History

History at University College London offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the past, designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of historical processes across different periods and regions. Our programme provides a rigorous academic framework, encouraging students to examine historical events, themes, and sources through various methodological approaches. Throughout the course, students will study a wide range of topics, including ancient civilizations, medieval history, modern European history, the history of the British Isles, and global history, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of humanity's collective past. UCL's Department of History boasts world-renowned scholars who deliver diverse modules, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and scholarly excellence. Students will benefit from access to extensive archives, digital resources, and a vibrant academic community that promotes lively discussion and independent research. The programme emphasizes critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, supporting students in developing their interpretative skills and original viewpoints. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and study abroad programmes, enhancing their practical experience and global outlook. Employing a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, the course is designed to accommodate different learning styles and academic interests. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their studies through optional modules, allowing specialization in areas such as medieval studies, modern history, or thematic approaches like gender, race, or economic history. The programme aims to prepare graduates for a wide array of career paths, including academia, journalism, public history, policy analysis, and international relations. By fostering a breadth of knowledge and critical skills, the History degree at UCL prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of the past and their implications for the present and future.

Students will be introduced to key historical concepts and theories. The core course offers a forum for such debates, and also provides students with the technical and intellectual apparatus to pursue their own research interests under expert guidance.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of the core course (30 credits), between two and four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• History Dissertation
• Advanced Skills, Concepts and Theory for MA Historians

Optional modules

Options may include the following:

• Propaganda and Ideology in Rome
• Identity and Power in Medieval Europe
• Political Thought in Renaissance Europe
• The Public Sphere in Britian, 1476–1800
• Gender and Sexuality in Modern Britain: 1850 to the present
• Crisis and Future in 19th-century European Thought
• Nations and States in Transnational Perspective
• Thinking Postcolonially: Britain and Empire in the 19th Century
• Charismatic Cosmopolitans: Intellectuals and International Institutions in the Interwar Period
• The United States and the World, 1776–1900
• Debating the General Crisis of the Seventeenth Century
• Adam Smith and the State
• Globalisation in the 20th Century
• The Origins of the American Civil war

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project on a topic in History, which culminates in a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Some sessions will take place outside UCL in institutions such as the British Library, the National Archives, and the Institute of Historical Research. Students are assessed through written coursework, examination, and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

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 History program at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of historical events, themes, and periods, emphasizing both chronological and thematic understanding. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the past. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including ancient civilizations, medieval history, early modern Europe, and modern global history. The curriculum combines lecture-based learning, seminars, and independent research, encouraging active engagement and academic inquiry. UCL's History department boasts a distinguished faculty composed of leading experts in various historical disciplines, providing students with rich academic mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge research. The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as essay writing, presentation, and data analysis, preparing graduates for diverse careers in academia, education, media, public history, and beyond. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research projects that complement their academic coursework. The campus, located in the heart of London, offers students unique access to historical archives, museums, and libraries, enriching their learning experience. The program typically spans three years for a full-time undergraduate degree, with options for specialization in areas like history of Britain, history of Europe, or world history. Additionally, UCL supports students through dedicated academic advising, career services, and research opportunities. Graduates of the program often pursue further postgraduate study, including master’s and doctoral qualifications, or they enter professional fields where historical knowledge and analytical skills are valued. Overall, UCL’s History program aims to cultivate knowledgeable, critically-minded individuals equipped to contribute thoughtfully to understanding the past and its relevance to contemporary issues.