Why study History at Manchester?
At a glance
- Study at a University ranked in the UK top-10 for History (QS World University Rankings 2026).
- Be part of a global powerhouse of research excellence and research innovation: our students study with some of the world’s most renowned experts.
- Explore internationally significant institutions across the campus and in Manchester, such as the Manchester Museum and John Rylands Library.
- Get help with your academic writing from a professional writer.
You are curious about the past and why it matters today? Explore the history of the world at a place as unique as Manchester to shape the world’s future tomorrow.
Study the most cutting-edge of History at Manchester and gain global perspectives, hands on experience, and the freedom to shape a degree that reflects your passions—right in the heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
Frequently asked study questions
Variety, depth, and choice are key to our course offer!
With around 70 members of academic staff, Manchester is known for its huge range of module options.
Whatever kind of history inspires you, here you can build a degree that reflects your interests!
We offer an unmatched range of courses on African, American, Asian, British, European, and global history.
Our courses range from the classical era (Greece and Rome), through the medieval, early modern, and modern periods, to the late 20th century.
We offer the most cutting-edge approaches to history such as
- colonial history
- cultural history
- economic history
- environmental history
- gender history
- intellectual history
- material culture history
- political history
- social history
At The University of Manchester, you will be taught by world-leading historians who are passionate about delivering research-led teaching using innovative, forward-thinking methods.
You’ll experience an exciting learning environment with passionate, world-famous experts who embrace dynamic and forward-thinking strategies to enhance learning.
Study History at Manchester and you will benefit from a wide range of unique opportunities:
- Manchester will be your classroom: get hands-on experience in classes taught at the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre, Chetham’s Library, the John Rylands Library, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, the People’s History Museum, the Whitworth, and the Working Class Movement Library.
- Our material culture history classes include remaking experiments, laboratory and exhibition visits, and museum handling sessions.
- Enhance your learning via work placements, study abroad, and language learning opportunities.
- We offer a unique blend of traditional assessments like essays or exams and novel, creative types of assessments like policy briefs, remaking experiments, exhibitions proposals, quizzes, or public history presentations.
- From large-cohort lectures in big halls, medium- to small-sized seminars spanning from one to three hours, to one-to-one supervisions and individual contact hours, as well as supervised, independent learning—we do it all!
- Our staff brings lived global experience in the classroom.
- Learn in a supportive environment that nurtures the strengths of every single student, helping each of you to excel! For example, benefit from our Royal Literary Fellow’s unique writing and presentation support.
We offer you a space to grow, to experiment, to experience, to be original, to become the best version of yourself
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers, according to the High Fliers Graduate Market 2026 report. 86% of our History graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after graduation.
A Manchester History degree prepares you for stellar careers in professions such as:
- teaching and academia
- heritage and museums
- the Civil Service
- policy and thinktanks
- creative industries
- media and journalism
- marketing and public relations
- law and accountancy
- finance
- NGOs
Study History at Manchester and you’ll gain the skills required for postgraduate study and research, and skills valued across different careers. You will learn how to:
- assess information, their quality, contexts and efficacy, and which information to trust
- make critical thinking an everyday habit
- develop strong analytical skills
- conduct independent research
- develop persuasive writing and communication abilities
- hone your time management skills
- present an argument and engage in a debate in meaningful ways
- make a persuasive case for your project ideas
- foster empathy for other cultures and appreciate cultural differences
- liaise with museums or policy-making bodies
- investigate museum artefacts and material culture
- cultivate an open-minded curiosity for difference and novelty
- understand how the modern world was shaped
- explore global cultures, politics, and ideas
- understand historical change and how it is working
For students who want choice, real-world experience, and a global perspective
Real choice, real voice
Cutting-edge History in themes, coverage, innovativeness, and approaches to the past
Research strengths that speak to today’s world
Meaningful civic engagement
A community that cares and a friendly department
Exceptional civic partnerships and student opportunities
Transformative student experiences
Hands‑on archival learning
Artefact handling sessions, heritage laboratory sessions, and remaking classes
Star academics
Strong commitment to internationalisation
Study at a unique place: Manchester itself is rich of history, cultures, languages, and opportunities
We understand that writing essays for a History degree can feel challenging, so we are among the very few institutions in the UK that offer students free support from a professional writer.
This year, you can get help from multi-award-winning novelist and short story writer M. J. Hyland as a Royal Literary Fund Fellow.
Whether you’re having an essay crisis, need help planning your dissertation, or you’d simply like someone to cast an objective eye over a section of your latest work, book an appointment by emailing M.J. at mj.hyland@rlfeducation.org.uk.
Confidential and independent one-on-one sessions with your Royal Literary Fund Fellow are available to all UK-based Department of History students and staff.
You can get help with:
- Planning essays and dissertations
- Improving your writing style
- Editing and structuring your work
- Understanding referencing and academic skills
What to expect:
- One-to-one sessions (50 minutes)
- Personalised advice
- Friendly and confidential support
When?
Mondays & Wednesdays from 10.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m.
Inclusive Histories
If you care about how history shapes societies and cultures today, you’ll feel at home here.
Our historians investigate the causes and consequences of inequalities across the globe and over a broad timespan. We pioneer innovative methodologies and conduct field-shaping research of global reach to recover hidden voices.