Undergraduate degrees in history
Our courses are about opening your eyes to the world and all its possibilities. You'll investigate great events, influential people, medicine, literature, legal systems, religious movements and much more. And you'll do that alongside leading historians whose findings are shaping our understanding of history, from the medieval period to the modern day. Many of them have written books you'll use on your course, and their modules will introduce you the very latest historical discoveries.
A welcome message to all prospective students from the Head of Department, Mary Vincent (WMA, 2.6MB).
We get to know you
We want you to be in the thick of debates and discussions. So, unlike with many universities in the UK, your seminar groups stay small – right throughout your degree. When it comes to doing your dissertation, you'll have individual support from one of your tutors. And you'll build a close working relationship with your personal tutor who will help you settle in and reach your full potential.
Our caring approach to learning shows – in the 2011 National Student Survey, 96 per cent of our students said they were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their learning experience.
Make your degree your own
We give you as much choice as possible within and across modules so that you design your degree based on your strengths and interests.
Special subjects give you the chance to explore in depth an area of history that you're passionate about. These modules are taught by leading experts and involve researching a rich variety of primary sources – anything from fiction, film and news coverage to paintings, architecture and sermons. You could even find yourself working with one of our leading historians on a completely new branch of research.
An exciting future
Our history degrees build an impressive range of skills and qualities that employers love to see. You're going to become skilled at analysing information and stating your arguments clearly. You'll be resourceful and creative, able to challenge assumptions and think about the bigger picture. And throughout your degree you'll find yourself leading on projects and making discoveries as part of a team. It's why our graduates are successful in a wide range of careers – from the museum and tourist industry to law, marketing and teaching.
More about career possibilities with your history degree.
A creative place to study?
You've got that right here. Our students are passionate about what they do and it shows. Undergraduates, postgraduates and academics are collaborating on projects outside the lecture room to bring history to life for other students and the wider public. These are some of the student-led projects happening right now in our department:
WikiAmerica – the history of America all in one place.
New Histories – an online history magazine written and researched by students.
Witness project – Sheffield's history through the lives of the people who experienced it.
More about studying at Sheffield
- History broadens your understanding of the wider world. You can take that a step further by studying at a leading university in North America, East Asia, Canada or Australia through our Study Abroad scheme. If you combine your degree with a language, a year abroad is built into your degree.
- Learn new skills and make your CV stand out with opportunities like the Sheffield Graduate Award, enterprising activities, work placements and volunteering.
- You'll be based in Jessop West (pictured) – a brand new building that's right in the heart of campus.
- We've been named University of the Year by the 2011 Times Higher Education Awards. And the 2011 Times Higher survey says Sheffield is the university most people would recommend to a friend. Find out why you'll love Sheffield. Or come and see for yourself on one of our University Open Days.