Citizenship History or Religious Education

The Citizenship, History and Religious Education programme at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of the diverse facets of citizenship, historical development, and religious understanding within contemporary society. This interdisciplinary course is designed to equip future educators, policymakers, and cultural analysts with a deep knowledge of the historical contexts that have shaped current societal structures, as well as a nuanced understanding of various religious traditions and their roles in modern communities. Throughout the programme, students engage with critical themes such as multiculturalism, identity, social justice, and the role of education in fostering inclusive societies. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical teaching experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to citizenship education and religious studies across various educational and community settings. Compare this with similar programmes at UCL, which often emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, combining theory and practice in a supportive learning environment. The programme also emphasizes the development of research skills, enabling students to undertake independent studies on topics related to history, religion, and citizenship. Graduates are expected to pursue careers in teaching, social work, community organization, or further academic research. The combination of historical insight, religious literacy, and civic awareness makes this programme particularly relevant in today’s interconnected and diverse world, helping students to become responsible and informed future leaders.

Students explore the key concepts involved in understanding their subject specialism, of Citizenship, History or Religious Education. They will develop an understanding of contemporary issues and key research findings associated with their subject specialism and related areas, and be supported to apply this knowledge in practice and in wider school life.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), and either two optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), or three optional modules (90 credits) and a report (30 credits).

Core modules

Students take one core module and a subject-specific compulsory module. Subject-specific compulsory modules vary each year.

• What is Education?
• Citizenship Education - Teaching Controversial Issues*
• History Education - Effective Learning in History*
• Religious Education - Religion and School Life*

*Subject-specific compulsory modules

Optional modules

Students choose either two or three optional modules from a range available either within the programme or from the wider UCL Institute of Education (IOE) offering. 

Please contact the Programme Leader for advice about optional modules. 

Dissertation/report

All students submit either a 2,000-word proposal and a 17,000-word dissertation, or a 1,500-word proposal and 8,000-word report.

Teaching and learning

The dissertation/report module includes an online ‘Integrated Research Methods’ course which students take at the beginning.

Students are allocated a dissertation/report supervisor. For most of the module, teaching and learning takes place through regular one-to-one research supervision. These supervisions can be conducted face-to-face and/or via distance learning. 

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard and a developed interest in education in the Humanities (usually evidenced by teaching experience or by experience related to education).

The financing of Citizenship History or Religious Education programs at University College London (UCL) generally comprises several sources of funding, including government grants, tuition fees paid by students, scholarships, bursaries, and occasional research or project funding. Undergraduate students typically finance their studies through a combination of personal funds, student loans provided by the UK government or comparable organizations for international students, and merit-based scholarships issued by UCL or external bodies. Postgraduate students often access similar funding sources, with additional opportunities for research council grants, employer sponsorship, or dedicated bursaries offered by specialized foundations. UCL offers a range of scholarships aimed specifically at supporting students pursuing degrees in Citizenship and Religious Education, helping to reduce financial barriers and promote access to higher education. Tuition fees are published annually and are subject to change; for Home students, fees are set in accordance with government regulations and are typically lower than those for international students, who pay higher rates. The university also collaborates with external funding agencies and charities that support research initiatives or innovative educational projects within this field. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those provided by religious organizations, cultural foundations, and regional funding bodies, which may support tuition fees, research costs, or living expenses. UCL provides financial advice and support services to help students navigate their funding options, including loan facilities and guidance on applying for external funding. Overall, the financial structure of Citizenship History or Religious Education studies is designed to provide accessible, flexible funding options to students, ensuring that financial considerations do not impede educational attainment or research pursuits in these important and dynamic areas of study.

The Citizenship and History program at University College London is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to explore the concepts of citizenship, history, and their interconnections within a global context. This program offers students an in-depth understanding of the historical development of citizenship rights and responsibilities, emphasizing the social, political, and cultural contexts that have shaped contemporary notions of citizenship worldwide. Students examine a diverse range of topics, including the evolution of democratic systems, migration, identity politics, human rights, and social justice movements. The curriculum incorporates a blend of historical analysis, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary case studies, allowing students to critically assess how citizenship has been conceptualized and practiced in different societies and periods.

UCL emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to draw on insights from history, politics, law, sociology, and philosophy to develop a well-rounded perspective. The program includes lectures, seminars, and research projects that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and empirical research methods. It also offers opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and community engagement, enabling students to gain practical experience and contextualize their academic knowledge within real-world settings. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in public policy, international organizations, NGOs, education, journalism, or further academic research.

The teaching staff comprises renowned historians, political scientists, and social researchers who bring diverse expertise and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment. UCL’s central London location provides students with access to a wealth of cultural institutions, archives, and governmental bodies, facilitating experiential learning and networking opportunities. The program typically spans three years for full-time students, with options for part-time study. Entry requirements generally include a strong academic background in relevant subjects, and proficiency in English is required for international applicants. The program also promotes critical citizenship, encouraging students to engage with pressing global issues and develop informed, responsible perspectives on contemporary social challenges.