PhD Biography

University of Buckingham

The PhD in Biography is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral viva voce examination. The primary purpose of the PhD is the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research, completed in three years if studying full-time and usually six years if studying part-time. There is also the possibility of early submission in cases where the student makes particularly rapid progress. The variety of possible thesis subjects is broad, with most students choosing to study the life of a single historical or literary figure, others writing group biography or ‘prosopography’, and with periods ranging from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries. In some cases, the theory or history of biographical writing is itself a focus, whereas in others the thesis is developed from research in an adjacent discipline (most often, but not exclusively, History). A large proportion of our PhD students are engaged in full-time study, but there is also an option for part-time study where this fits better with a student’s other commitments. Part-time study can be ideal for those who are looking to gain a postgraduate qualification without leaving employment and wish to develop their careers while they continue earning, or for those who are home-based for whatever reason and wish to develop their skills. All students are expected to engage with the academic life of the University, to attend skills-training meetings where these are relevant, as well as research seminars and workshops. PhD students are further expected to attend annual Research Days that provide an opportunity to share their work with their peers, and to engage with visiting experts in their field.

Psychology and Wellbeing