Overview

Our purpose is to develop historians, who possess both intellectual range and specialized competence: who can produce important and path-breaking research as well as teach general survey courses at the undergraduate level and in secondary schools.

To help develop the necessary teaching skills, doctoral students in History normally work as supervised teaching assistants and, often, as instructors of their own courses, which are taught in French, English and other languages used in the different campuses of the Sciences Po system.

Outcomes

In addition to research and teaching (both in universities and secondary schools), our doctoral students often find professional opportunities in government, higher education administration, think tanks and other non-academic research organizations, museums, cultural institutions, journalism, publishing houses and the private sector more broadly.

Programme Structure

Structure:

In order to achieve our educational objectives, we offer a variety of research seminars that doctoral students are asked to attend, and contribute to, throughout the program.
A mandatory yearlong seminar is organized for first year students, whose residence in the Paris area is therefore required.
Each doctoral student works closely with a main supervisor at Sciences Po; she/he can also be proposed a second supervisor, who can be based at Sciences Po or in one of our many partner institutions.
Each year, we invite numerous visiting professors from around the world to discuss their research. Their presence offers our doctoral researchers further possibilities to interact with a range of experts in their different fields.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-17 00:00:00

More details

Deadlines:

10 January, for an admission result mid-March
17 May, for an admission result mid-July

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Paris, France

Disciplines

History

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Two academic recommendations (an optional professional recommendation may be added)
CV/resume
Proof of identity
Thesis project (PDF or Word format, 5,000 words maximum, i.e. about ten pages, excluding bibliographic references)
Thesis project synopsis (two pages, PDF or Word format)
Copy of last completed academic degree (Master or equivalent)
Master transcripts (the documents must be attached in the original language, along with an official or informal translation in English or French if necessary. Please add a sworn statement of compliance if the translation is yours)
If obtained, official proof of doctoral funding obtention

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Sciences Po and/or in France, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

All doctoral students enrolled at Sciences Po will be exempt from tuition fees.

Living costs

Paris

France

1195 - 1778 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Tuition Fees

For all students admitted to the PhD programme at the “Thesis” level, the annual fee for the 2016/2017 academic year is 391 euros, irrespective of tax residency.

In order to make Sciences Po accessible to all to promote academic success, Sciences Po offers many types of financial aid.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Paris

Funding

Tuition Fees

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners