PhD in Country House Studies
The School has a long record of excellence in teaching, having had outstanding results in the National Student Survey (NSS 2018).
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Course overview
About the Course
Course outline
Students are registered initially for the degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), although their status is probationary until the first Annual Review has taken place, normally between 12 and 18 months from first registration.
Study period
The usual period of doctoral study is three years, though the University’s Regulations also permit candidates who make particularly rapid progress to apply to the University Research Committee for permission to submit at the end of their second year of study.
Part-time applications will be considered and may be accepted where teaching provision is available.
Supervision
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.
More information
Enquiries should be directed in the first instance to our Admissions Officer (London Programmes) on humanitiespg-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.
Brochure
Entry Requirements
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. Where this is not possible, however, the Programme Director may allow the student to commence their PhD research at the beginning of one of the later terms. Please note that the MA has a single entry point, in late September.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Candidates apply online, sending in their supporting documents, and will be assessed on this basis by the Programme Director. The Programme Director or Admissions Assistant will be happy to answer any enquiries, email admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
PhD students undertake supervised but independent research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. A PhD thesis must embody an original contribution to the knowledge of the discipline either by the discovery of new knowledge or by the exercise of a new and independent critical approach.
Teaching methods
Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner.
After Your Course
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.
Course Fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | First Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Sep 2025 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £8,267 | £24,800 |
| INT | £14,500 | £43,500 | |
Sep 2025 Part-time (6 Years) | UK | £4,133 | £24,800 |
| INT | £7,250 | £43,500 | |
Jan 2026 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £8,267 | £24,800 |
| INT | £14,500 | £43,500 | |
Jan 2026 Part-time (6 Years) | UK | £4,133 | £24,800 |
| INT | £7,250 | £43,500 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans in the UK is supported by the UK Government. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
Scholarships and bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
UK Students
Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship
International Students
Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship
Accommodation
Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.