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The School of Humanities comprises of five diverse disciplines that interpret human culture and behaviour from different perspectives and periods, and help you understand your own experience, identity and values.

The Humanities equip us to understand what it means to be human, to challenge conventional wisdom, to shape our culture and society, and to be resilient in a rapidly changing world.

Department of Classics

In Classics, Classical Studies and Ancient History, we go beyond the traditional realms of the ancient world to include themes and regions not traditionally studied, offering you a wide range of expertise.

Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics

Explore how language lies at the heart of human life and society and join a department with an established reputation in applied linguistics. We’ve been around for more than 60 years and offered the first linguistics degree in the UK.

Department of English Literature

Gain skills in critical analysis, communication, negotiation, adaptability, problem-solving and cultural understanding that will be crucial to your success. Explore literary creativity from the inside through creative writing.

Department of History

Join us on a journey around the globe. Unlock people, places and perspectives otherwise impossible to access in one lifetime.

Department of Languages and Cultures

Gain sought-after proficiency in languages and a deep understanding of the societies and cultures associated with the languages of your choice.

Marks of distinction  

The School of Humanities is home to award-winning academics with an international research profile and prides itself on innovative teaching.

Joining our School and your chosen department will give you first-hand access to a plethora of special collections, local archives and artefacts housed on-site at our own University Collections, Ure Museum, and the Museum of English Rural Life.

Our links extend beyond the University, with partnerships developed with internationally significant institutions such as the National Archives in Kew and The British Museum.

Our teaching staff have won many awards within and beyond the University, and hold significant positions in the Higher Education community, reflecting the range and variety of our professional skills and achievements.

The School's research profile is diverse and truly international. Colleagues contribute actively to numerous research centres and themes across the University. Our work ranges from the societies and languages of the ancient word to manuscript culture of the Middle Ages, and on gender and medical histories, contemporary postcolonial literature of the Indian Ocean and politics of English protest music. We have an excellent record of attracting highly competitive research grants from funding councils, charitable trusts and private foundations.

Research, Museums, Archives and Collections

Our Departments are committed to an intensive programme of research that puts them at the forefront of their fields and is embedded in our teaching.

Our research is supported by collaborative research centres and access to a range of artefacts, archives, and special collections.