European History with a Year Abroad

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 12.5 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
StudyQA ranking:6291 Duration:48 months

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The BA (Hons) in European History with Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of European history from ancient times to the modern era. This distinctive programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical developments, cultural transformations, and political changes that have shaped Europe over centuries. Throughout the course, students will examine key historical periods, including the Classical Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the modern era, integrating various historical methodologies and critical analysis techniques.

A core feature of this degree is the Year Abroad, during which students have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a European country, enhancing their linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and global outlook. This international dimension enables students to gain firsthand experience of different European societies, fostering a broader global perspective and increasing employability in diverse fields such as education, public history, policy analysis, and international relations. The immersion typically involves studying at partner universities or undertaking relevant internships, providing practical experience and intercultural competence.

The programme’s curriculum is structured to offer a flexible and customizable learning pathway, allowing students to focus on particular periods, regions, or themes within European history. Students will develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, and academic writing through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study. They are encouraged to engage with primary sources, historiographical debates, and contemporary historical issues, ensuring they acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical analytical skills.

Furthermore, the programme benefits from the University of Kent’s strong links with research institutions, museums, and heritage organizations across Europe, providing opportunities for placements, collaborative projects, and conferences. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers in education, research, museums, journalism, public history, or further postgraduate studies. With its blend of academic rigor, international experience, and focus on European history, the BA (Hons) in European History with Year Abroad opens pathways to understanding Europe's complex past and its ongoing influence on the present and future.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee
  • GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
  • GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

HI426 - Making History: Theory and Practice

HI430 - Modern British History (Part Two)

HI431 - The English Renaissance: Society, Politics and Culture 1400-1600

HI432 - Early Modern History: The Age of Reformation c. 1450-1600

HI433 - Early Modern History: The Age of Enlightenment c. 1600-1750

HI434 - Introduction to the History of Science

HI435 - A Global History of Empires: 1500-1850

HI436 - A Global History of Empires: 1850-1960

HI437 - War and Diplomacy in Europe c1850-2000

HI353 - Britain and the Second World War: The Home Front

HI359 - Empire and Africa

HI385 - Introduction to the History of Medicine

HI390 - The Emergence of America:From European Settlement to 1880

HI391 - The Rise of the United States Since 1880

HI397 - Cinema and Society, 1930 - 1960

HI410 - Early Medieval Europe

HI411 - Later Medieval Europe

HI416 - Victorian Britain: Politics, Society and Culture

HI419 - England in the Age of Chivalry: c1200-1400

HI425 - Revolutionary Europe 1700-1850

FR300 - Learning French 3 (Post A Level)

FR327 - Learning French 2A (Post GCSE)

FR328 - Learning French 2B (Post GCSE)

FR330 - Intensive French for Beginners

GE301 - Learning German 3 (Post A Level)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

GE507 - Learning German 4

GE516 - German Post 'A' Level

FR589 - Learning French 4

FR590 - Learning French: Business French I

HI6025 - Everyday Life in Early Modern Europe

HI566 - History Dissertation

HI6009 - Europe and the Islamic World, c 1450-1750

HI5013 - Popular Religion and Heresy, 1100-1300

HI5035 - History of Modern Medicine and Medical Ethics,1800-2000

HI5041 - Gothic Art: Image and Imagination in Europe, c.1140-1500

HI5092 - Armies at War 1914-1918

HI6032 - Persecution, Repression and Resistance

HI6034 - Anglo-French Relations 1904 - 1945

HI789 - The Art of Death

HI6047 - Communist Eastern Europe, 1945-89

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

Students on the European History programme have the opportunity to spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 studying at a university in France or Germany.

Students on the single honours History programme also have the opportunity to spend a term a

Possible modules may include:

HI5006 - European History: Year Abroad Mark 1

HI5007 - European History: Year Abroad Mark 2

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

HI605 - Independent Documentary Study in History

HI6049 - The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the Atlantic World, c. 1500 - 1900

HI6039 - The Rights Revolution: The 20th Century US Supreme Court & Society

HI6040 - The Discovery of the World c.1450 - 1800

HI6041 - The Crusades in the Thirteenth Century

HI6044 - British Politics 1625-1642

HI6045 - Origins of the Second World War

HI6046 - Wolves, Walruses and the Wild

HI5099 - The Wars of the Roses

HI6021 - Famine in Pre-Industrial Societies

HI6024 - Napoleon and Europe, 1799 - 1815

HI6029 - The Great War: British Memory, History and Culture

HI6030 - Empires of Religion

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

  • A level:ABB including History grade B excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking
  • GCSE:Grade B in chosen language
  • Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
  • International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 points at HL including a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL and History 5 at HL or 6 at SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The University of Kent offers a degree programme in European History with a Year Abroad, designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of European historical developments, cultural contexts, and political transformations from ancient times to the modern era. This programme emphasizes a comprehensive study of European history, integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies to develop critical analytical skills. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to explore key themes such as medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the World Wars, European integration, and contemporary issues impacting the continent. The inclusion of a Year Abroad allows students to immerse themselves in a different cultural and academic environment, typically in a partner university located within Europe, thereby enhancing their linguistic skills and cultural awareness.

The curriculum combines compulsory modules with a range of optional courses, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether focusing on political history, social movements, economic change, or cultural developments. The programme encourages independent research, critical thinking, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in academia, public service, international organizations, journalism, or further postgraduate study.

Students benefit from the university's strong links with historical institutions, museums, and cultural organizations across Europe, providing practical learning experiences and opportunities for internships. The Year Abroad usually takes place in the third year of study, subject to the student meeting specific academic requirements and language prerequisites. During this year, students often live and study in a partner city such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid, or Rome, gaining firsthand knowledge of European history within its contemporary contexts.

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, examinations, and a final dissertation or research project. The programme also emphasizes transferable skills, such as intercultural communication, project management, and digital literacy, which are highly valued in various professional fields. Graduates of this course are well-equipped with a strong foundation in European history, multilingual competencies, and international experience, making them competitive candidates in the global job market. The programme's structure is designed to foster a broad but detailed understanding of European historical processes, encouraging students to think critically about the past and its influence on present and future developments in Europe.

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