Enroll in an undergraduate history course at a university or college. Most history bachelor degree courses take at least three years to complete. General history degrees will aim to give you a wide knowledge of different time periods and world events, while a more specific history degree will focus attention on one time period or region.
Complete a dissertation or thesis. Most history degrees require the student to write an undergraduate thesis upon completion of the final year classes. Luckily, you will be given a fair amount of freedom in selecting a topic for your thesis and it is important to choose a topic in which you are greatly interested.
Research Ph.D. programs and their minimum requirements. Your college will undoubtedly hold seminars or recruitment fairs which will give you information on how and where to pursue further education and you may be invited to open days at various universities. Ask your tutor and lecturers for advice as to how they gained their doctorates and how to make yourself a more appealing candidate for acceptance onto a Ph.D. program. Some doctorate programs will accept students with just a bachelor's degree while others may also require their students to possess a master's degree.
Take your Graduate Record Examination as this is a prerequisite for admission to most graduate schools. The higher your grade, combined with the quality of your undergraduate degree, the better your chances are of being accepted to a good school.
Research other entry requirements of the graduate schools you are applying to. You will need to include a personal statement with any application to a Ph.D. program which is a letter explaining why you wish to study at the school in question and what your goals are. Another common requirement is the inclusion of an academic curriculum vitae detailing not only your education but any relevant articles you've written or research you've undertaken in support of your application. Be sure to check what needs to be included with your application.
Contact the school if you are accepted to guarantee enrollment in the program. You should also begin to investigate what will be required of you as a Ph.D. student, besides completing coursework and conducting research. For example, you may be required to teach undergraduate students or host seminars.
Complete your duties as a Ph.D. student. All doctorate students have to complete coursework like they did when an undergraduate. Most graduate schools will also ask you to either conduct your own research in aid of your final dissertation or to assist a member of staff with their research. You will be given a mentor or advisor to help guide you through this research.
Write your doctoral dissertation. This is a long, academic paper detailing the research you have conducted in your field during the course of your doctorate study. Your dissertation will be assessed by a dissertation committee and you will be awarded your doctorate based on their assessment of your work.