Welcome to the School of Humanities

Discover the Power of the Humanities at Royal Holloway, University of London

The Humanities are essential in helping us understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. At the School of Humanities at Royal Holloway, University of London, we inspire students to be curious, creative, critical, and empathetic thinkers. Our programs encourage students to express themselves, share knowledge, and explore new ideas in innovative ways.

Why Study Humanities at Royal Holloway?

At Royal Holloway, our School of Humanities offers a rich, diverse, and research-led curriculum designed to prepare students for the future of work, foster a global outlook, and address the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow. We are a community of scholars and learners committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Our Academic Departments

We bring together international leadership in research and exceptional teaching across our four dynamic Departments:

• Classics: Explore the ancient world and its impact on modern society.
• English: Delve into literature, creative writing, and critical theory.
• History: Understand the past to navigate the present and shape the future.
• Languages, Literatures, and Cultures: Gain a global perspective by studying languages and cultural diversity.

A message from our Executive Dean

“We are committed to providing teaching that crosses disciplinary lines, giving students a diverse and enriching experience of the Humanities. From the study of Classical and World Literatures to our courses in Creative Writing and Public History, we want our students to have the chance to follow their interests and develop skills.

We also work closely with external partners to bring students opportunities and experiences that beyond traditional degree boundaries, building up a base of skills to fuel their future careers.

Our view is that the Humanities aren’t traditional, static subjects – they’re active, alive and evolving. With that in mind, we are passionate about championing civic, social, and environmental awareness and engagement through studying our degree courses.”

Professor Giuliana Pieri

Head of School, School of Humanities