European History

The BA in European History at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of Europe's rich and diverse past, from ancient times to the present day. This programme provides students with the opportunity to study key events, movements, and figures that have shaped the continent, enabling a deep understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic developments that have influenced European history over the centuries. Through rigorous analysis of primary sources, critical engagement with historical debates, and exposure to a wide range of historiographical approaches, students develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, and academic writing. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests, whether in medieval Europe, early modern periods, modern history, or regional European histories, including Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean. In addition, it offers opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to draw connections between history and other fields such as politics, literature, art, and philosophy. The department provides a vibrant learning environment with expert faculty members who are active researchers and specialists in European history. Students benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects. The programme also emphasizes the development of transferable skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, research, public history, diplomacy, journalism, and other fields requiring strong analytical and communication skills. The curriculum is regularly updated to include contemporary historiographical debates and emerging research, ensuring that students receive a relevant and dynamic education. With access to extensive library resources and digital archives, students can engage deeply with historical materials, gaining a nuanced understanding of Europe's complex past. Graduates of this programme will leave equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of European history, critical research skills, and the ability to analyze historical sources and contexts critically. This makes the BA in European History an excellent choice for those passionate about understanding Europe's past and its impact on the present and future.

Students are introduced to different theoretical, methodological and historiographical approaches of writing European history. The chronology of the various components covers the ancient, medieval, early modern, modern and contemporary periods.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three taught elements: core module (30 credits), compulsory European language module (up to 30 credits), optional modules (up to 45 credits), and dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Advanced Skills, Concepts and Theory for MA Historians
• Modern European Language

Optional modules

Options may include the following:

• History and Theory of European Integration
• The Practice of Toleration in Early Modern Europe
• Globalisation in the 20th Century
• The Public Sphere in Britain, 1476–1800
• Crisis and Future in 19th-century European Thought
• Identity and Power in Medieval Europe AD 500-1300
• Adam Smith and the State
• Paradoxes of Enlightenment: German Thought from Liebniz to Humboldt
• Trade, Money and Institutions in the Ottoman Mediterranean 1600-1914
• Vichy France: Between Collaboration and Resistance
• 'Imagined Communities': Regionalism & Minority Nationalism in Modern Europe
• British Politics in the Era of Decolonisation, c.1945-1982
• Gender and Sexuality in Modern Britain: 1850 to the present
• Students may take modules from other UCL departments including:
• The School of European Language Culture (SELCS)
• Institute of the Americas and the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies (SSEES)

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project on a topic in European History which culminates in a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and a language module taught either through the UCL Centre for Language & International Education or through the language departments. Students will be assessed by a variety of methods including unseen written examination, oral assessment, written coursework and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Jean Orr Scholarship

Value:

£7,000 (1 year)

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

Wellcome Trust Scholarship

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

The European History program at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical developments and cultural transformations across Europe from ancient times to the present day. This programme is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of European political, social, and cultural history, emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills. Students will study a diverse range of topics, including the rise and fall of empires, revolutionary movements, socio-economic changes, and the evolution of European identity. The curriculum incorporates a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, encouraging active engagement and intellectual inquiry. Throughout the course, students will have access to extensive historical archives, digital resources, and expert faculty members renowned for their research in European history. The programme also facilitates opportunities for students to participate in conferences, internships, and exchange programs with partner institutions across Europe, providing valuable international experience. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, education, public history, policy analysis, and international organizations, among others. The combination of rigorous academic training and practical experience ensures that students develop a nuanced understanding of European history in a global context. The university’s central London location offers a vibrant cultural environment, enriching students' learning experiences through proximity to key historical sites, museums, and libraries. Overall, the European History degree at UCL aims to produce well-informed, analytical, and internationally-minded graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to understanding Europe's complex past and its ongoing influence on the world.