History and Sociology

History and Sociology at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore the complex narratives of the past alongside contemporary social structures and issues. This integrated programme is designed to foster a deep understanding of historical developments and sociological theories, enabling graduates to critically analyze societies, cultures, and historical events from multiple perspectives. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including social change, identity, power dynamics, historical movements, and global interactions. The program combines rigorous academic research, practical skills, and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in academia, journalism, policy analysis, heritage management, social research, and beyond. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and numerous opportunities for placements and internships, which enhance employability and real-world understanding. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning pathways according to their interests, whether they prefer a focus on medieval history, modern sociological issues, or interdisciplinary approaches. Modules include historical research methods, social theory, contemporary social problems, and project work, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. The programme also emphasizes the development of communication, analytical, and research skills through essays, presentations, and group projects. By the end of their studies, students will have gained comprehensive knowledge of historical processes and sociological concepts, as well as the ability to apply their learning to complex issues in society today. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue further academic study or to enter diverse professional fields where critical analysis and strong research skills are essential.

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

• 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 History and Sociology program at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical developments and social structures. This program combines core modules in history and sociology to explore the complexities of past and present societies, enabling students to analyze social change, cultural dynamics, and historical contexts. The curriculum is structured to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in areas such as academia, public policy, journalism, and social research. Students will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of methodological approaches, including qualitative and quantitative research, enabling them to conduct independent investigations into social phenomena and historical events. The program emphasizes international perspectives and encourages students to consider issues from multiple viewpoints, fostering a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of history and society. In addition to classroom learning, students benefit from access to extensive archives, libraries, and fieldwork opportunities, enriching their academic experience. The program's duration is typically three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study available. The University of Essex is renowned for its supportive learning environment and active research community, which enhances the educational experience through guest lectures, seminars, and conferences. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in research, education, government, and NGOs, reflecting the versatility and practical relevance of their degree. The program also offers pathways to postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral degrees, for students interested in further academic achievement. Overall, the History and Sociology program aims to produce well-rounded graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical awareness necessary to understand and influence the social world.