History and Sociology (including Year Abroad)

The BA in History and Sociology at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore the interconnected worlds of past societies and contemporary social structures. This interdisciplinary programme combines rigorous historical analysis with critical sociological perspectives, enabling students to understand how historical events and processes have shaped modern societies and how social dynamics influence our understanding of history. The programme is designed for students who are passionate about understanding human societies from multiple angles and are eager to develop their analytical, research, and communication skills.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a broad range of topics including political change, cultural developments, social inequalities, identities, and global processes. The history component covers periods from ancient civilizations to modern times, emphasizing European history but also incorporating global perspectives. Meanwhile, sociology modules examine contemporary social issues such as race, gender, class, migration, and social justice, providing students with insights into current societal challenges.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Year Abroad, which offers students the chance to study at a partner university in Europe or beyond, immersing themselves in different cultures and enhancing their language skills. This international experience broadens students’ horizons, fosters independence, and provides valuable intercultural competencies that are highly appreciated in today’s globalized job market.

The programme also emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and independent learning through a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent projects. Students are encouraged to engage with primary sources, participate in debates, and undertake original research. The University of Essex’s dedicated research centers and libraries support students in their academic pursuits.

Graduates from the BA in History and Sociology are well-equipped for careers in education, research, public policy, international organizations, journalism, and community work, among others. The combination of historical understanding and sociological analysis provides a versatile foundation for various professional paths. Whether pursuing postgraduate studies or entering the workforce directly, students gain a comprehensive understanding of society's past and present, empowering them to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to their communities and professions.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

• The Making of the Modern World, 1776-1989 or Society, Culture and Politics in Europe, 1500-1750
• Sociology and the Modern World: Sociological Analysis I
• And choose 30 credits from a range of History, Sociology or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• Continuity and Controversy in Sociology: Sociological Analysis I
• And choose from a range of History and Sociology options.

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

• History Independent Research Project
• Current Disputes in Sociology: Sociological Analysis II
• Choose from a range of History and Sociology options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive study of human societies, past and present, through the lens of historical and sociological perspectives. This interdisciplinary programme provides a unique opportunity to explore the social, political, cultural, and economic aspects of societies, fostering a deep understanding of how societies develop and change over time. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of historical processes alongside contemporary social issues. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including social theory, civic engagement, cultural histories, and global societal transformations. The programme emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent investigations and critical analysis.

The Year Abroad option allows students to spend a full academic year studying at a partner university abroad, enhancing their intercultural understanding and language skills, while gaining international experience that is highly valued in the job market. This opportunity not only broadens academic horizons but also promotes personal development and global awareness. The programme often includes modules taught by leading academics and practitioners, ensuring students receive a high-quality education grounded in current research and developments in the fields of history and sociology. With a range of optional modules, students can tailor their degree to match their interests, whether focusing more on historical periods, sociological themes, or integrating both disciplines for a comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics.

The university provides excellent support for students, including dedicated academic advisors, career services, and access to extensive resources such as libraries and research facilities. Graduates of this programme typically pursue careers in academia, journalism, public policy, social research, international organizations, or continue their studies through postgraduate programmes. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, and analyze complex societal issues, equipping them with valuable skills for a wide array of career paths. The programme’s structure, combining robust academic content with practical skills and real-world applications, aims to produce graduates who are well-informed, culturally aware, and actively engaged in understanding and addressing societal challenges.

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