Why study with us

10 reasons to study with us

Choose from a wide range of modules - course flexibility

Build a course unique to your interests, whether you wish to focus your studies on one subject or combine your love of History or Philosophy with another subject across Arts and Humanities, social sciences or science. 

Tuition from leading researching in your field of interest across history, philosophy, religion, ethics

Our staff are experts in their fields. Their knowledge covers a wide range of topics and time periods and feeds into our undergraduate curriculum. Explore global history from 1000 BCE right up to the twenty-first century with our world renowned historians or explore some of society's most pressing questions with philosophers at the forefront of debates in ethics, political theory and environmental philosophy. 

Learn in a supportive environment

We care about you and provide a supportive environment where you can speak to staff and ask advice when you need it. Every student is assigned a personal tutor during their time with us. They are your first point of contact for learning support. You can also have one-to-one meetings with any staff member during their weekly office consultation hours. In addition to one-to-one support, our staff meet regularly with student representatives to listen to student concerns, and get student perspectives on departmental policies.

Study abroad or take a work placement

You have the opportunity to study abroad during your degree, choosing to take a year or a semester in another country rather than in Sheffield. We have study abroad programmes available in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States, as well as several universities in continental Europe. 

Our students also have access to a range of placement opportunities. Apply the knowledge you’ve already gained during your degree to real-world situations, and stand out from the crowd.

Excellent career prospects

Our graduates go on to a wide variety of international careers across diverse sectors including business, the arts and creative sectors, The heritage industry,  education, charity and diplomacy. Our degrees will help you build your critical reasoning, communication, analytical and research skills which are all sought after by many employers.

Find out more about career and employability

Fantastic extracurricular activities

Use your philosophical or historical knowledge to engage with real world problems and make a difference in the community through extra curricular opportunities. Our ‘In the City’ programmes allow you to teach classes in local schools or community groups. We also have optional modules which provide opportunities to experience public engagement and teaching. 

History extracurricular opportunities

Philosophy extracurricular opportunities

An excellent student experience, as voted by our students

Our students have rated our history and philosophy programs highly in the 2024 National Student Survey.

Philosophy was voted 1st in the Russell Group for Student Voice and History 2nd in the Russell Group for the quality of the teaching on their course.

Develop the way you think and behave through the study of Philosophy

Philosophy looks at fundamental questions, across a huge range of areas, from ethics to logic, and from aesthetics to philosophy of science. It also has a fascinating history. It approaches these questions rigorously and imaginatively and involves dialogue with others who have different points of view. In seeking answers, it can change the way you think and behave, and challenge you to view the world in a radically new way. It is a subject that will appeal to anyone who enjoys debate and discussion, and engaging with issues that are important to us all.

History at Sheffield offers you the necessary global context to understand the most complex problems

Follow the endlessly fascinating threads of human history from 1000 BCE right up to the twenty-first century, as you learn to master the skills for historical research and a successful future.

Immerse yourself in your subject in the city

Sheffield is a great city to study history and philosophy. The city is steeped in history, dating back to the medieval period and played a vital role in the industrial revolution, becoming famous for its steel manufacturing industry. There are many opportunities to engage with history in Sheffield through the city’s many museums and galleries.  

Our students also have many opportunities to engage with Philosophy in the city through a number of events we organise with our city partners such as our film series at the local Showroom Cinema.