Survey - What are the Benefits of a PhD in History?
In December 2010 the Institute of Historical Research conducted an online survey asking the simple question 'What are the benefits of a PhD in History?'
‘I have learned research skills, and time management skills that far exceed those I had when I started. I have gained confidence in my own abilities and knowledge as a result of undertaking original research. And I am having a … good time doing so!’
‘Learning to manage large quantities of qualitative data; learning to recognize patterns in the data; learning to identify ideological underpinnings of representations of events and ideas’
‘The benefits of a PhD go well beyond the traditional approach to higher education … a PhD allows you the opportunity to develop a passion for knowledge and, in my case, history.’
‘In terms of monetary and gainful employment, I hope a PhD gives me the freedom to continue developing my passion for History within an academic environment. Whether that means within an institute of higher education, [a] historical society or [the] museum/archives [sector], only time will tell. The important thing is that I have that freedom to explore all options.’
‘The ability to explore a subject in great depth, to develop my writing skills, the ability to disseminate that knowledge to others, to teach in [a] university, to get published, [to] meet like minded people and argue with them!’
‘It provides an opportunity to research and write a work of history which can be your own. By the end of it you have a great deal of experience as a thinker, a researcher and as a communicator.
‘ I really felt that completing historical research not only gave me a better understanding of the historical period in question, but also enabled me to understand why the present situation exists … the ability of historical situations to inform current debate … On a more personal level, I found that working with archival material for a significant period forced me to develop qualities I know I didn't have before. I had to learn to become patient and reflective in the way I approached research, as well as becoming more adaptable and resourceful when confronted with a problem or a lack of obvious source material. I strongly believe I wouldn't have gained these characteristics had I not undertaken historical research. ‘
‘You can indulge yourself in researching interesting stories and interesting people. By the end of it you will have basically written a whole book on your own. You develop your critical ability and mental dexterity … You become an expert in your specific field of history. You learn more about society/the way people act/historical processes that are all relevant to today.’
‘The completion of a PhD in history will always be the greatest achievement in my life. I learnt new skills essential to my future career, whether that will be in the history profession or not. I also learnt a lot about myself; my capabilities and limitations. A PhD in History is not easy to achieve and is not solely reliant on academic ability. It is also a test of endurance and self-motivation. The study of History at that level, I believe, gives a person a unique perspective about the world that is not easily gained elsewhere.’
‘Professionally, [a PhD] enabled [me] to get an academic position. The experience of independent and original research has been enormously rewarding personally. It made me better able to think, to weigh up the differing aspects of complex situations, to make better informed decisions. It helped me to communicate much more clearly in writing. The processes of research developed in me the curiosity and the ability to find things out for myself, which has made be a better citizen, able to critique, for example, the messages directed at me by politicians and the media. From the perspective of a supervisor, there are many practical skills enhanced and developed by doing a History PhD: working to deadlines, developing a probing and critical stance towards complex bodies of evidence, the ability to express one's opinions clearly and concisely. There is also, of course, the perhaps old-fashioned but still very important fact that societies do need historians to question what they do, and that only by doing a PhD does one become a professional historian.’
‘The personal satisfaction of completing a major piece of research in an area that has received scant attention by historians … The excitement of discovering documents in archives. The intellectual stimulation of presenting findings, interacting and debating with other academics at seminars and conferences. In a wider sense my PhD has equipped me with invaluable research, interviewing, writing and presenting skills which are valued highly by employers, both within and outside of academia.’
‘I am undertaking a part-time PhD whilst also working academically and as a consultant … The discipline and rigour of the whole process is a massive help in my working life … The ideas and conclusions can tell us practical things that have relevance today.’
‘I had 15 wonderful years on the faculty of a prestigious liberal arts college. Now that I'm retired, I'm using that same knowledge to write historical fiction. Don't regret a moment of it.’
‘A doctorate in history equips one with the skills of forensic enquiry, meticulous attention to detail and the ordering of information, and the ability clearly to convey both broad issues and specific details in written and spoken form. A doctorate in history of course requires detachment and as much objectivity as possible, but it also generates, one might even say demands, passionate involvement. A doctorate in history is after all essentially about people; who we are, how and why we behave in the ways we do, and the manner in which we act and react to situations. It is this combination of skills which, in my view, is the reason why historians are successful in so many different professions and walks of life.’
‘The PhD in History … allows [me] to gain a variety of skills that will further assist my historical development, and access opportunities for a career in academia – albeit at a time when universities are under increased threat … The PhD itself is collaborative and as a result I have developed skills in research and archival practice ... ‘
‘I believe it is a way to gain in-depth skills and to develop a way of analysis that is not available from previous degrees. It aims to provide a way to develop deep analytical and self analysis skills as well. also it provides the skills to continue in academia either in lecturing at a higher level or in research. I feel it has given me the confidence to feel equal to any group of people I want to work with.’
‘A chance to further research skills, to focus in depth on a topic of interest, to network with a range of historians, to further develop skills in public speaking, presenting, formal writing, literature searches and reviews, developing an independent project, and many other transferable skills too numerous to mention. I have also spent a great deal of time in a range of wonderful archives and changed my career direction as a result.’
‘A PhD in history has taught me skills I never knew I would gain. Before I began I thought it was just a matter of research and writing but it is so much more. It involves building relationships to gain access to the best information, being prepared to put yourself out there and developing a thick skin, taking criticism and communicating work through oral [and] written presentation in a variety of forms.
The PhD has taught me self-discipline, management skills and … self-reliance. More than that it gives [you] the opportunity to think things through critically, it opens up so much and makes you look at everything in a whole new way. I doubt many people have the time or space in life to think like that and without people who have been given this opportunity the world would be a poorer place, culturally, politically, economically and socially. I really think people with PhDs in history can think things through in a way few can because they have had access to a huge wealth of human practices and experiences.
The training is rigorous and challenging, it is a slog and it is constantly difficult and confusing. I have gained an ability to question any notion of a right answer, a few more people should be a little more tentative.’
‘The enjoyment of delving into the depths of a specialist subject which one has a passion for; gaining discipline in organising masses of material, sorting and sifting and finally presenting it in logical, informative ways, which, hopefully will be of value for others and on which they can build; the acquisition of or improvement in research skills; finally, but not least, associating with colleagues who share or understand one's own passion.’
‘My PhD is essentially a cross-disciplinary project engaging history and law. Not only will the historical context provide a new insight into the workings of the press at an important time (late 19th C) but the methodology utilised in my exploration of how the press and the law interacted will I hope lead to a better understanding of the factors which contribute to changing legislation.’
‘Working on my PhD is easily the greatest intellectual and psychological challenge I have ever faced. It is both humbling and strengthening because it makes me aware of limitations in my knowledge and abilities, whilst giving me a focus for improvement. History as a discipline is special because the task of finding and interpreting sources necessitates the development of both an open and a questioning mind, to an extent that is not generally expected in everyday life. The ability to analyse lives or events without preconceptions or assumptions, but with knowledge and insight, is a skill which should be valued in many fields of activity. I hope that I will continue to develop this skill beyond the completion of my PhD.’
‘Time – at last – to do history properly.’
‘I am doing a PhD purely for my own interest, being retired. However, the study has improved my analytical skills, and extended my interests to new areas of history and historiography. I have been able to provide tutorial support to young friends still at school.’
‘I originally decided to do a PhD in history because I felt I had not given my brain enough of a work-out. When I went to university to do my BA, my plan was to become a journalist. My studies were to enable me to “know” stuff, to have a decent background knowledge. However, fairly early on in my studies, I realised that there were so many things I wanted to pursue in a depth and with a rigour that journalists rarely achieve …’
‘Doing a PhD in history was a wonderful voyage of discovery, whether I was rooting through archives, meeting people I could interview or sitting in a library, reading. It was a real intellectual challenge, with the benefit of meeting all manner of people along the way. I've made friends for life from doing my PhD. I have since been appointed to a permanent academic post, but from the start I was quite clear with myself that, whether or not I was able to find employment in academia, a PhD in history was something I wanted to do for my own personal edification, and that there are far more unpleasant ways to spend your twenties ... as I had learned the hard way between my MA and PhD. I've gained much from my PhD: the personal challenge; the making of good friends; the opportunity/excuse to travel; entry into my desired profession. Jobs may come and go – certainly in this economic climate – but the personal gains remain.’
‘First and foremost a PhD, by its very nature, is an original contribution to knowledge. I take great pride and pleasure in knowing that my work is improving our understanding of the past. Furthermore, I am constantly seeing parallels between the period I am studying (1980s Britain) and current events. I therefore feel that my work not only enriches my knowledge of the past, but also enables a greater comprehension of the present. Add to this the skills I have gained in project management, the analysis of information, networking, and presenting an argument and it is clear to see that a PhD in history provides an advantage in both the academic and business world[s].’
‘Organisational, analytical, research and other mental skills, of course. Ideally, a job teaching history at a university, college or preparatory school – though in many cases, mine included, that is coming slowly at the moment. But my life is still richer for having done my PhD, even if my bank balance is not.’
‘Opportunities to become a better historian, to think and read about a wide range of subjects, and my thesis topic in some depth. Opportunity to teach in universities.’
‘An opportunity to get down to what historical research is about, its traps and its joys. In being able to remain with a long and critical period of study, one can gain confidence in one's ability to consider the past, present, and future in a balanced way. It was an experience which required faithfulness to the project, [and] at the same time the challenge of finding you had got it wrong, and having to start over again. For me, it was the opportunity to research, reflect and analyse that had no 'career' or financial purpose as I do not teach or require a PhD for work etc; it has lead me on to many other aspects of historical research and reflection, and I feel I have contributed results and material useful to other students of my particular area of research.’
‘The PhD in history enriched my life beyond my imagination. With this credential in hand, I landed a teaching job at a community college and have since moved to a comprehensive university. I travelled around the world, bring these experiences to my classroom, have the privilege to cultivate interesting friendships, and have confidence in my future as I grow in scholarship.’
‘Doing a PhD in history has shown me that whilst technology may advance, that people remain the same—we still love to hate, feel fear, joy, happiness, grief, etc. the same as people did 100, 500 1000 years ago.’
‘Hone analytical skills, [and] gain wider knowledge and awareness of immediate area of research …’
‘It’s a lot of fun.’
‘In doing [a PhD] I’ve learned research methodology from the broad to the meticulous. I’ve also learned how to articulate and communicate my ideas. The actual work has also allowed me to engage the academic community at large.’
‘Spending time concentrating on a subject which fascinates and intrigues. It is a luxury which should be made the most of. Pragmatically it may provide a career in passing on a love of and excitement in the subject.’
