Doctor of Intellectual History is an advanced research degree awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral viva voce examination. Its primary purpose is to assess the candidate’s ability to undertake and present a substantial piece of independent and original academic research. The degree is typically completed within three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study, with the possibility of early submission in cases of exceptional progress.

The scope of research in Intellectual History is broad, encompassing any area of human intellectual endeavour. Potential thesis topics may range from the history of philosophy and the development of scientific inquiry to the formation, transformation, and practical application of political ideologies or economic theories. Provided sufficient evidence exists, almost any aspect of the history of ideas may serve as a suitable subject of study.

The process of defining a PhD topic in Intellectual History is iterative; initial research ideas are usually refined and developed during the first year of study as the candidate’s understanding of the subject deepens.