历史研究的纯粹乐趣和激动是很少的，这可能是由于档案中文档的偶然发现，新见解的发展，论证的检验或创造性写作技巧而引起的。历史研究也很重要。历史是一门反还原主义的学科，可以促进知识的成熟，对他人观点的理解（如果不同意），以及对当前与过去之间复杂关系的认识。在达勒姆，我们追求：鼓励所有同事进行创新的研究，以解决重大且雄心勃勃的历史问题。培育一个充满活力，多样化和智力激发的研究社区，不仅包括学术人员，还包括博士和博士后研究人员以及访问学者。在学术界之外促进参与和影响活动。提高该部门在研究方面的国际声誉。
Durham attracts some of the strongest postgraduate students in the world, and we will support you to develop yourself and your career. <br>With a research degree, you will develop a topic in an original way and so make your mark on the discipline. The degree is examined by an extended piece of written work and taught through close supervision from two supervisors. <br>MA by Research - A one year full-time (two years part-time) programme, examined through a thesis of up to 50,000 words. If you demonstrate aptitude, this degree can lead to further postgraduate research.