History

Are you curious about previous cultures? Do you wonder how the past has shaped the people we are today? Come to Reading, study History and discover the richness and variety of the human experience.

History at Reading explores the past and what it means to be human. Our world-leading experts will take you on a journey through Britain, Europe, Russia, Africa, America, the Middle East and South Asia over the last thousand years. You can immerse yourself in modules covering subjects such as crusading, witchcraft and heresy, fascism and communism, gender and culture, and politics and colonialism. You'll learn about a diverse range of societies, cultures and individuals while developing the skills and approaches necessary to study and research history, enabling you to go on to a wide range of careers.

The University of Reading is ranked in the top 200 in the world for History (QS World Rankings 2023, by Subject).

You will be supported by friendly, approachable staff and taught in small interactive seminar groups, encouraging discussion and debate with tutors and fellow students. Our academics are experts at the forefront of their disciplines, whose research feeds into your studies, giving you exposure to the latest developments in the field. In 2022, we achieved a 94% satisfaction score for BA History (National Student Survey 2022).

Our degrees are highly flexible, enabling you to shape your studies to fit your own interests. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to study abroad and experience life in another culture. Employability modules and work placements will complement your core learning and prepare you for your future career. Our history graduates are valued by employers for their research, analytical, teamwork and communication skills.