Overview

Studying history helps us understand ourselves and one another, offering a window into other ways of thinking and living, along with fresh perspectives on the present. The BA (Hons) History at Durham University is designed to give students a genuine sense of the diversity of human experience, both geographically and chronologically, engaging with a broad range of places and time periods right from the outset. Students can explore diverse themes, concepts, methods and approaches, from environmental and scientific history to visual cultures and the history of gender and sexuality. With academics whose expertise spans regions including Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Russia, Europe, the United States and Britain, and periods from late antiquity to the present, students are genuinely supported in developing their own specialist historical interests. Teaching moves from broad induction in the first year to more focused specialist study, culminating in intensive Special Subject modules and an independent final-year dissertation on a topic of personal fascination. Students can attend an extensive programme of research seminars and public lectures from high-profile guest speakers throughout their degree. The course suits students who want genuine breadth alongside the chance to build deep expertise, developing strong problem-solving and presentation skills valued across many careers.

​

What You'll Learn

• Key historical skills developed through small-group seminar strands focused on topics of personal interest

• Critical methodological skills for engaging with evidence in libraries, archives and museums

• How history can help navigate contemporary global challenges, connecting past and present

• Historiography, or the history of history-writing, alongside how to define and pursue your own historical questions

• In-depth study of specific historical fields, drawing on the department's specialist research expertise

• Intensive engagement with primary and secondary sources through Special Subject modules

• Independent research skills, developed progressively across all three years

• A final-year dissertation on a self-chosen topic, prepared in consultation with a supervisor

​

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically interpret historical evidence and debates spanning multiple continents, centuries and methodological approaches, drawing on the breadth of expertise across the department. They will be equipped to define their own historical questions and pursue them with confidence, having developed strong critical methodological skills for engaging with primary and secondary sources. Through Special Subject modules and an independent dissertation, students will construct well-evidenced, original arguments and communicate them clearly in both written and spoken form. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, research and presentation skills, well suited to further study or a wide range of careers valuing rigorous historical thinking and real-world problem solving.