Studying our past to reveal the future
Year of entry: 2019
V100
Y50
3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)
AAA or A*AB with a minimum A in History (full entry requirements)
September 2019 (term dates)
£9,250 per year (2018/19)
£17,120 per year (2019/20)
Get to know us better and find out what studying and living in York is really like.
Book nowHistory gives you an in-depth view of the world. It enhances your understanding of the forces that play a part in economies, societies, cultures, power and faith.
Historians are critical readers of evidence. They understand how to construct knowledge. They're quick to recognise context. And they're adept at constructing engaging arguments and proposing alternative solutions.
Study in detail the topics that interest you, as well as exploring themes which span across the centuries. With more than 45 academic staff, the breadth and quality of the modules we offer will ensure that you'll find your niche.
In the Times Higher Education's ranking of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework assessment, the Department was second overall for research performance.
Our courses cross the globe and take in nearly two thousand years of history, from the fall of Rome to the present day.
The BA in History progresses 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, which cultivate expertise, leading up to your 10,000-word dissertation
You can apply to study abroad during your second year, for the whole year or just a term. We also offer a four year course which includes a year abroad.
Your first year will introduce the study of History at a degree level. You'll develop research skills and study prominent periods of interest.
Core modules
Instead of the two Thinking Through History modules, you can elect to study one Languages for All module (20 credits). You can choose to start a new language, or improve your skills in a language you know already.
Option modules
You'll also choose one Period Topic module (20 credits). You'll typically have around 15 options to choose from - these options may change from year to year.
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
Your second year will be about preparing for your final dissertation and reports. You'll begin to design your project and learn how to use the tools needed to complete it. You'll also broaden your knowledge on a particular theme or period.
You'll study two Disciplines of History modules (10 credits each):
You'll take two Histories and Contexts modules (20 credits each). You'll typically be able to choose from around eight options:
You'll also take two Explorations modules (30 credits each). We usually offer around 18 options for you to choose from:
In your final year of the BA in History, you'll participate in Special Subject seminars focusing in depth on a historical process or problem. You'll also complete your dissertation, demonstrating the research skills you have learned during your time here.
You'll choose one Comparative module (40 credits), selected from around 12 options. These will allow you to examine an important theme in a comparative historical and geographical context.
You'll also choose a Special Subject module (40 credits), typically from around 16 options. These are an advanced, source-based course on specific historical topic, taught through seminars.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
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.
The fees and funding figures below are based on data from 2018 entry. If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.
| UK/EU | International |
|---|---|
| £9,250 | £17,120 |
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK, EU or international student.
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.
We offer a number of scholarships to help cover tuition fees and living costs.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
“Students from all backgrounds achieve consistently outstanding outcomes”
The TEF Panel, Office for Students, June 2018
Our Gold Teaching Excellence Framework award demonstrates our commitment to the delivery of consistently outstanding teaching and learning for our students.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. 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.
We believe that students learn better – and think better – when engaging with others.
Small group teaching remains at the core of our the BA in History, accounting for half of our first-year teaching and rising to over 80 per cent in Year 3. Our tutors work closely with small student groups in seminars and weekly discussions.
As a guide, students on this course typically spend their time as follows:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures and seminars | 168 hours | 180 hours | 108 hours |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
The rest of your time on the course will be spent on independent study. This may include preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours will vary from person to person. In UK higher education the expectation is that full-time students will spend 1200 hours a year learning.
You will be based in the Department of History on Campus West.
Over half of your teaching will take place in the Spring Lane building on campus. Other seminars and lectures will take place in buildings across Campus West.
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 campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
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 10,000-word dissertation focuses on a specific topic of your choice.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exams | 42% | 8% | 33% |
| Coursework | 58% | 92% | 67% |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
Some 60 per cent of our graduates are in employment six months after completion of their studies. Many of our students also move on to postgraduate study.
Our graduates have gone on to work in the following sectors:
York History students graduate with a wide range of valuable transferable skills. These include:
I like teaching courses that are based on my own research, such as the Explorations modules in Year 2 and the Special Subject in Year 3, which make me consider my research topics in a new light.Henrice Altink Senior Lecturer in Modern History
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| A levels | AAA or A*AB with a minimum A in History An A level in General Studies is usually excluded from conditional offers |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 39 credits at Distinction including at least 9 credits in History-related units and 6 credits at Merit or higher |
| BTEC | BTEC National Extended Diploma (QCF): DDD. We accept a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels. An additional A Level or equivalent qualification in either History or Classical Civilisation is required alongside any BTEC qualification. |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3, D3, D3 including History (in conjunction with A levels) |
| European Baccalaureate | 85 per cent overall, including 85 per cent in History |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points including Grade 6 in History at Higher Level |
| Irish leaving Certificate | H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, including H1 in History |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | AAAAA at Higher level AA at Advanced Higher level, including History |
IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all units
Pearson (Academic PTE): 61 overall with 51 in all parts
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): Grade A
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade C
To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
All applications must be made through UCAS. We also consider applications for deferred entry and requests, after taking up an offer, to take a gap year.
We encourage mature students to email the Admissions Tutor for consultation and advice.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
