PhD students are trained to be interdisciplinary researchers and are normally co-supervised by staff from two different departments.Students work on research projects that cross disciplinary boundaries. Subject areas include Archaeology, Art and Architectural History, History (social, economic, political, cultural, ecclesiastical, and intellectual) and Literature (including Old and Middle English, Old Norse, Latin, Italian and Arabic), Natural Sciences, Gender and Sexuality, Viking Studies, Islamic Cultures, Codicology and Palaeography.You will work closely with your supervisors on a regular basis to design and carry out an original research project. You will gain experience in a field, studied from two different disciplines, and learn how to do primary research, to develop an argument and to write an extended piece of work - the thesis. This will prepare you for academic posts, as well as for a range of other careers, where advanced research, analytical thinking, writing and speaking are key. Pursuing a PhD at York also gives you opportunities to work collaboratively and build international networks.We value the relationship between research and the wider communities to which we belong. Your PhD will enable you to gain experience in public engagement, working with non-academic partners.