The GHCC provides a focus for the interdisciplinary study of global history and culture at an international level. It encourages the development of research projects in the field of Global History and Culture that will benefit both the University and the wider academic community. Its activities include symposia, conferences, day schools and seminar series; honorary visiting fellowships, postgraduate exchanges and postdoctoral fellowships.

The GHCC aims to place the study of global history and culture in a wider international academic community by fostering research-interchange programmes and networks with research groups and centres in other parts of the globe; and by encouraging graduate research in Global History and in wider world approaches to History and Culture in the University.