Why study at the IHR?

The Institute of Historical Research (IHR), founded in 1921, occupies a position at the centre of the academic study of history in the United Kingdom. It is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for its research activities, and in the provision of resources to the academic community as a whole. A vibrant, interdisciplinary research culture is fostered within the IHR, and more broadly within the School of Advanced Study, part of the University of London, which provides a unique configuration of academic resources for postgraduate and postdoctoral research.

IHR students benefit from free access to a unique range of nationally recognized research training courses, including Methods and Sources, Palaeography, Oral History Techniques, and Databases for Historians.

The IHR's renowned open access library forms part of the University of London Research Libraries Services, and together these provide an unrivalled collection of resources for historians of all kinds, located on the central University site in Bloomsbury, close to the British Library.

HR students are part of an active and expanding postgraduate research community, and can discuss and develop ideas informally with each other and in an unrivalled range of interdisciplinary seminars, lectures and conferences.

Postgraduates can take advantage of the resources and expertise of two important research centres:

A range of postgraduate studentships and bursaries are available for appropriate candidates, these are listed here. The School is accredited to administer Federal Loans from the School of Advanced Study (SAS).

Students can take advantage of the University of London's Specialist Institutions' Careers Service (SICS), a free career planning service.

  • Research students have a small dedicated facility with PCs, printer, and lockers located within the IHR Library.
  • Access to an expert disability and special needs advisory service which assists students and academics to meet the needs of students with special needs in terms of teaching, supervision and assessment.
  • The Institute has a thriving Common Room which is catered and open from 9am to 8.45pm.