Overview
The Maritime Historical Studies MPhil/PhD programme from The University of Exeter staff research political, economic, social, cultural, religious, medical, maritime, military, humanitarian, environmental and international history. We range in time from the early medieval period to the late 20th century. We have particular strengths in the history of Britain and continental Europe, but also focus on the history of the United States, Africa, India, China and Latin America. Our PhD programmes are…
taught at both Streatham and Penryn, and supervision can be offered across both campuses.
Key facts
- Our research centres are focal points of our research environment for both staff and PGR students, organising seminar series, workshops and research events throughout the academic year where postgraduate students meet with staff and peers to learn, discuss and present research.
- A summary of our main areas of research are listed below. The History Research webpages provide more comprehensive details about current research projects. Details on individual staff research interests and publications can be found on the History staff profiles pages.
- Our PhD students are funded by organisations including the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Wellcome Trust, Commonwealth Scholarships, University of Exeter Global Excellence Scholars China Scholarship Council, and doctoral scholarships attached to major research grants.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting January 2027 — Apply anytime.
- Starting April 2027 — Apply anytime.
- Starting September 2027 — Apply anytime.
There are no specific deadlines for applications, though the majority of students start in September.
Language
English
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- IELTS: 7
Delivered
On Campus, Blended
Campus Location
- Penryn, United Kingdom
- Exeter, United Kingdom
Offered at multiple locations, but you can enroll in only one. Apply to your chosen location.
Disciplines
- History
- Transport Management
- Marine Engineering
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- British maritime history from the Middle Ages to today
- Business history and maritime trade
- Port cities and communities
- Mariners' welfare and education
- Naval history from the Middle Ages to the present day, in particular, the connections between naval, political, social, economic and other histories
- Naval leadership from the late-seventeenth century to the mid-twentieth century
- British naval administration and logistics
- Mediterranean maritime history from the middle ages to the eighteenth century
- African maritime history and African port cities.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
Students applying to enter directly into the MPhil/PhD programme would normally be expected to have a Masters degree with Merit or equivalent in History or a related subject, or other relevant qualifications such as a doctorate in another subject.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 44,186 AUD / year (≈ 23,500 GBP / year)
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 9,307 AUD / year (≈ 4,950 GBP / year)
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Maritime Historical Studies. A selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Sanctuary Scholarship — The University of Exeter — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline 01 May 2027
- University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship — The University of Exeter — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline Anytime
- Sport Scholarship — The University of Exeter — Grant, 3000 GBP — Deadline 31 May 2027
- Bursary — The University of Exeter — Grant, 750 GBP — Deadline 31 May 2027
- Sport Performance Bursary — The University of Exeter — Grant, 3000 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- Alumni Family and Friends Discount — The University of Exeter — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline Not specified
- Crediton Parish Church — The University of Exeter — Grant, 1000 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- St Peter's Parish Church, Tiverton — The University of Exeter — Grant, 720 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- University of Exeter Class Progression Scholarship — The University of Exeter — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline Anytime
- Mrs Bessie Rook Memorial Travel Scholarship — The University of Exeter — Grant, 2000 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- Anning-Morgan bursary — The University of Exeter — Grant, 2000 GBP — Deadline 07 Aug 2027
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Independent provider — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Independent provider — Grant, 1000 USD — Deadline 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Independent provider — Grant, 3500 USD — Deadline 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline Not specified
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Grant, 19000 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline 28 Feb 2027
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Grant, 6000 USD — Deadline 31 Jan 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant, 1000 USD — Deadline 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant, 1000 USD — Deadline 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant, 1000 USD — Deadline 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant, 3000 USD — Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — Grant, 22500 GBP — Deadline Not specified
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Grant, Various benefits — Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant, 1500 USD — Deadline Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant, 12000 USD — Deadline 11 Jan 2027