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BA (Hons) History/Economics
Learn how studying the past can help us predict market futures
Year of entry: 2026/27
Show year of entry: 2025/26
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Join two highly-performing departments and graduate as a creative and analytical problem solver.
Economics uses theory and empirical evidence to explain the dynamism of economic systems. History seeks to understand social, political, and intellectual shifts. We can use these to determine the causes and consequences of economic trends.
This course brings these disciplines together. You'll use the past to examine economic problems societies face today. Join two highly-performing departments and graduate as a creative and analytical problem solver.

It's been a long journey, and I always emphasize that it started at York, where I learned so much of the economics I've used throughout my career.
Professor Daron AcemoÄŸlu (BA Economics, 1989; Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences, 2024)
Course content
Your modules in History progress from broad to specialised topics. Core modules in the first year introduce you to the broad sweep of history across time and place and historical problems. You develop this in the following years, cultivating your expertise, and - if you choose - leading up to an 8,000-word dissertation in your final year.
In Economics, you'll be introduced to key topics during Year 1. Years 2 and 3 will enable you to consolidate and expand upon this knowledge via a series of study modules which have been developed to give you a thorough understanding of the subject.
Year 1
Your first year introduces several economic theories, in addition to covering basic historical perspectives on markets and economic trends.
Core modules
Option modules
You will study three option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
- Foundations of Economic Theory OR Maths for Economists
- Knowledge and Belief in World History OR an elective module
- Quantitative Methods OR Probability and Statistics
Academic integrity module
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Learning outcomes
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Learning outcomes for this course
- Communicate in-depth understandings of historical scholarship, including the historical development of contemporary economic systems and institutions, and apply concepts and principles derived from economics to the interpretation of the past.
- Approach problems in a critical and questioning fashion, including the evaluation of existing arguments, economic models and methods, and the assessment of the value and significance of different forms of data and evidence.
- Engage with a range of theoretical and conceptual perspectives on economic systems and make comparisons and connections between the economic features of different periods, places and societies at a local and global level.
- Explore the causes of a historical or contemporary issue and make predictions, including identifying useful social, economic and financial data, constructing meaningful questions, deploying models, and applying mathematical methods and tools.
- Move at ease between a variety of information types, including material culture, visual imagery and databases with particular strengths in understanding and deploying information from texts and statistical, econometric and computer data.
- Convey complex ideas with clarity and precision and make sophisticated, original and persuasive arguments or predictions based on qualitative evidence, modelling techniques and data analysis.
- Manage time and work load effectively in order to complete a project or execute a programme alone or in collaboration with others.
- Use insights gained from the study of the factors that have shaped the economic life of different societies across history, and around the world, to engage constructively and critically with the political, cultural, social and economic aspects of contemporary debate and policy making.

We have alumni that come back and speak to us and let us know about what career journey they've been on and where they've ended up now. They share loads of different opportunities, which has been amazing!
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
UK (home) | International and EU |
---|---|
£9,535 | £27,250 |
UK (home) or international fees?
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Fees for subsequent years
- UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
- International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
More information
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
Additional costs
You will have to pay for the cost of printing some assignments for submission as assessed work in Years 2 and 3.
Funding
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.
- UK government loans
- UK scholarships and bursaries
- International scholarships
- Country-specific funding
- US loans
Department funding
York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial
Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.
* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Teaching and assessment
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Teaching format
We focus on small-group teaching that is interactive and engaging. This includes lecturers, seminars, discussion groups, specialist workshops and field trips.
Timetabled activities
In your first year, you can expect:
Lectures | 7 hours per week |
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Seminars | 3 hours per week |
Workshops | 3 hours |
Practicals | 0-2 hours per week |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
Teaching location
You will be based in both the Department of History and the Department of Economics and Related Studies on Campus West. Your teaching will take place in a variety of locations on Campus West.
About our campus
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
Assessment and feedback
Your first-year work doesn't contribute toward your final marks. We recognise that students are only beginning to develop over the course of their degree.
From Year 2 onward, formal assessments contribute toward your degree. In your third year, your optional 8,000-word dissertation focuses on a specific topic of your choice.
- Before formal assessment in many modules, you'll carry out procedural work. You will receive extensive written feedback, which will help you in your formal assessment.
- Assessments range from research essays, to collaborative projects, to open 'take-home' examinations.
- Your optional final-year dissertation should be a topic that is interesting to you. Don't be afraid to explore.
Careers and skills
The History and Economics degree develops skills that are highly valued by employers. Our graduates are adept at engaging in argument and proposing alternative solutions. The mix of abstract thought and quantitative techniques develops excellent technical skills for solving complex problems.
See what our graduates are doing
Career opportunities
Our graduates have gone on to work in sectors such as:
- Law
- Accountancy
- Banking and investments
- Teaching
- Politics, diplomacy and government
- Finance
- Commerce and public relations
Transferable skills
You'll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills. These include:
- critical and analytical thinking
- pattern recognition and problem solving
- excellent communication skills
- time management
- independent, high-level research skills
- experience in working with different information types

York is a beautiful city. It’s quite a privilege to spend your days encountering that history, stumbling around incredibly long cobbled streets! I really miss it as a place. That’s why I’ve loved coming back for the past nine years to give talks – it feels like coming full circle.
Public Historian & Podcast Host
Entry requirements
Qualification | Typical offer |
---|---|
A levels | AAA including Mathematics and either History or Classical Civilisation |
Access to Higher Education Diploma | 39 credits at Distinction including at least 9 credits in History-related units and 9 credits in Mathematics and 6 credits at Merit or higher. |
BTEC National Extended Diploma | DDD with additional A Levels or equivalent qualifications in either History or Classical Civilisation and Mathematics at grade A. |
European Baccalaureate | 85% overall, including 85% in History and 85% in Mathematics |
International Baccalaureate | 36 points, including 6 at Higher Level in both History and Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations). |
T levels | We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless additional A Levels (or equivalent qualifications) in History and Mathematics have been taken. |
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | Advanced Highers - AB in History and Mathematics plus
Scottish Highers - AB
We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications. |
International foundation programme | Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative. |
Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
Alternative offers
Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.
Criteria | Adjustment |
---|---|
Widening participation | If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities. More about widening participation. |
Contextual offer | ABB including A in either History or Classical Civilisation and a B in Maths |
EPQ | If you achieve A or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
Qualification | Minimum requirement |
---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component |
IB English | A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level) |
Cambridge CEFR | 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component |
Oxford ELLT | 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component |
Duolingo | Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component |
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) | Grade C / Grade 4 |
LanguageCert SELT | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
LanguageCert Academic | B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
Kaplan Test of English Language | 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component |
Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
PTE Academic | 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component |
TOEFL | 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component |
Trinity ISE III | Merit in all components |
Other English language qualifications | We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates. |
For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.
If you haven't met our English language requirements
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Next steps
Contact us
Get in touch if you have any questions
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