The Department of History is recognised for the quality of our research as well as our students’ satisfaction with our teaching - 94% said that our staff are 'good at explaining things' (NSS 2023)!

To be a historian is to be curious and imaginative: ready to question, to challenge and to learn. It is these qualities that define the History department at Royal Holloway. Comprising a dynamic community of scholars, the department has an international reputation for its research and teaching and commitment to public engagement. We are passionate about our work and committed to the wellbeing of our students.

Research-led teaching is at the heart of our practice. We are proud that the expertise within our department covers a diverse range of periods, geographies and research themes; all of which feed into our curriculum.

We are one of the largest History departments in the UK and community is at the heart of our department. Whether you're just starting to consider studying with us or completing your research degree, you will join our community of historians. As a Department, we also work closely with and are part of the School of Humanities, which also houses the Departments of Classics, English and Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Working together allows us to develop and apply a wide range of interdisciplinary approaches in our research and teaching.

We are of course also surrounded by history in Egham. The heart of campus life centres on the Founder’s Building, an architectural masterpiece and Grade I listed building which is also home to our famous Picture Gallery of Victorian paintings. The exquisite views of Runnymede meadow, the Royal Air Forces Memorial and Windsor Castle are a short walk from campus, and of course Magna Carta was sealed on Runnymede in 1215. Royal Holloway truly has the best of both worlds: a safe and leafy campus community and close connections to London by train.

For more information about the department or to arrange a visit, please do get in touch with me, Dr Robert Priest, Head of the History Department. To keep up to date with upcoming events, please follow our Twitter (@RHULHistory) and Instagram (@rhulhistory) pages.