History (with a Foundation Year)

History (with Foundation Year) at the University of East Anglia offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of the past, combining rigorous academic training with practical skills development. This integrated programme is designed for students who wish to pursue a degree in history but may not have the traditional qualifications required for direct entry. The foundation year provides a vital bridge, equipping students with the necessary knowledge, academic skills, and confidence to succeed in higher education. During the Foundation Year, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including ancient civilizations, medieval history, modern political history, and cultural developments, developing critical analysis, research capabilities, and effective communication skills.

The full undergraduate degree explores key themes and periods in world history, fostering an understanding of historical processes and their impact on contemporary society. Students have opportunities to specialise and deepen their understanding through elective modules, seminars, and research projects, preparing them for careers in education, research, journalism, archives, and beyond. The programme emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, encouraging students to develop their own perspectives and engage critically with historical sources. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s strong links with local, national, and international archives and museums, providing valuable experiential learning and networking opportunities.

The university’s supportive academic community, combined with small class sizes and personalized tutoring, ensures that students receive individual attention and tailored guidance. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, projects, and exams, all designed to enhance critical thinking and academic writing. The History (with Foundation Year) programme at UEA is ideal for motivated learners eager to explore the complexities of past societies and acquire skills that are highly valued in many professional fields. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped with a deep understanding of history’s significance, as well as analytical and research skills that are applicable in numerous career paths.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14600 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Level 0: The Foundation Year is an intensive course where you will study alongside students who aim to progress on to a variety of degree programmes within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. With an average of 18 guided learning hours per week you will participate in lectures, seminars, reading and study groups, as well as visits to organisations such as the East Anglian Film Archive and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. You will also be given individual tutorial support to ensure you are reaching your full potential and are able to progress on to the full honours programme with confidence. Over the course of the year you will be introduced to a wide range of academic subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, film, television and media, American studies, politics and the history of art. You will gain a foundational knowledge of many of the concepts, methods and techniques you will study in more detail at level 1 and above. In addition, you will develop a wide range of transferable skills in areas such as written and verbal communication, research, collegiality, time-management and language skills which will significantly enhance your employability in the future.

Year 2

Level 1: In your second year you will be given a detailed introduction to both in the main periods in British and European history from the high Middle Ages to the 20th century as well as an introduction to more specialised historical themes such as witchcraft and the environment. You also have the opportunity to reflect on how historians write history during the module Doing History. Year 3 Level 2: In your third year the wide range of modules available, combined with the fact that you are virtually guaranteed your first choice of selected modules, enables you to focus, for example, on medieval history, the political and international history of Britain and Europe since 1789, social and cultural history across time, early modern and modern Britain or modern Europe. The important thing is that you choose.

Year 4

Level 3: In your final year the emphasis switches to more intensive Special Subject modules where you work and research in small groups on a specialised topic close to the research expertise of each member of faculty. You also complete an extended project or dissertation to demonstrate the skills you have acquired during the degree programme.

During the Foundation Year you will be assessed in a variety of ways which will allow you to exercise different learning styles and familiarise yourself with the format and expectations of assessment in Higher Education. There will be a strong emphasis on formative assessment with feedback on drafts of written work and group tutorials which will help you to clearly see how you can improve and develop, enabling you to learn from your peers as well as teaching staff. This in turn will help you to build confidence in your abilities and become a more independent learner.

Your progress will be monitored through individual tutorials to ensure that you are happy on the course and achieving your full potential. You need to achieve a minimum of 40% overall with a pass in all modules in order to progress on to the History programme.

At levels 1, 2 and 3 key issues and ideas are introduced in lectures given by all members of faculty. These are accompanied by more specialist study, undertaken in small groups. You will be assessed at the end of each semester on the basis of coursework, and at the end of each year by coursework. In your final year, you will write a dissertation on a topic of your choice and with the advice of tutors. There is no final examination. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in Years 3 and 4.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

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

Requirements

• A Level: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points
• Scottish Highers: Please contact institution for further information
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Please contact institution for further information
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Please contact institution for further information
• Access Course: Please contact institution for further information
• HND: Please contact institution for further information
• European Baccalaureate: 60% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 19 in Writing, 18 in Listening components and 20 in Reading components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing and 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you are studying the BTEC National Diploma please contact us for further information.

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirements. Please contact us for further information.

GCSE Offer

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 5 GCSE's including GCSE English language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at a minimum of Grade C.

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 East Anglia.

The Bachelor of Arts in History with a Foundation Year at the University of East Anglia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, contexts, and methodologies. The Foundation Year serves as an essential stepping stone for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate studies or who wish to strengthen their academic skills before embarking on the full degree program. This preparatory year focuses on developing key skills such as critical thinking, academic writing, research methods, and an introduction to historical analysis, ensuring students are well-equipped for the more advanced coursework in subsequent years.

Once completed, students progress to the standard three-year History degree, where they have the opportunity to explore a wide range of historical periods and themes, from ancient civilizations to contemporary history. The curriculum emphasizes both global and British history, encouraging students to develop a nuanced understanding of the diverse forces that have shaped societies over time. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research and are supported by experienced faculty members who are experts in various fields of history, including social, political, and cultural history.

Throughout the program, students benefit from the university’s strong emphasis on employability and skill development. They are given access to resources such as historical archives, museums, and digital collections, as well as opportunities for placements and internships that can enhance their practical experience and career prospects. The university also offers various modules in historiography and research methods, giving students a solid foundation in analyzing sources and forming well-argued historical interpretations.

The program additionally fosters critical awareness of different historiographical debates and encourages students to develop their own perspectives through essays, presentations, and research projects. The combination of a solid foundation year and advanced study prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including teaching, research, journalism, public history, and further postgraduate study.

UEA’s vibrant academic community and dedicated support services, including academic advising and career guidance, ensure that students are well-supported throughout their studies. The university’s commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching methods makes it an attractive choice for students passionate about exploring history from multiple perspectives. Overall, the History with Foundation Year program at UEA aims to cultivate informed, analytical, and skilled graduates ready to contribute meaningfully to understanding the past and its impact on the present and future.