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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 2025
6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
88% student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2021)
5th Guardian University Guide 2025

                

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

                

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Look at our latest video

Learn more about Professor Rebecca Clifford's research exploring the history of child Holocaust survivors.

See related videos

                

Department News

New grant will support Gypsy Roma Traveller awareness efforts

Thanks to a grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Associate Professor Alex Barber will create awareness around an undercelebrated month.

Research news
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New Publication: Philip Williamson and Natalie Mears on The Creation of State Anniversaries

Huge congratulations to Prof. Philip Williamson and Prof. Natalie Mears on the advance publication of their article 'The Creation of State Anniversaries: James VI and I and the Politics of Thanksgiving'.
Research news

Asian Connections Workshop Organized by the Thinking East Asia Research Cluster

In May 2024, the Durham History Department hosted a workshop on ‘Asian Connections: Flows of People, Medicines, Ideas, and Practices’.
Research news
Group picture of 15 participants of the workshop
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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