History research
Groundbreaking expertise spanning the globe.
Our researchers are leading experts in their fields. They are committed to sharing knowledge and expertise with future generations of historians as well as people and organisations beyond academia.
We have a thriving and internationally renowned research culture and an impressive track record of securing grants for new projects.
The Research Excellence Framework 2021
Our Department’s research was ranked 3rd for impact and 11th overall in the UK in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. 87.5% of our research impact is rated at 4* - REF's highest rating.
Research strengths
We support all kinds of approaches to studying the past, ranging from economic and social history to political, religious and cultural history.
The body of globally-recognised research we produce pays testimony to our vibrant research environment and culture of continuing intellectual exchange.
York possesses unique resources for the study of history. The Borthwick Institute for Archives houses one of the most extensive collections in the UK outside London and Edinburgh. The Minster Library is the largest cathedral library in the UK and holds material spanning 1,000 years of history.
We value the input of independent researchers, and we welcome Visiting Fellow applications from those who hold research or academic positions at institutions outside the UK.
York research journeys - Professor Helen Cowie
While most historians tend to focus their attention on the lives of humans in the past, Helen has chosen to uncover the often forgotten lives of animals.
How were they treated? How did they behave? How did they shape the world around them?
Impact and engagement
We work with heritage organisations, non-government organisations and policymakers so that our research achieves impact.
We actively engage with the public through lectures and media appearances as well as through publications.
Highlights
Period-based centres
Much of our research is produced through York’s internationally renowned research centres which bring together expertise spanning the centuries from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Topic-based centres
Complementing the chronological and geographical range of our research, we’re actively involved with several topic-based research centres, including:
Humanities Research Centre
We work closely with the Humanities Research Centre, an interdisciplinary hub for research in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at York.
