School of Historical Studies

The teaching and research of history of art was established almost half a century ago at Birkbeck. Today, we are an internationally respected centre in this area.

We offer a wide range of exciting courses at all levels, from undergraduate, postgraduate to MPhil/PhD degrees.

If you are interesting in developing an advanced understanding of the classical past, Birkbeck offers a range of programmes at all study levels.

We offer a range of programmes at all study levels to focus and develop your interest in history, from prehistory to present. View our courses.

If you're fascinated by museums and history and would like to combine this interest with your career aspirations, we offer dedicated courses in the subject.

Birkbeck offers a range of programmes in philosophy at all levels, whether you're an undergraduate student, postgraduate or wanting to pursue a research degree.

A centre of original, influential research, ranked sixth in the UK for its world-leading and internationally excellent research.

Our research strengths include archaeological approaches to architecture and landscape, critical approaches to heritage, archaeological archives, graffiti and photography.

Our collective expertise in archaeology, ancient history and classics, medieval, early modern, and modern and contemporary history spans the whole of the human past.

History research at Birkbeck is strongly interdisciplinary. Our collective expertise in ancient history, medieval, early modern, and contemporary history spans the whole of the human past.

Museums, heritage and public history research at Birkbeck engages with a range of areas, including museum closures, legacies of colonialism, migration, contested histories and diversity.

We cultivate a pluralistic approach allowing you to pursue and collaborate across a range of different interests, including venturing beyond traditional topics of philosophical analysis.

We are intensely proud of our role in a university dedicated to providing world-class evening teaching to people from all walks of life. Find out more.

View the list of academic and support staff.

Whether you have a question about a course, how to apply or funding, get in touch and we can offer advice.

Current students use Moodle, our virtual learning environment, to access module study resources and programme handbooks.

Find out how to pursue research in the school.

Securing funding for your studies will be a key concern and we are committed to providing the advice and support you need.

Book your place at our next open day to meet academics and take a campus tour.

She has received the 2025 prize for her leading research on conflict heritage and commitment to sustainable, decolonial archaeology.

6 September 2025
11:00 — 16:00

Online
Book your place

Hear from Birkbeck History of Art graduate Florencia Nannetti de Bella.