History

Discover the rich tapestry of human history with the Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Essex. This comprehensive programme offers students an immersive experience into the past, exploring a wide range of historical periods, regions, and themes. Designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes, the course equips graduates with the tools necessary for a variety of careers in academia, the public sector, media, and beyond. Throughout the programme, students will engage with both primary and secondary sources, participate in lively debates, and undertake independent research projects. The curriculum covers major historical eras such as medieval, early modern, and modern periods, alongside specialized modules focusing on topics like political history, social movements, cultural transformations, and economic developments. Students also have opportunities to develop skills in historical writing, argumentation, and the use of digital technologies for research. The programme benefits from the expertise of renowned academic staff who are actively involved in cutting-edge research, ensuring that students receive an education rooted in the latest scholarly insights. The University of Essex’s supportive learning environment encourages critical inquiry and intellectual curiosity, helping students develop a nuanced understanding of past human experiences and their relevance to contemporary society. Placement options, study abroad opportunities, and access to extensive archives and libraries further enhance the learning experience. Graduates of this programme leave well-prepared for careers in education, research, journalism, heritage management, policy analysis, and many other fields requiring rigorous analytical and research skills. Whether you are passionate about understanding the complexities of history or seeking to develop a versatile skill set, the History programme at the University of Essex provides an excellent foundation for your academic and professional journey.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are choice and flexibility.
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 each year). Each year you take a number of compulsory core credits which give you the necessary training in the discipline; around this core you are free to choose the modules you want to do. Each year there is a wide range of optional modules to choose from.
You can do as much History as you want, but we also encourage you in your first year to choose at least one module in another subject (an A-level subject you really enjoy, or a completely new subject you would like to try out!)This means that if you successfully complete your first year, then you may be qualified to enter the second year of a different course if you wanted to do so: for example, politics, philosophy or sociology, or a joint honours degree, combining History with another subject (providing places are available). It is also possible for you to continue your interest in a subject other than History in your second year, where you have the option of doing a 30-credit module in a different department.
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

• Society, Culture and Politics in Europe 1500-1750
• History Workshop
• And choose 75 credits from a range of History options or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, Themes and Sources
• Choose from a range of History options and one optional outside option.

Year 3

• Special Subject
• Independent Research Project;
• Plus a range of optional History 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 History undergraduate program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of past societies, cultures, and historical events from a variety of periods and regions. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes, the course combines traditional historical methods with innovative approaches to interpretative analysis. Students will have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including ancient civilizations, medieval history, early modern periods, modern history, and contemporary issues, often with an emphasis on both British and world history perspectives. The program is structured to allow flexibility, enabling students to tailor their coursework to particular interests by choosing from diverse modules such as political history, social history, cultural history, and economic history.

The curriculum integrates lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, encouraging active student participation and debate. Students also develop practical skills relevant to the discipline, including critical reading, essay writing, and the use of primary and secondary sources. The program benefits from the University of Essex’s strong emphasis on research-led teaching, ensuring that students are exposed to current debates and new scholarship in the field of history. Additionally, opportunities for internships, study-abroad programs, and engaging with local archives provide practical experience and cultural enrichment.

The program prepares graduates for a range of careers, including education, journalism, public history, museum work, and further academic study. Students are also encouraged to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management. The supportive academic environment includes dedicated faculty members with expertise across various historical disciplines, as well as access to a variety of resources such as libraries, archival materials, and digital databases. With a vibrant campus community and extensive academic support services, students can pursue their academic and career ambitions fully. Overall, the History undergraduate program at the University of Essex aims to cultivate informed, critical, and engaged historians equipped to understand and contribute to the understanding of the past and its influence on the present and future.