Third-cycle (doctoral) programme in History

At Linnaeus University, research and doctoral studies in history are conducted both within larger interdisciplinary projects and within individual research initiatives. Our strong research areas include:

• Global and colonial history
• Postcolonial studies
• Medieval and early modern history, with a cultural‑historical orientation
• History use and history education

Two Specializations

History

As a doctoral student in history, you learn to conduct research on the past using scholarly methods and historical sources. You develop your understanding of the central theories and perspectives that shape—and have shaped—modern historical scholarship. You also train your ability to independently and critically reflect on the relationship between change and continuity, as well as how historical interpretations are influenced by the spirit of the times and the surrounding society.

The programme also teaches you to use historical perspectives to critically analyse and relate to the present, and to deepen your understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved in working as a historian.

History with an Educational (Didactic) Specialization

As a doctoral student in history with a didactic specialization, you develop – beyond what is described above – your understanding of how history is and has been communicated across different periods. You may study, for example, the role that historical knowledge and understanding play, and have played, in schools, museums, adult‑education organisations, popular culture, and political debates.

Examples of previous doctoral projects

• "Fall in Line: Gender, body and memories of the American Civil War in Scandinavian reenactment" (Marie Bennedahl 2020)
  
  
• "Rule by Association: Japan in the Global Trans-Imperial Culture, 1868-1912" (John Hennessey 2018)
  
  
• "Historyscapes in Alor: Approaching indigenous history in Eastern Indonesia" (Emelie Wellfelt 2016)
  
  
• "Klios trio: Uppfattningar om kunskap i, om och av historia hos lärare och ungdomar i gymnasieskolan" (Kristina Kakoulidou 2025)
  
  
• "Traditionella nyheter: Kläder, ekonomi och politik i Virestad socken 1750-1850" (Martina Böök 2023)

How do I become a doctoral student in History?

When we have the possibility to admit doctoral students, the post is announced at the university website. See Vacancies page

Research schools and research groups

History is part of Linnaeus University’s Doctoral Programme in Global Humanities.

Doctoral students in history also have the opportunity to take part in the National Graduate School in Historical Studies (in swedish), a collaboration between Linnaeus University, Lund University, University of Gothenburg, Malmö University, and Södertörn University.