History research

Currently ranked among the UK's top three History programmes for the impact and quality of our research, we have a distinguished record of internationally outstanding and innovative historical research.

Research centres and projects

An old newspaper clipping with illustrations called 'A proper new Ballad, intituled, The wandring Prince of Troy'

Research centres

Black and white map of London with some areas shaded in red and the text 'Locating London's Past'

Major Grants

Discover the breadth of our research

Peter Clements and Lucy Carter from The Nervous State short film stood on steps to a building

Research by theme

Illustration of drafting First Declaration of Independence.

Research by period

Giant Buddha Statue of Leshan, Sichuan, China

Research by region

Tea being poured into a white cup and saucer

How the psychoactive revolution shaped society

Research from the Department of History explores how intoxicants such as coffee and tobacco were trafficked into Western Europe and how they influenced today’s public spaces.

Intoxicating spaces

Research engagement and activities

Our PhD researchers

We have one of the most active centres of postgraduate research in the country, with around 60 research students and a vibrant postgraduate research culture.

Current research students