Uncovering our past, shaping our future

The world is transforming at a rapid pace, and the demand for skills gained from studying history only grows. With a history degree from Essex, you can bring an understanding of the past to shape the present and the future.

When you choose to study history at Essex, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse array of subjects. Whether you are interested in the fascinating histories of multicultural societies in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, the growth of democracy, transatlantic slavery, or the legacies of colonialism, (among many others subjects), our degrees allow you to develop skills and expertise that you can apply to the world today. This will not only help you with your career, providing you with opportunities in a huge variety of different occupations and businesses, but also give you a platform to advocate for change in society.

From the moment you join us, you will become a researcher, and part of a close-knit and supportive community that refuses intellectual straitjackets. Our rigorous curriculum is taught by expert academics and continuously shaped by the leading research our staff are actively involved in.

Are you ready? Then learn more about our undergraduate, masters and research degrees, or browse our courses. If you're looking for career inspiration, check out our handy careers guide and read our inspiring alumni stories.

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Explore our courses

Why
choose us?

85% of our history graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2021)
Learn from leading historians with expertise stretching around the globe
Flexible degrees with a range of modules covering 1450 to the present
Courses incorporating vital career and research skills from the outset
Essex graduation ceremony
Researchers looking in hospital's past
History student looking at black and white photos of people
Student analyzing ancient text on a laptop
Student in Square 4 circa 1972
Our research

The Department of History has a huge variety of research interests, ranging from social and cultural history to politics and international relations. 

Find out more
Dr Andrew Priest, Department of History
"History is about understanding how the past informs the present; history at Essex is about doing so with the tools, skills and expert guidance that will take you into your future."
Dr Andrew Priest Head of Department
Latest news
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26 Jan 2023
Holi festival
Contact us
Department of History University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park