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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! Durham historians explore a vast range of past human experience across the world, from Late Antiquity to the twenty-first century. Our staff, postgraduates, and undergraduate students form a diverse intellectual community engaged in tackling major issues in global history that shape the world today.

Rooted in the North East of England, beside Durham's cathedral and coalfields, the Department also has particular strengths in both teaching and research concerning the histories of Africa, Britain, Continental Europe, East and South Asia, and North America. 

Find out more about us
4th The Complete University Guide 2026
6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
95% of students find the course intellectually stimulating (National Student Survey 2024)
4th Guardian University Guide 2026

Ranked among the world's best

In 2026, Durham University has achieved its strongest ever performance in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject, with a record 22 subjects ranked among the world's top 100, up from 21 last year. History is ranked 44th out of 249 departments worldwide.
Read more about our undergraduate degree programmes

                

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.
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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

                

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Look at our latest video

Professor Markian Prokopovych from our Department of History discusses his research and career. The war in Ukraine has transformed Markian's research, prompting him to explore how the past can help shape Ukraine's future.

See related videos

                

Department News

G/R/T History month

Alex Barber co-organises Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month event with academic and creative collaborators

Research news
Drawing of a cartwheel in landscape

New PhD success guide showcases Durham supervision expertise

A new book bringing together practical, wellbeing-focused advice for doctoral researchers includes contributions from three Durham University supervisors.
Research news
The Prosperous PhD: Secrets to Success from Top Supervisors book cover

Taking our Transformative Humanities approach around the world

Following a visit to Australia and New Zealand, Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, has laid the groundwork for new research collaborations under Durham University’s Transformative Humanities work.
Global research
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More news

 

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Diversity and inclusion

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

Job opportunities

See current job opportunities.

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Our research

Find out more about our research. 

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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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