History

From ancient civilisations and great empires, to terrible battles and the roots of our modern society, history is a vast landscape to explore and understand.

The past is part of our everyday lives, shaping our world profoundly. Study history and you won’t just learn about what happened in the past. You’ll develop a better understanding of the how and why of the events that make us who we are today. The successful historian is an original and independent thinker, a talented researcher, a fluent communicator, with a gift for analysing complex and problematic 'real world' evidence. Empathetic and persuasive, today, they are as at home in a digital environment as in an archive. Those who study history at university create the opportunity to shape their own futures in whatever path in life they choose to follow.

In every period we study, our courses seek to develop different approaches and methods to understanding the past, embracing political, social, and cultural history. We foster the practice of history as an inclusive discipline, and recognise that powerful ideologies of race, gender and social status have shaped our past and our present. In other words – you won’t just discover the story, you’ll investigate and interpret its sources, impacts and meanings.

This degree programme offers a roadmap for exploring the social and political landscape of human history. You’ll look at a huge variety of times and places – immersing yourself in wars, famine and poverty, charting technological leaps and social progress, and unearthing conspiracies, catastrophes and revolutions. And that’s just in your first year. In years two and three, through your option unit choices you'll have the opportunity to specialise and develop your interests further, and graduate if you choose to with a bracketed degree title that reflects this: Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern, or American.

Your lecturers are active researchers, constantly searching for new discoveries, fresh perspectives and unknown aspects of our history, bringing the past to life in the classroom. With this degree we give you the skills to understand the world and how this affects societal developments.

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad, including in the US, if you wish, alongside the option to spend your third year on placement in Britain or abroad.*

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

• We are one of the largest centres for historical study in the UK.

• Each year offers increasing levels of flexibility with a broad range of option units, so you can choose to specialise in areas that interest you.

• The Independent History Project allows you to pursue your own interests in your final year.

• Take advantage of the opportunity to undertake collaborative projects with museums, art galleries or other external partners, equipping you with practical 'real world' experience and helping you to gain a competitive edge in the graduate jobs market.

• Our assessments develop the essential skills you’ll need as a historian - as a problem solver, critical thinker, researcher and writer. They also embrace practical exercises which may include placements, documentary filmmaking, group projects, and the practice of public history.

• Our lecturers are leading researchers whose published work covers a wide range of times and places. This research underpins all of our teaching.

• The department is home to the Manchester Centre for Public History and Heritage, which has strong professional links and partnerships with heritage and cultural institutions.

• You will have the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement or study overseas.