History with a Year Abroad

Studying history at UCL gives you opportunities to explore the subject which are probably unrivalled anywhere else in the UK or Europe. This four-year degree combines the flexibility of the History BA programme with the opportunity to spend the third year studying abroad at an institution in North or South America, or Ireland.

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, at least nine months studying at a foreign institution in the third year, a final-year special subject, and options chosen from a range of full-year and half-year modules. During the year abroad you will take the equivalent of 4.0 credits at your host university.

We encourage 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 a language, history of art, archaeology or geography. In your second and final year you may choose specialist history modules offered throughout the University of London.

Teaching is delivered via lectures, seminars and one-to-one tutorials. 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.

Financing studies for the History with a Year Abroad program at University College London typically involve a combination of student contributions, government loans, and external funding sources. Students are generally responsible for paying tuition fees, which vary depending on whether they are UK, EU, or international students. For UK home students, tuition fees are set by the UK government and are subject to annual updates; in recent years, these fees have been approximately £9,250 per year. International students bear higher tuition costs, which can range upwards of £20,000 annually.

In addition to tuition fees, students need to consider living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal costs. London is known for its high cost of living, and students are advised to budget accordingly. Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on the location and type but generally average between £150 and £250 per week for university halls or private rentals.

Funding options for students include government student loans, which are available to UK residents, covering tuition fees and providing maintenance grants or loans to support living costs. UK students typically apply through the Student Loans Company, and repayment terms depend on income levels after graduation. For international students, scholarships and bursaries offered by UCL, external organizations, or government sponsorships may be available; however, these are competitive and limited in number.

UCL offers a range of scholarships for international students, including university-wide awards and faculty-specific bursaries. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external funding from national government schemes, private foundations, and international organizations. Part-time work is also an option, with students potentially working on campus or in nearby establishments within the limits set by visa requirements.

Students should plan their finances well in advance, taking into account exchange rates if applicable, potential fluctuations in living costs, and the duration of their studies, including the Year Abroad. Financial aid packages may also be available for those demonstrating need or exceptional academic performance, helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with studying at UCL. Overall, financing a degree in History with a Year Abroad requires careful planning and consideration of multiple funding sources to ensure a smooth educational experience in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

The BA History with Year Abroad at University College London is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to deepen students’ understanding of historical processes, developments, and contexts across a wide range of eras and regions. This course provides a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical research techniques, enabling students to critically examine historical sources and narratives. One of the key features of this degree is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves in a different cultural and academic environment, which enhances their language skills, cultural awareness, and global perspective. During the Year Abroad, students may study at partner universities across Europe, North America, or other parts of the world, depending on their chosen destination and personal interests. This international dimension not only broadens their academic horizons but also offers valuable networking opportunities and enhances employability. The programme is structured to give students flexibility in choosing modules aligned with their interests, whether they focus on specific periods such as Ancient, Medieval, Modern, or Contemporary history, or thematic areas like social, political, cultural, or economic history. UCL’s Department of History is renowned for its research-led teaching, featuring faculty members who are experts in diverse fields, and students have access to rich archives, libraries, and online resources. The programme also encourages the development of transferable skills, including critical thinking, argumentation, essay writing, and presentation skills, which are highly valued in various careers beyond academia. Assessment methods typically include essays, examinations, presentations, and project work. Graduates of this programme often pursue careers in education, research, public history, journalism, policy analysis, international relations, or continue their studies at postgraduate level. Overall, the BA History with Year Abroad at UCL offers an academically rigorous and culturally enriching experience that prepares students for a wide array of professional journeys and fosters a lifelong engagement with history.