History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at The University of British Columbia - Vancouver offers students a comprehensive and stimulating exploration of past civilizations, events, and historical processes. This undergraduate program is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic developments that have shaped the modern world. Through a diverse curriculum that spans from ancient civilizations to contemporary history, students will engage with a variety of themes, including indigenous history, global interactions, and thematic studies such as gender, ethnicity, and technology. The program emphasizes rigorous research methods, compelling narrative construction, and the evaluation of multiple perspectives to develop well-rounded historians. Students are encouraged to pursue specialized courses in areas such as Asian, European, American, Middle Eastern, and African history, allowing for tailored academic paths aligned with their interests and career goals. The program also offers opportunities for experiential learning through internships, study abroad exchanges, and community engagement projects, enriching students’ academic experience and practical skills. With access to extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources, students are equipped to undertake original research and contribute to ongoing historical scholarship. Graduates of the History program acquire valuable skills applicable to careers in education, public history, archives, journalism, international relations, government, and beyond. The program promotes a vibrant academic community where students collaborate with faculty renowned for their research and expertise, fostering an environment of scholarly inquiry and intellectual growth. Whether students aim to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce directly, the Bachelor of Arts in History at UBC Vancouver provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning and cultural understanding.

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of British Columbia offers students a comprehensive exploration of the past, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical contexts. The program is designed to provide a broad foundation in historical methods, theories, and regional studies, enabling graduates to analyze complex social, political, economic, and cultural developments across different time periods and geographical areas. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including ancient civilizations, the medieval period, modern history, and specific regional histories such as Canadian, American, Asian, European, and Indigenous histories. The curriculum emphasizes both thematic approaches and chronological narratives, encouraging students to develop a nuanced perspective on historical causality and continuity.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, research projects, and independent study, students will learn to critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, construct well-supported arguments, and communicate their findings effectively. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from fields such as anthropology, sociology, and political science to enrich students’ understanding of historical phenomena. In addition to core courses, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as history of North America, global history, history of gender and sexuality, or environmental history, among others.

The program prepares students for a variety of careers, including education, research, public policy, journalism, archival work, and international relations. Graduates will possess valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication that are highly sought after in many professional fields. The university offers excellent resources including extensive archives, libraries, and access to digital historical databases, supporting students’ academic pursuits. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in History at UBC aims to produce informed, critical, and engaged citizens equipped with a deep understanding of the complexities of past societies and their relevance to contemporary issues.

The Bachelor of Arts in History at The University of British Columbia - Vancouver requires students to complete a comprehensive set of coursework designed to provide a broad understanding of historical developments, methodologies, and thematic areas. Students are expected to accumulate a minimum of 120 credits over the course of their degree, which typically spans four years of full-time study. The program includes a combination of core courses, electives, and specialized seminars that allow students to explore diverse regions, time periods, and interpretative frameworks within history. Core courses often encompass introductory classes in Western and global history, as well as methodological courses focusing on historical research and critical analysis. Electives enable students to tailor their studies toward specific interests such as political history, social history, economic history, cultural history, or historical theory.

To fulfill degree requirements, students must complete a specified number of credits in history courses, often around 42 to 45 credits, including both lower-division (100- and 200-level) and upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses. In addition to coursework, students may be encouraged or required to undertake a research project or senior seminar, which involves original research, critical writing, and presentation components. Language proficiency or other interdisciplinary requirements may also apply depending on the specialized focus of individual students or programs. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth, preparing graduates for careers in education, research, public history, museum work, or advanced graduate study. Program advisors are available to assist students in designing their academic pathways to meet graduation requirements and personal interests. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in History at UBC Vancouver aims to develop students' analytical skills, historical knowledge, and understanding of contemporary issues through a rigorous and flexible curriculum.

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

The University of British Columbia offers a range of financing options to support students enrolled in the History program. Prospective students can explore various sources of funding, including government and private scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs designed to ease the financial burden of university education. The university's prestigious scholarship programs include entrance scholarships based on academic achievement, which are automatically considered upon application, as well as merit-based awards that recognize outstanding contributions in academics, leadership, or community service. In addition, the university provides need-based bursaries to students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds can access higher education opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the British Columbia provincial financial aid forms to determine eligibility for federal and provincial grants, loans, and work-study programs. The UBC Financial Aid and Awards Office offers personalized advisory services to assist students in navigating the complex landscape of funding sources, including detailed information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines. Many students also seek external funding through scholarships offered by community organizations, industry partners, and philanthropic foundations, some of which are specifically targeted at students pursuing degrees in humanities and social sciences. Part-time employment opportunities on and off-campus further supplement students’ income, with positions available in library services, administration, and research assistant roles related to their academic interests. UBC also encourages students to consider co-op programs and internships that integrate paid work experiences with their academic coursework, providing valuable professional skills while financially supporting their studies. Additionally, some students opt for student loan programs offered through federal and provincial governments, which typically have favorable interest rates and flexible repayment options. It is important for students to start their financial planning early by consulting university resources, attending financial literacy workshops, and exploring all available options to ensure a manageable and sustainable approach to funding their education in History.

The University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in History designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human pasts through the study of diverse cultures, time periods, and geographic regions. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research expertise, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in education, public history, policy analysis, and more. Students can explore broad thematic areas such as ancient civilizations, medieval history, modern world history, and history of specific regions including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The curriculum integrates both traditional lecture-based courses and innovative learning methods, including seminars, independent research projects, and internships.

Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History typically take foundational courses in historical methods and historiography, allowing them to understand different approaches to historical research and interpretation. As they progress, students may choose specialized courses focusing on topics like gender history, imperialism, economic history, or environmental history. The program encourages critical engagement with primary and secondary sources and develops students' ability to analyze and interpret complex historical data.

In addition to coursework, students are often encouraged to participate in fieldwork, archiving activities, and community-based projects to enhance their practical understanding of history's role in contemporary society. The program also offers opportunities for students to undertake honors research projects, internships, or co-op placements, which provide valuable experiential learning and help in building professional networks.

The faculty teaching in the History program at UBC Vancouver is renowned for their expertise across a wide range of historical disciplines, contributing to a vibrant academic community. The university’s extensive resources, including libraries, archives, and digital repositories, support rigorous scholarly research and promote a nuanced understanding of historical events and processes.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped for advanced graduate studies, careers in museums and cultural institutions, journalism, government, education, and private sector roles that require strong research and communication skills. The flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals, fostering a comprehensive understanding of both global history and local historical narratives. Overall, the History program at UBC Vancouver aims to cultivate informed citizens and skilled professionals capable of critically engaging with the complexities of the past to inform present and future decisions.