An exceptional education

The African History Project delivers an exceptional education that encourages rigorous scholarship through the honing of important critical thinking and historical skills.

We are a mission-led and student-centred institution committed to nurturing the next generation of custodians and proliferators of African history scholarship. Our courses are therefore open to all those interested in learning more about Africa and its political and intellectual history. 

“There really is no other institution doing what the African History Project is currently doing. In our approach to teaching and in the content that we teach, the AHP is pushing the intellectual and pedagogical boundaries of African history teaching.”
Apeike Umolu, Director of the African History Project

In this article, we discuss:

1. Our Courses and Research
2. A Pan-African Frame of Mind
3. Ways to Study
4. An International Community
5. Who are our Programmes for?
6. A Stellar Lecturing Team
7. A Welcoming and Supportive Environment
8. Speak to us

Our Courses and Research

The lecturers at the African History Project specialise in the modern and contemporary political and intellectual history of the Pan-African world. Through public lectures and our flagship Foundation Certificate in African History, our students are immersed in the political societies of Africa and its diaspora in the last five hundred years, exploring the development of various aspects of the modern African state. 

Students on the Foundation Certificate are able to study four of the different  courses run each year covering topics as diverse as the history of African intellectualism and the rise of the Asante Empire. The Foundation Certificate has clear and focused objectives designed to hone students’ skills as modern and enterprising historians. The deep readings and critical discussions in lectures and tutorials will help students develop robust skills of analysis and presentation.

Find out more: How is the Foundation Certificate taught?

In addition to this, the African History Project is a research institution, specialising in research into practical grassroots manifestations of Pan-Africanism in the contemporary diaspora. We engage with civil and public organisations to understand how African identity outside the continent is being shaped by modern challenges and opportunities. 

A Pan-African Frame of Mind

When we talk about Africa at the AHP we are always referring to global Africa, the concept developed by the great historian Ali Mazrui in the 1980s and which has since been embraced by Pan-Africanists such as Sir Hilary Beckles.

Not only do we teach Pan-Africanism as a political movement and philosophical concept but all of our research and teaching is conducted and delivered within a Pan-African pedagogical framework. This means that we explore political narratives and intellectual movements across the Pan-African experience, highlighting the connections and integrations of different communities within that experience. 

Pan-African historiography is a growing field, particularly in intellectual history where it is replacing conceptualisations such as “the Black Atlantic” and “the postcolonial” in critical discourse. The AHP is at the forefront of directing this intellectual development not only in the design and delivery of our programming, but in the critical discourse published in our journal, The Africxn Review.

Ways to Study

Our public lectures are free to attend, cover all areas of African political and intellectual history and run year round. Our popular Foundation Certificate kicks off each September and takes 1-year to complete. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly so we recommend early registration.

We have high expectations of our students, and we aim to provide the support and academic rigour they need to fully immerse themselves in their studies. This includes a commitment to innovative digital course design and delivery, and support to develop critical thinking and advanced writing skills.

An International Community

We welcome knowledge seekers from all backgrounds and from all over the world to our public lectures and onto our Foundation Certificate. We aim to break down barriers to the study of African history at a high academic level, allowing students to dive into historical narratives from anywhere in the world. We are proud to say that our past students and attendees have joined us from almost every continent making this a truly international community of learners. Our global student body brings its light and energy to the institution, making us better and stronger. In addition, our Researchers and Fellows join us from all over the world bringing with them their unique intellectual outlooks and enriching the work of the Project.

New to online study? Read this: The Benefits of Studying Online

Who are our programmes for?

The high quality of our programming is such that it is perfect for the growing world-wide community of life-long learners and history enthusiasts looking to engage with new knowledge in new ways. Our programmes are also great for those interested in working in Africa or with African historical narratives, for example, educators, journalists, and policy makers. Many of our Foundation Certificate students have plans to go on to further study at undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels and find the course a brilliant way to bolster their knowledge of African studies or to hone their historical analysis skills. Successful Foundation Certificate graduates are eligible for an academic reference to support applications for further study. 

A Stellar Lecturing Team

At the AHP we are committed to ensuring that the most talented and motivated lecturers deliver our programming. Our resident Fellows together with our Director take the lead in the conception and delivery of lectures. Our close relationships with Africanists across the world means we are able to welcome both leading and emerging thinkers into the institution to lead us in conversation and exploration of the newest ideas emerging from the academy and civil society. 

A Welcoming and Supportive Environment

We pride ourselves on being a truly open institution, democratising access to education, and elevating the position of African historical narratives in the academy. Our lecturers are positive and encouraging, supporting students to fulfil their academic and intellectual goals. Whether during a public lecture or a tutorial as part of the Foundation Certificate, as a student at the African History Project you will become part of a nurturing community of knowledge seekers. 

Speak to us

If you are interested in studying for the Foundation Certificate, please send our admissions team an email to info@africanhistoryproject.org or use the form below. We are happy to answer your questions about the course and let you know about upcoming open events.