PhD History with Genealogical Studies
Course overview
The PhD in History with Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde is a research degree that lets you dig deeply into family and social history while using modern genealogical tools. It is a programme for anybody who has an interest in tracing family lineages, studying population trends, or using DNA and archival records to understand the past.
You will be supervised by experts from both the History Department and the Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, which means your work combines standard historical methods with specialist genealogical practice. That mixture gives your research an international relevance, since genealogy is such a fast-growing field around the world.
Most of your time will be spent working with archives, analysing documents, or exploring databases, among others. Alongside this, you will take part in seminars, workshops, and training sessions that will help you sharpen your research methods and broaden your knowledge.
The programme offers excellent resources and professional links. Strathclyde has strong connections with genealogical organisations and access to extensive archives, including collaborations with the National Records of Scotland. The combination of academic depth, professional training, and hands-on experience makes graduates well prepared for careers in academia, genealogy, archives, or related fields.
Entry requirements
To apply, submit a personal statement explaining your interest and qualifications, a reference from an academic or employer, and a CV showcasing your relevant work experience.
Grade Requirements:
- A first-class or upper second-class (2:1) UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in history or a related field, or a Master's (or equivalent) in history, genealogy/family history, or something aligned.
- If you lack a Master's in genealogy, proven research experience in the field can also work.
- International equivalents are welcome; confirm with the admissions team.
English Proficiency:
- Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds need IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5 (test taken within two years of start).
- Alternatives like TOEFL or PTE are accepted—check the site for score breakdowns.
Scholarships
Asylum Seeker Scholarship
Value: Cost of tuition fees and essential study costs.
BBA International Scholarship
25% fee reduction per year (three years in total).
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Masters Study
The value of the scholarship award is £6,000 and will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Up to £6,000Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Undergraduate Study
Value: 15% of tuition fees for each year of study - typically £4,650 for first year.
Faculty of Engineering: Dean’s International Excellence Award for Masters Study
Dean’s International Excellence Awards for Masters Study worth between £9,000 and £12,000 to exceptional applicants joining a postgraduate taught programme in September 2026.
Up to £9,000Faculty of Science International Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduate Taught Masters Students
The scholarships value will range from £7,000 to £8,000.
Up to £7,000Faculty of Science International Masters Scholarship
Scholarships of £6,000 are available to new international fee-paying students.
Up to £6,000Faculty of Science International Scholarship for MRes Physics
Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international students joining the MRes Physics in the academic year 2025/26.
Up to £7,000Faculty of Science Scholarship for Online Masters Students
Scholarships of £1,900 are available to new students joining one of our online programmes in September 2026.
Up to £1,900Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships of between £6,000 - £7,000 per year of study are available to new international students joining an eligible undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Science in the 2026/27 academic year.
Up to £6,000Humanities & Social Sciences Alumni Scholarship: Postgraduate Taught
Value: 20% tuition fee discount.
Up to 20% of feesHumanities & Social Sciences Dean's International Excellence Scholarship
The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences is delighted to offer a number of Deans Excellence scholarships worth £10,000 to international students.
Up to £10,000Humanities & Social Sciences: International Masters Scholarships
The scholarships will be awarded to the value of £6,000 or £8,000.
Humanities & Social Sciences: Undergraduate International Dean's Excellence Scholarship
Value: £5,000 per year of academic study.
Up to £5,000Law Postgraduate Community Bursary
Value: £700
Up to £700Masters Scholarship for Physics International Students
Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international fee-paying students joining a postgraduate taught masters degree in the Department of Physics in September 2026.
Up to £7,000MBA Part Time - Female Leader of the Future Scholarship
he value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.
Up to £6,500MBA Part time Visionary Scholarship
The value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.
Up to £6,500SBS International Masters Scholarship
Scholarship awards will range from £7,000 to £9,000, depending on the programme and course fee.
Up to £7,000Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Award for International Students
Value: Varies by course fee - Between £10,000 and £12,000
Up to £10,000Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Awards (Undergraduate)
Value: 25% fee reduction per year.
Strathclyde Full Time MBA 60th Anniversary Scholarships
Value: 50% of Full Time MBA tuition fee.
Up to 50% of feesTuition Fee Reduction of 25% for NHS Employees
Up to 25% of tuition fees
Undergraduate Scholarships for Physics International Students
Scholarships of £7,000 per year of study are available to new international students.
Up to £7,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to pursue a range of careers, including roles such as:
- University Lecturer/Professor
- Professional Genealogist
- Archivist
- Heritage Consultant
- Museum Curator
Cost of study
International students pay £19,850 per year for the PhD in History with Genealogical Studies.
Admission
To apply for the PhD in History with Genealogical Studies, go through Strathclyde's online system or UCAS. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.
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