History

To really understand the modern world you need to unlock the patterns of the past. Studying History and Heritage helps you to do just that by journeying through the major events and periods that have shaped society. There are so many types of history to delve into, including political, social, cultural, gender, environmental and digital.

History courses at Stirling let you explore your passion for history while gaining the theoretical and transferable skills needed to help you in your chosen career. You’re taught by history and heritage experts who are leaders in their field. Areas of study include Scottish, British, European, American and African history alongside cultural, environmental and digital heritage.

History courses

Courses labelled are available for online study only.

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Graduate careers in History

Graduating with a History degree from the University of Stirling opens up many career opportunities in a range of sectors, from museums and heritage trusts to arts management and the civil service. Jobs directly related to a History degree include:

  • Heritage manager
  • Historic buildings inspector or conservation officer
  • Librarian
  • Museum education officer
  • Museum or gallery curator
  • Museum or gallery exhibitions officer
  • Secondary school teacher

The transferable skills gained throughout our History courses can also support your career development in areas such as archaeology, tourism, creative industries, journalism and marketing.

Partnerships and industry

The University has a number of national and international partnerships relating to heritage education and research. Our partnership with Historic Environment Scotland is central to our work and students benefit from The Engine Shed, their flagship national conservation centre located in Stirling. Other significant partnerships include the Palace Museum of the Forbidden City.

Societies

Stirling University History Society – a student run society open to anyone with an interest in history.

Re-Enactment Society – a Medieval Battle re-enactment group and living history student society.

History research

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), 98% of our History research was classed as either world-leading or internationally excellent. Our History research has an interdisciplinary focus with the hallmark being its broad geographical focus, including a special emphasis on processes of trans-national and global interactions and comparative historical work. Find out more about our History research.

Postgraduate research opportunities

Study for a PhD or MPhil in History at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds. See our PhD and MPhil opportunities in:

Centre for Environment, Heritage and Policy

An interdisciplinary research centre linking Politics, History, Heritage, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Sociology and Law.

Eighteenth Century Studies

An interdisciplinary research community of Eighteenth Century scholars with diverse interests across the Long Eighteenth Century.

Postcolonial Studies

A research group which aims to refine and rethink the critical vocabularies and disciplinary interests that aid in understanding colonial, postcolonial and decolonial systems and theories

Scottish Studies at Stirling

A centre which promotes research, publication and education in Scottish Studies, across literature, critical theory, history, media and politics.