exceptional merit.

Entry Requirements

An Master of Arts in History, or in an appropriate cognate field. In exceptional cases Recognition of Prior Learning may be considered.

100% Research Thesis.

Exit Level Outcome 1

• Candidates should demonstrate their capacity to design, conduct and write theses that reflects their ability to identify problems that inform historical events at a given period and in a specific geographic location.
• Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the impact of chronology on a series of historical events and circumstances.
• Candidates should demonstrate the ability to produce an intelligible historical narrative through writing a doctoral dissertation of the highest standard.
• Ultimately candidates should demonstrate competence in original methodological and conceptual skills, clarity of expression, and the development of argument and sound judgement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The ability of the candidate to produce a research proposal that is informed by existing gaps in historical knowledge.
• The ability of the candidate to formulate an hypothesis.
• The ability of the candidate to select and utilize research instruments that are relevant in the historical inquiry.
• The ability of the candidate to select and use appropriate data analysis methods to interpret the findings of the investigation.
• The competence of the candidate to identify and analyze different historical views and interpretations.
• The ability of the candidate to write a well-researched thesis with an acceptable technical layout, a clear demonstration of conceptual and methodological skills, and a well-developed argument based on detached analysis, and with a compellingly substantiated outcome.
• The Research Proposal which is subjected to an oral examination by a representative committee, represents the Formative Phase of Assessment.
• The comprehensive thesis represents the Summative Phase of the Assessment.

Integrated Assessment

• The Research Proposal which is subjected to an oral examination represents the Formative Phase of Assessment.
• The comprehensive thesis represents the Summative Phase of the Assessment.
• Moderation of Thesis: The Doctoral Thesis is subject to moderation by THREE External Examiners, two being international while the 3rd one is national.