Job Description
Overview
The University of Liverpool has provided a unique and specialised environment for archival education for over 60 years. A PhD/MPhil in Archives and Record Management will allow you to explore the problems of creating and preserving records and archives as evidence and sources for a range of endeavours including law, science, history and the arts.
Introduction
At the University of Liverpool, we’ve offered postgraduate education and training in archives record and management since 1947. When you study our Archives and Record Management PhD/MPhil, you’ll join a leading centre for archival education and research recognised for its innovative, international and interdisciplinary approach.
With expertise in archival science, digital curation and information governance, the Centre for Archive Studies attracts researchers and students from diverse disciplines and places.
Research topics
Our Archives and Record Management PhD/MPhil covers a broad range of potential topics for investigation. We welcome research proposals in topics including:
- Histories of records, archives and record-keeping practices             Â
- Information legislation
- Record-keeping theory and principles
- Digital preservation, digitisation, and access
- Record-keeping and the environment (including historic environmental information, sustainability)
- Widening participation in archives, cultural heritage and higher education
- Community archives and documentation practices
- Architecture and archives (including architectural records and documentation, the architecture of archives repositories)
- Therapeutic uses of archives and records
- Uses of AI and machine learning in cataloguing.
How to apply
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1. Identify potential supervisors
Potential supervisors for this PhD include:
For any questions about finding a supervisor, please contact Dr Margaret Proctor at mproctor@liverpool.ac.uk.
You can also browse our staff list to find potential supervisors in the Department of History.
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2. Prepare your application documents
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
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3. Apply
Finally, register and apply online. You’ll receive an email acknowledgment once you’ve submitted your application. We’ll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year – £5,006
Part-time place, per year – £2,503
International fees
Full-time place, per year – £24,600
Part-time place, per year – £12,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree, as well as general student living costs.
Funding your PhD
If you’re a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
Duncan Norman Research Scholarship
If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
