History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at University College London offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the past, covering a broad range of historical periods, regions, and themes. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of how historical processes have shaped the contemporary world. Students will engage with primary sources, develop research methodologies, and critically evaluate historical narratives through diverse coursework and seminars. The curriculum includes core modules that introduce fundamental concepts and historiographical debates, as well as specialized options allowing students to focus on areas such as medieval history, early modern periods, modern European history, global history, and social and cultural histories. The programme emphasizes a comparative approach in examining different societies and periods, encouraging students to draw connections and analyze change over time. UCL's rich academic environment provides access to exceptional resources, including a vast library collection, digital archives, and opportunities for fieldwork and internships. Students are also encouraged to develop their academic writing, presentation, and debate skills, preparing them for careers in research, education, journalism, museums, and other sectors requiring analytical expertise. The programme fosters independent thinking while also promoting collaborative learning through group projects and seminars. With flexible study options, including a three-year full-time mode and various joint honours pathways, students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Overall, the History programme at UCL offers a stimulating intellectual environment that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to understand complex historical phenomena and contribute meaningfully to societal debates about the past.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The programme includes three first-year core modules, a further core module and a research project of 5,000 words in the second year, and a dissertation, a special subject, and options chosen from a range of full-year and half-year modules in the final year.

We strongly encourage all our students to gain maximum benefit from the chronological range of expertise in the department by taking at least one module in each of ancient history; medieval or early modern history; and modern history.

Beyond these requirements the syllabus is very flexible. You may take up to 1.0 credit a year from another discipline, such as archaeology, geography, history of art, or a language.

In your second and third year you may choose specialist history courses offered throughout the University of London.
Teaching is delivered via lectures and seminars, and one-to-one tutorials provide personal feedback on essays. All seminar groups are capped at a maximum of 15; final-year dissertation subjects at a maximum of 10.

A levels

Grades

A*AA-AAA

Subjects

History required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38-39

Subjects

A score of 18-19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in History, with no score lower than 5.

The Tuition Fees for the History undergraduate program at University College London vary depending on the student’s residency status and year of entry. For UK students, the annual tuition fee is set at approximately £9,250 for the academic year 2023-2024. International students, however, are required to pay a significantly higher fee, which is approximately £22,950 per year. These fees cover tuition and access to university facilities and resources. Additional costs such as textbooks, printing, and other study materials are not included in the tuition fee and should be Budgeted separately.

Students may explore various sources of financial support to fund their studies. The university offers several scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as country of residence or subject interests. For example, the UCL Deferred Year Bursary provides financial aid for students who defer entry, while the UCL History Department occasionally offers departmental scholarships for outstanding applicants.

In addition to university-specific funding, students are encouraged to apply for external funding opportunities, including government-sponsored loans and grants. UK students can access student loans through the Student Loans Company, which can cover tuition fees and maintenance costs. International students should consider scholarships provided by their home governments, private foundations, or international organizations, some of which are specifically aimed at supporting students studying history or related disciplines.

It is recommended that prospective students carefully review the total projected costs of attendance, including living expenses, travel, and personal costs. London, being an expensive city, requires students to consider accommodation costs, which can range from approximately £150 to £300 per week depending on the type of accommodation and location. Some students choose to live in university halls, private rentals, or shared housing to manage expenses more effectively.

Students are advised to contact the UCL Student Finance Office or visit their official website for comprehensive and up-to-date information about available financial aid options, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Planning the financial aspect of university education early can help students secure the necessary funding and avoid financial difficulties during their studies.

The History program at University College London offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of historical events, periods, and themes from ancient times to the modern era. Designed for those passionate about understanding the past, the program provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating social, political, cultural, and economic perspectives. Students have the opportunity to study diverse regions and epochs, including European, British, American, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern histories, enabling a global and comparative understanding of historical developments. The curriculum is structured to develop critical analytical skills, research proficiency, and a deep appreciation for the complexities and nuances of historical narratives. Students engage with primary sources, archival materials, and modern historiographical debates, encouraging independent thinking and scholarly articulation. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context in relation to present-day issues, fostering a sense of relevance and application for contemporary society. UCL’s location in London provides unparalleled access to historical repositories, museums, and cultural institutions, enriching the academic experience through internships, exhibitions, and field trips. Typically, the program includes a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, culminating in coursework and dissertations. The course offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as modern history, medieval history, global history, or thematic studies like gender, migration, or ideology. UCL supports students through dedicated academic advisors, research training, and career services to prepare graduates for careers in academia, education, public history, journalism, government, or international organizations. The program values diversity, intellectual rigor, and innovative scholarship, aiming to produce graduates well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage critically with the past and contribute meaningfully to society.