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Subject: History

Why choose History at the University of Edinburgh?

In the most recent RAE 35% of our research in History was rated 3* internationally excellent, with a further 25% rated 4* world-leading, placing the University third in the UK for History.
The School of History, Classics and Archaeology is the UK’s third largest academic department of its kind.
As well as having its own rich history, Edinburgh is home to some of the best facilities in the UK for studying and researching History, including the National Library of Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland.

Find out more

Contact: College of Humanities & Social Science Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: hssug@ed.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565

Web: www.shca.ed.ac.uk

Introduction

History enables us to understand how the world has developed and become what it is today. Studying events and issues from the past also affects the way we see the present and future.

At Edinburgh you will study a wide range of different periods, from ancient Greece, to medieval Europe, to modern Scotland.

Exploring these different eras will help you to reflect on long-term historical developments and draw cultural comparisons.

Additional costs

Fieldwork may be undertaken depending on your choice of dissertation topic. Some additional costs may be associated with the fieldwork.

Learning and assessment

In Years 1 and 2 you will be taught by lectures and tutorials. Years 3 and 4 involve more seminars and independent study.

You will be assessed by exams, coursework and your participation in tutorials.

Careers

The research and analytical skills history students develop can be used in any research-based career. These skills can also be applied to careers in journalism, museum and heritage work, public relations, the Diplomatic Service or teaching. Previous graduates have also gone on to work in finance, local government or law (after completing further qualifications) or have chosen postgraduate study.

Our facilities

You will study at our recently refurbished teaching and study facilities, located within the University’s Central Area. You will have access to the School’s new Student Research Room and subject collections, as well as the new film-viewing suite and all of the University’s libraries and computing facilities.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad through the ERASMUS scheme and other international exchanges with institutions in North America.

Having recently graduated as a mature student with MA (Hons) in History from Edinburgh, I can honestly say that the standard of teaching is excellent. Indeed, many of the academic staff in the School are widely published in their field. I was always encouraged to take an active part in the tutorials and seminars, and received excellent support from tutors when putting together my third-year long essay and fourth-year dissertation. I would thoroughly recommend the University of Edinburgh to anyone.

Allan Knox: Graduate, History