History

History is an imaginative process; it requires us to appreciate things from points of view that are often very different. Covering topics ranging from the ancient world to the present and encompassing Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, you’ll analyse the processes and ideas that have shaped our world.

Follow the endlessly fascinating threads of human history from 1000 BCE right up to the twenty-first century, as you learn to master the skills for historical research and a successful future.

Through the study of history, we learn to analyse the complexity of human society and culture from many different perspectives. Historians are skilled in a critical appreciation of how cultures and ideas are constructed and negotiated; an understanding of power, especially who has power, how they got it, and how they use it; and what this means for people's sense of identity.

Knowing about the events of the past also provides an essential basis for understanding the modern world, which is highly relevant about the challenges that face us today and in the future.

With experts in every area of the globe and whose interests cover more than two millennia, history at Sheffield thus offers you the necessary global context to understand the most complex problems.

Studying history is also a personal journey, as you learn independent judgement, how to critique accepted opinions, and hone the skill of making your own effective arguments.

Equipping you with analytical and practical skills, you’ll be able to conduct your own research project and determine the direction of your degree based on the wide variety of modules that make up our vibrant, research-led curriculum.

Why study this course?

History Special Subject: Sheffield’s research-led special subject, which you take in your third year, enables you to become an expert in your chosen area over a full year of teaching. You'll explore a specialised area of history with a subject expert, work with original sources and engage with cutting edge historical analysis.

Quality teaching time in smaller seminars: We are committed to small group teaching, in which you will benefit from exchanging ideas, discussing problems and completing tasks with other students, guided by your tutor.

Choose a year abroad or work placement: We have strong links with local and national organisations and institutions in Europe and the wider world, and you can easily add a year to your degree to explore history while studying in another country, or gain valuable work experience through a year-long placement.

Build transferable skills: Over the course of the degree you'll become highly skilled in research, managing information, critical thinking, analysis, and presenting convincing arguments in a variety of formats. In a context of contested and misleading information, we ensure that our graduate historians are equipped with skills to evaluate competing claims critically.