Social and Cultural History (including Year Abroad)

Social and Cultural History (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse social dynamics, cultural developments, and historical processes that have shaped societies across different periods and regions. This programme is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of historical contexts through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies alongside traditional historical methods. Students will examine topics such as social movements, identity, gender, race, class, migration, and cultural change, gaining insight into how societies have evolved and interacted over time.

The inclusion of a Year Abroad provides an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a different culture, enhance their language skills, and gain international perspectives that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world. During their year abroad, students can participate in placements, research projects, or study at partner institutions, enriching their academic experience and employability prospects. The programme’s structure combines core modules with optional choices, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests—be it European social history, cultural identities, or contemporary social issues.

Throughout the course, students benefit from the expertise of faculty members who are active researchers in social history, cultural studies, and related fields. The University of Essex’s strong emphasis on research-informed teaching ensures students engage with current debates and methodologies. The programme prepares graduates for careers in education, heritage, journalism, policy analysis, NGOs, and further academic study. With its blend of historical analysis, cultural understanding, and international exposure, the Social and Cultural History (including Year Abroad) degree offers a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that equips students to analyze and participate in the complex social fabric of the modern world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are choice and flexibility.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in each year). Each year you take a number of compulsory core credits which give you the necessary training in the discipline; around this core you are free to choose the modules you want to do. Each year there is a wide range of optional modules to choose from.
You can do as much History as you want, but we also encourage you in your first year to choose at least one module in another subject (an A-level subject you really enjoy, or a completely new subject you would like to try out!)This means that if you successfully complete your first year, then you may be qualified to enter the second year of a different course if you wanted to do so: for example, politics, philosophy or sociology, or a joint honours degree, combining History with another subject (providing places are available). It is also possible for you to continue your interest in a subject other than History in your second year, where you have the option of doing a 30-credit module in a different department.
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

• Society, Culture and Politics in Europe 1500-1750
• History Workshop
• And choose 75 credits from a range of History options or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, Themes and Sources
• And choose from a range of History options and one optional outside option.

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

• Special Subject
• Independent Research Project
• And choose from a range of History options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Social and Cultural History (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the historical development of societies, cultures, and their interrelations. The programme explores a wide range of topics, including social movements, cultural transformations, identity politics, and the cultural history of different regions and periods. Students will engage with critical thinking, analysis, and research skills through a variety of modules that examine both historical content and methodological approaches.

A distinctive feature of this course is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different cultural and academic environment. During this year, students might study at partner institutions across Europe, North America, or other regions, enhancing their linguistic skills and cultural awareness. This experience aims to broaden students’ perspectives and increase their employability by providing international exposure and intercultural competencies.

Throughout the programme, students will have access to a diverse range of learning resources, including archives, museums, and digital humanities projects. The course structure typically involves lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, encouraging active participation and scholarly inquiry. Assessment methods may include essays, presentations, exams, and research theses, offering students multiple avenues to demonstrate their understanding and skills.

The programme also prepares graduates for a variety of careers in sectors such as education, heritage management, cultural policy, journalism, and public history. Additionally, students gain transferable skills like critical analysis, communication, and teamwork, which are highly valued in many professions. The University of Essex's supportive academic environment, combined with its focus on research-led teaching and international opportunities, makes this programme appealing to students interested in exploring the past to better understand contemporary social and cultural issues.