UNITED KINGDOM · LONDON
Institue of Historical Research, University of London
public · Founded 1921 · Languages: English
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In short
The Institute of Historical Research (IHR), part of the University of London's School of Advanced Study, is a leading centre for postgraduate historical research. It offers graduate degrees and fellowships from its prime location in Senate House, Bloomsbury, London.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1921
- Students
- 400
- International students
- 150
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–12k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
The Institute of Historical Research (IHR), founded in 1921 and part of the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, is a leading international centre for historical research and postgraduate study. Based in Senate House, Bloomsbury, London, it offers graduate degrees, hosts a vast program of research seminars, and maintains a specialist history library. The IHR welcomes researchers from across the world at all stages of their careers, offering fellowships, visiting research positions, and a stimulating scholarly community. Its proximity to the British Library, national archives, and London's many museums makes it an unparalleled location for historical inquiry. The institute publishes the Historical Research journal and maintains extensive online bibliographic resources used by historians globally.
Why study here
- Access one of the UK's foremost specialist history libraries and extensive archival resources.
- Benefit from a vibrant research seminar program covering all areas of historical scholarship.
- Study in Senate House, Bloomsbury — at the centre of the University of London and steps from the British Library.
- Join a global community of historians through fellowships, visiting researcher programs, and international networks.
- Earn a University of London postgraduate degree with strong recognition in the academic community.
Student life
The IHR's student and researcher community is internationally diverse and academically focused. As a postgraduate and research institute, social life centres around seminars, reading groups, and academic events rather than a traditional campus experience. The location in Bloomsbury provides access to London's unparalleled cultural and intellectual resources.
Fees
InternationalInternational student tuition for IHR postgraduate programs typically ranges GBP 5,000-10,000 per year, depending on program. Contact the School of Advanced Study for current rates.
HomeUK home students pay standard UK postgraduate rates; Student Finance loans may be available.
LivingMonthly living costs in London are approximately GBP 1,500-2,500. Senate House is centrally located in Bloomsbury, well-served by public transport.
The IHR is a specialist postgraduate and research institute; it does not offer undergraduate programs. Fellowship and bursary opportunities are available for eligible researchers.
Admissions
MRes Historical ResearchFirst or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in history or a related field.
PhD ProgramsMaster's degree in history or equivalent; a well-developed research proposal is required.
IELTS7.0 overall
TOEFL100 iBT
University scholarships
IHR FellowshipsVaries; short-term research fellowships for visiting scholars
AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership ScholarshipsFull fees plus stipend; competitive, for eligible UK/EU students
Accreditation
The IHR is a constituent institute of the School of Advanced Study, University of London, which is recognized by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
For international students
United KingdomStudent visa & funds
International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.
Working while you study
On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.
After you graduate
Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,400/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for United Kingdom
full fundingWellcome Trust
Wellcome Discovery Awards
Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.
full
Funding
€4000k
Max
Nov 25, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe Alan Turing Institute
Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)
Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.
full
Funding
€98k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingSkoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School
Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA
Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.
full
Funding
€95k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingRhodes Trust
Rhodes Scholarship
For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingGates Cambridge Trust
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAfrica Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What programs does the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) offer?
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The IHR is a specialist postgraduate and research institute and does not offer undergraduate programs. It offers graduate degrees in historical research.
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at the IHR?
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International student tuition for IHR postgraduate programs typically ranges from GBP 5,000 to 10,000 per year, depending on the specific program. For the most current rates, it is recommended to contact the School of Advanced Study.
What are the living costs for students in London?
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Monthly living costs in London are approximately GBP 1,500 to 2,500. The IHR is centrally located in Bloomsbury, which is well-served by public transport.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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For English language proficiency, the IHR typically requires an IELTS score of 7.0 overall or a TOEFL score of 100 iBT.
What are the academic entry requirements for postgraduate programs?
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For the MRes Historical Research, a first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in history or a related field is required. For PhD Programs, a Master's degree in history or equivalent and a well-developed research proposal are necessary.
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