History

History at the University of Birmingham offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the past, combining academic rigor with diverse modules that cover a wide range of periods, regions, and themes. Our programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes, allowing students to appreciate the complex narratives that have shaped the modern world. Students will have opportunities to study history from ancient civilizations to contemporary events, with options to specialise in areas such as British history, European history, American history, or global history. The curriculum encourages students to examine sources critically, undertake independent research, and develop well-argued historical analyses. The programme emphasizes both theoretical approaches and practical skills, including archival research, historiography, and the use of digital technologies in historical investigation. Students benefit from the expertise of our distinguished faculty, who are active researchers contributing to their fields. Various assessment methods, including essays, presentations, and independent projects, prepare students for careers in education, journalism, public history, and beyond. Additionally, the programme offers placements and opportunities for internships, enhancing employability and real-world experience. The vibrant campus community and state-of-the-art facilities provide an enriching environment for learning and personal development. By the end of the degree, graduates will have gained a nuanced understanding of global historical developments and the ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas effectively. Whether aiming for further academic study or a professional career, students will find a supportive and stimulating atmosphere at Birmingham to pursue their interests in history.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

Much of your first year will be spent acquiring a general overview of the medieval, early modern and near contemporary past. The ‘Practising History’ module introduces you to the key skills you’ll need to study History at degree level and enables you to study select historical episodes. All this will help you make more informed decisions about subject choices in years two and three. You also have a free choice of another module from the wide range offered by the University, and we particularly encourage students to study a foreign language which enhances your opportunities to study documentary evidence in languages other than English.

First year modules

• Practising History (A): Skills in History
• Practising History (B): Approaches to History
• Medieval History 500-1050
• Medieval History 1050-1500
• The Making of the Modern World 1500-1815
• The Making of the Contemporary World 1815-2000
• Themes and Areas 1

Second year

In each term in your second year you’ll have a choice of around 15 study options. You will also start doing preparatory work for your final-year dissertation; selecting a topic, assessing its feasibility and engaging in preliminary discussions with potential supervisors. The Research Methods module gives you first-hand experience of the work of a historian as you learn to identify and frame a valid, intellectually coherent research for your dissertation. The module History in Theory and Practice gives you an overview of the evolution of history writing and an introduction to key issues confronting historians today, which you’ll find helps you reflect on your own historical research.

Second year modules

• Research Methods
• History in Theory and Practice
• Group Research
• Option A and B (one in Autumn, one in Spring)
• Themes and Areas 2 .

Third year

In your final year you will have some 20 special subjects to choose from, ranging from the early medieval period almost up to the present day, and covering a wide range of British, European and Global areas. You’ll approach the particular subject of your choice not only through reading, but also by intensive study of original documents. There are also a further 14 or so final-year options to choose from in each of the autumn and spring terms.

For most students, the real centre-piece of the final year is their dissertation – a piece of extended writing on a subject of your choice and which requires significant use of archival and other primary source materials. You will have a set of one-to-one consultation sessions with an academic supervisor, who will comment and advise on your drafts.

• Advanced Option A (Autumn)
• Advanced Option B (Spring)
• Special Subject
• Dissertation

History BA (V100) Year Abroad

This four year route offers you the additional educational benefit of a year of study in an approved University in Europe or in English speaking countries. Students with grades of 2.1 or above will be asked to apply for the Year Abroad in the first term of their second year and if successful, will go abroad in their third year. In addition to the tutor support given from the host University, students who choose to take a Year Abroad will be allocated a member of staff from the Department of History who will monitor their progress while overseas through regular email and/or Skype contact.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

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

Requirements

A Level: AAB with an A grade in A level History/ Medieval History/ Ancient History

IB: 36 points with History at Higher Level

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 Birmingham.

The History program at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of the past, covering a wide range of periods, regions, and themes. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes, the course combines rigorous academic training with opportunities for independent research. Students can choose from various specializations, including medieval history, modern history, early modern history, and regional histories such as British, European, American, and global history. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context, evaluating sources, and constructing evidence-based arguments. It also encourages engagement with primary sources and promotes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from politics, culture, economics, and society. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and group discussions, fostering an interactive learning environment. Students are encouraged to attend guest lectures and participate in relevant field trips and internships to enrich their understanding of historical studies beyond the classroom. The program typically spans three years for an undergraduate degree or one year for those pursuing a master's, with opportunities for study abroad or placements, enhancing employability and global perspectives. Graduates of the History program have gone on to careers in education, research, heritage management, museums, journalism, public history, and other sectors requiring strong analytical and communication skills. The University of Birmingham provides excellent academic support, resources, and access to archives and libraries, including the Cadbury Research Library, which houses extensive historical collections. With a blend of traditional academic methods and innovative digital approaches, the program prepares students for advanced study or diverse careers in fields that value historical knowledge and critical analysis.