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Department of History

The History Department at Durham has established itself firmly as one of the top departments in the UK. Staff and students are part of a vibrant learning community, set within the magnificent location of Durham’s World Heritage Site.
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Welcome to the Department of History

Welcome to the Department of History. We are a successful, expanding department, engaged in teaching and research across an exceptional range of chronological, geographical and thematic areas.

Find out more about us
4th The Complete University Guide 2024
4th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
88% student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2021)
5th Guardian University Guide 2024

                

Study with Us

Learn more about our degree programmes using the links below

Undergraduate study

Our Department offers modules that range from the local to the global. We teach everything from the history of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria to the making of modern Africa.
Students sitting round a table with laptops

Postgraduate study

The History Department is deeply committed to postgraduate education, and has a strong and dedicated postgraduate community made up of MA and PhD students.
Outside view of brick building which houses History Department

                

                

Department News

  • Award Winners: Durham University's Global Curriculum Award

    Massive congratulations to Professor Jonathan Saha, Dr Radha Kapuria, and Dr Chris Bahl for winning the Durham University's Global Curriculum Award 2024.
    Durham news
    Photo of Prof Jonathan Saha, Dr Radha Kapuria, and Dr Chris Bahl

  • How 16th century survivors of wartime sexual violence found justice

    Dr Tom Hamilton from our Department of History has discovered criminal records revealing a rare, 400-year-old legal case which successfully prosecuted a soldier for sexual crimes during Europe’s notoriously violent Wars of Religion.
    Global research
    Sixteenth century image of Murder of the Protestants at Sens, 1562

  • Launching Environmental Histories and Futures of the North East

    The Environmental Histories and Futures of the North East (EHFNE) project brings together North East academic researchers in the social sciences and humanities and community organisations to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. The project aims to foster future research partnerships that centre local interests and community priorities through regular seminars and community steering group meetings.
    Research news
    A group of students and staff in a seminar room

Award Winners: Durham University's Global Curriculum Award

Massive congratulations to Professor Jonathan Saha, Dr Radha Kapuria, and Dr Chris Bahl for winning the Durham University's Global Curriculum Award 2024.

Durham news
Photo of Prof Jonathan Saha, Dr Radha Kapuria, and Dr Chris Bahl

How 16th century survivors of wartime sexual violence found justice

Dr Tom Hamilton from our Department of History has discovered criminal records revealing a rare, 400-year-old legal case which successfully prosecuted a soldier for sexual crimes during Europe’s notoriously violent Wars of Religion.
Global research
Sixteenth century image of Murder of the Protestants at Sens, 1562

Launching Environmental Histories and Futures of the North East

The Environmental Histories and Futures of the North East (EHFNE) project brings together North East academic researchers in the social sciences and humanities and community organisations to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. The project aims to foster future research partnerships that centre local interests and community priorities through regular seminars and community steering group meetings.
Research news
A group of students and staff in a seminar room
More news

 

Find out more

Diversity and inclusion

Find out more about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Job opportunities

See current job opportunities.

Students sat round a table engaging in a seminar

Our research

Find out more about our research. 

A close up shot of an open historic text

Alumni

Find out more about our alumni community.

Our location

The History Department at Durham has established itself firmly as one of the top departments in the UK.

Staff and students are part of a vibrant learning community, set within the magnificent location of Durham’s World Heritage Site.
Find out where we are
Wall mural behind a staircase in the Department of History

Student blogs

Hear from our history students at Durham University.

Highlights

My Supported Progression journey

History student, Liv tells us about the Supported Progression Programme and the opportunities it has created for her at Durham.
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24 hours in the life of a 2nd year History student

Find out what it's like being a History student at Durham.
Students walking up a staircase inside the Department of History

Get in touch

Find out more about our department, courses and support. Contact us by phone or email below.

Department of History

Durham University
43 North Bailey
Durham
DH1 3EX

+44 (0) 191 334 1048

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

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