Department of History

Incredible breadth of study driven by world-class research.

Research and innovation

Groundbreaking expertise spanning the globe.

Our research informs public debate and policy. We’re committed to developing in future generations the critical abilities that are integral to the historian’s craft and essential for understanding our past, present and future.

Explore our research

At York, you'll encounter innovative yet supportive small-group teaching, led by experts whose work receives international awards and stimulates public debate. Our extensive collaborations with partners in our beautiful historic city enable us to offer students and researchers exciting opportunities to apply historical thinking in wider contexts.

Professor Oleg Benesch, Head of Department

Excellent employability prospects

Our alumni include diplomats, MPs, barristers, solicitors, doctors, teachers, museum directors, police detectives, archivists, librarians and journalists.

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3rd in the UK

for impact and 11th for the quality of our research in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

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Historical York

The city has roots in Roman, Saxon, Viking and medieval history and is full of museums and sites of significance, including the iconic York Minster and the Shambles.

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Equality, diversity and inclusion

We're proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of our continuing commitment to equality.

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News

History at York placed =12th in the UK and in the top 100 in the world

History at York placed =12th in the UK and in the top 100 in the world according to the latest release of the QS World University Rankings by subject (2025).

Posted on 14 March 2025

Colombian connections

A new book shows that 19th century Colombians were far from a downtrodden group reliant on Europe to send them its cast-offs, and were in fact a dynamic, and demanding, consumers of global goods.

Posted on 11 February 2025

Arts and Humanities at York ranks 54th in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject, 2025

We have been ranked 54th in the world and 11th in the UK for the study of Arts and Humanities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by subject. The ranking recognises the quality of our courses, and the experiences and opportunities they provide to our students.

Posted on 24 January 2025