Undergraduate Course
History BA (Hons)
Discover how our world has developed, how ideas spread, how states rise and fall, and how ordinary people can change the world.
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From Ancient Rome to Soviet Russia, delve into the history of a huge range of periods and places. Explore the answers to historical questions great and small in the heart of a city with a fascinating past.
100% History students responded with a 100% positivity score for how often the course is intellectually stimulating. (National Student Survey 2023)
97% History students responded with a 97% positivity score for how much they had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth. (National Student Survey 2023)
York campus
- UCAS code – V100
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – School of Humanities
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover History
Dr Alice Brumby, Lecturer in History, introduces us to History at York St John University.
Course overview
On our History degree you will have opportunities to study a broad range of periods, places and peoples, from antiquity to the 21st century. There is a lot of flexibility in this course, with a huge range of modules to choose from, allowing you to tailor your studies based on the areas of history that excite you the most. Our team are active researchers and in your final year you will work with them to explore new directions in their specialist fields.
York has played a central part in many of our country’s stories. It's been a seat of royal power and a site of rebellion. York has been home to the magnificent York Minster and industrial slums. It's been both an administrative centre and a strategic target. With a rich selection of original sources including museums, libraries and historical sites, it is an inspiring place to study.
As well as inspiring you and helping you become a skilled historical researcher, this course provides opportunities to gain work experience and transferable skills. Our History, Community and Culture module provides experience in history-related careers and includes an integrated work placement.
Throughout the course you can take advantage of our extensive partnerships with heritage sites, archives and businesses across the city. Our connections include York Museums Trust, York Explore and Yorkshire Film Archive. Through these partnerships you can explore archived treasures, create historical exhibitions and build professional networks.
You can also choose to study History alongside another subject:
History and Religion BA (Hons)
History and American Studies BA (Hons)
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. How many modules you take each semester will depend on whether you are studying full time or part time.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 optional modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop the key skills needed to be a successful historian. Focusing on analytical interpretation rather than historical narrative, this module will prepare you for independent study at degree level . You will explore how historians:
- Examine primary sources
- Write and engage with secondary sources
- Construct arguments and apply theories
- Work with established historical concepts
- Question conventions and established time periods in history
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is your introduction to the history of York, from medieval to the Regency period. Through it you will explore the city, making use of its resources, and thinking critically about how we can assess changes through time. Taking York as a case study, we will discuss social and cultural development within the city. You will also consider the dialogue between York’s evolution and changes in national and global history. We will take a thematic approach, focusing on ongoing developments such as trade, public health and religion.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will focus on how war impacts society. Examining different types of war from different periods will build your skills in comparative analysis. You will also engage with contemporary historical debates about the relationship between war and society. We will examine case studies to discuss themes such as:
- The causes of war
- Who wins wars and why
- The effect of war on technological and historical development
- The role of citizens
- The importance of the state.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to the study of historical buildings, and their role in history. You will explore how history is expressed in the built environment and how it lives on around us. Using the buildings, spaces and resources in and around York, you will immerse yourself in this important aspect of history. We will encourage you to challenge existing narratives and assumptions, as you consider the relationship between sites, history and heritage.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore how human societies and the natural world have interacted and reshaped each other through time. This involves simultaneously taking environmental, social and cultural approaches to history. You will discover how nature has influenced society and people’s understanding of their place in the world, and evaluate the impact that social developments have on environmental issues. Through this you will learn about important concepts in social history, considering contemporary approaches to gender, race, power and the history of emotions.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will give you a broad understanding of the history of the USA, from both a domestic and an international point of view. You will learn about America’s gradual emergence as a leading international power, economically, militarily and politically. We will explore historical developments in the American experience, including political, social and economic changes. You will consider the continuing tension between unity and diversity in American history, exploring topics such as the Civil War, industrialisation, consumer culture, foreign policy and immigration.
Credits: 20
Optional module
The 20th Century was defined by conflict, but it also saw the spread of democracy and the construction of international organisations dedicated to the preservation of peace. On this module you will explore these contradictions as you study international history from 1900 to the present day, focusing on case studies of major crises. You will analyse these with reference to some of the main themes in recent international history, including:
- Imperialism
- Decolonisation
- International law
- Democracy and dictatorship
- Terrorism
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 1 compulsory module and 2 optional modules in semester 1
- 1 compulsory module and 2 optional modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module builds on the Year 1 module Research and Presenting the Past, allowing you to develop your research skills even further. You will conduct project work in groups and engage in independent research that will prepare you for the dissertation module in your final year. We will discuss the importance of primary sources for understanding an event, period or theme. This may include opportunities to work with local archives. We will also look in detail at various schools of historical theory and methodology.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is a great opportunity to improve your employability and start thinking about your career. You will consider how history, and the skills you have developed by studying it, relate to potential career paths. As part of this module you will participate in a 75 hour work placement. You will need to secure this placement yourself with staff support, but you can take advantage of the many connections we have established with heritage organisations in York and the wider region.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Despite the horrors of the Black Death, devastation of famine and ravages of the Hundred Years War, 14th century England was also sparkled with artistic and literary achievement. On this module you will explore the ideals and ideas existing alongside the trauma of conflict to understand the complexities of the period. You will assess developments in political culture to better understand the challenges and achievements of the period.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Examine early modern English Society from the beginning of the Reformation in the 1540s to the Restoration in the 1660s. This module explores how people negotiated their everyday lives in a world that was becoming ever more watchful of their political loyalties and personal morality. You will investigate this period through a range of primary sources, engaging with them in creative ways to understand the everyday lived experiences of the time. These could include:
- State papers
- Court records
- Petitions
- Documents relating to parish life
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will take a gendered and cultural approach to 16th century British history. This is a fascinating period to study the changes in power, autonomy and image of women. You will find new perspectives on a much discussed period in history, exploring how political and religious movements affected the lived experiences of women from across society. We will consider how these women presented themselves, and how they have been represented since.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will study the history of the Soviet Union, from the October Revolution in 1917 to the collapse of the Soviet experiment in 1991. In doing so you will identify the underlying reasons for both the rise and the fall of the Soviet state, as well as assessing its impact on the rest of the world. You will examine Soviet communism from various different perspectives, taking in political, economic, social, military and cultural history.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will study the Victorian period from a social and cultural historical angle. We explore food and eating from various overlapping perspectives. You will consider how food and eating were shaped by broad historical changes such as:
- Colonialism
- Industrialisation
- Science and technology
- Medical advancements
- Print culture
You will examine cookbooks as historical documents, along with other primary sources relating to food production and consumption in Britain, France and their empires. Through case studies you will engage with debates about the connections between food and everyday life, class, gender, race and civilisation.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will focus on the experience of African Americans both as enslaved people and slavery and in the years following the abolition of slavery. You will learn about the origins, development and abolition of slavery in the USA, assessing the impact and nature of the American slave system. We will frame these discussions through the contemporary responses of both African Americans and white Americans concerning slavery, relationships between races after slavery ended, and the emergence of cultural expression among African Americans.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will give you the opportunity to explore a range of creative nonfiction texts including:
- Memoir
- Biography
- The creative essay
- Hybrid forms
- Nature writing
You will develop your understanding of voice, structure and audience in relation to these forms and consider the blurred lines between fact and fiction in nonfiction writing. By viewing, reading a range of nonfictional texts we will ask you to make to produce your own creative nonfiction texts.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will examine the contemporary history of the United States. It confronts and evaluate the historical debates surrounding major issues and sources of division in the United States since 9/11, and will examine the social and political forces which have shaped subsequent historical and popular cultural portrayals of key historical events and issues.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will learn about the social and political history of Britain from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 until the crowning of Queen Victoria. This was a period of enormous political, social and economic change, which also saw Britain rapidly assuming a leading position amongst the world’s major powers. Topics you cover may include:
- The Hanoverian succession
- The Jacobite rebellion
- Imperial expansion
- Industrialisation
- Trade, commerce and capitalism, including the slave trade
- The American Revolution
- The Napoleonic Wars
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will examine, confront and evaluate the historical debates surrounding the American Civil War. You will learn about the campaigns and strategies of the war itself, as well as its social and political impact and its lasting cultural legacy. You will also consider the social and political forces that have shaped how this period has been retold in historical and pop culture representations. This will open wider discussion about how wars are remembered and commemorated.
Credits: 20
Optional module
The 1960s were a turbulent time for the USA. President Lyndon Johnson was embarking on a series of reforms aiming to create “the Great Society” at the same time as the seemingly endless war in Vietnam. It was also a time of great achievements, with America leading the first moon landings. Topics you will cover on this module include:
- The image and domestic policies of the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon presidencies
- Radicalism and dissent, including counterculture, urban riots and student protests
- The domestic impact of the Vietnam War
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will examine the traumatic history of China throughout the lifetime of Mao Zedong. You will confront and evaluate the historical debates surrounding China’s transition from the world’s oldest imperial power to a revolutionary Communist state. In doing so you will consider the political, ideological, economic, military, social and cultural forces that shaped these events. Given China's modern status as a major world power, learning about its turbulent past and Mao's legacy will help you to understand wider global developments.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will focus on the Roman Empire in the first century AD, exploring what life was really like under imperial rule across society and across the empire. This will mean looking in depth at famous figures like Tiberius, Caligula and Nero, known for their violence and cruelty, as well as those like Vespasian whose legacy is more favourable. You will engage closely with different kinds of primary materials, including written sources but also archaeology, art, coins and inscriptions.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will have the chance to get involved with some of the research taking place within our department. The content will be different every year, depending on the current research taking place in the academic team, the resources available and what you and your course mates are interested in. This is an opportunity to be part of our ongoing contribution to historical knowledge and to build your research skills before starting your dissertation in the final year.
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- A Dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 optional modules in semester 1
- 2 optional modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory
This year long module will involve working independently to research a topic of your choice, using primary sources, cultural literature and advanced secondary sources. It is the culmination of your degree studies, and your chance to explore a topic that you are passionate about. A dissertation supervisor will help you define and develop your project throughout the year.
Credits: 20
Optional module
These modules are an opportunity to study a specialist areas within your chosen historical era. The topics are closely related to staff research interest, meaning your work will be aligned with current research. This will help you develop your skills in research and historical investigation.
Through these special subject modules you can choose to explore topics such as:
- The Fall of the Roman Republic
- The War of the Roses
- The English Revolution
- Britain against Napoleon
- The Korean War
- The Russian Revolution
- The Vietnam War
- Reagan and his America
- The Social and cultural history of the First World War
- International Origins of the Second World War
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
On this course you will experience many different teaching methods and techniques. From lectures and interactive workshops to seminars, we encourage both independent and collaborative learning. As well as working with others, you will have opportunities for 1 to 1 meetings with tutors, who will provide you with additional support.
Your learning will also be enhanced through field trips within the historic city of York to uncover the past in our archives and the built environment all around us.
You will typically study 3 modules each semester. Each module will normally have 3 hours of contact time each week, so you will have a minimum of 9 hours each week of teaching.
Alongside your timetabled contact time, you will need to study independently. This will ensure that you get the most out of your degree, as well as building valuable time management skills.
We encourage you to use the widest possible range of resources for your studies, including:
- Books
- Journals
- Primary sources
- Visual material
- Archives
- The resources of the local community and region, such as museums, galleries and historic buildings
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout your degree. This includes:
- Essays
- Primary source exercises
- Reviews
- Site reports
- Open and closed examination
- Reflective pieces
- Coursework portfolios
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in History
A degree in History can lead to a wide variety of different career paths. This course teaches you to solve complex problems through independent critical thinking, use varied sources of information to form conclusions and present your arguments both verbally and in writing. These are valuable skills in diverse professional settings.
This degree could be the first step toward your career in:
- Historical research
- Heritage and tourism
- Historic building conservation
- Public sector
- Archives and curation
- Librarianship
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate degrees at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Where history happened
Make the most of the city you study in. York is a rich resource for the study of history. You can choose modules which focus on York's religious royal, military and industrial past.
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Community placements
From creating exhibitions about York's Roman past to producing online resources that depict York's filmed history, our connections with local organisations mean you can work on city-focused projects.
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Learning beyond the classroom
Explore historical evidence up close with visits to Richmond Castle, Rievaulx Abbey and the Second World War bomber base in Elvington.
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History and American Studies Blog
Follow our blog to find out more about the field trips, placements and other opportunities studying History and American Studies can offer you.
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Fiona History
I loved the modules I studied. I was very interested in studying the Victorian period, so I was glad there were several modules that covered this. But, maybe more importantly, the modules which I didn’t expect to engage with as much ended up broadening my interests. I have especially discovered a love of American history. The size of the History department made me feel completely at ease about approaching my lecturers for advice on my work and my progress, for feedback and discussions about the modules.
Andrew History
The History course at York John was perfect for me, covering a vast range of periods of history and allowing you to focus in on particular topics and periods as you study. I learnt loads of new history whilst being able to go in depth on new and already known topics, including writing essays on the Hillsborough Disaster, JFK’s assignation, castles and the Hundred years war. ALL of the lecturers are extremely helpful and lecturers are always available for advice and further information on topics.
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Emma History
The best part about studying History at York St John is how you are always encouraged to use the skills we learn in seminars and apply them to the world around you. Considering York is visibly and materially bursting with history dating back to the Roman settlement there is plenty to explore, and with archives and museums to allow you to really discover some of the city's past. Studying History has changed the way I look at the world entirely and in the best way possible. I have an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement in myself as a person and as a historian, and this would not be possible without York St John's attitude in providing equal opportunities and in bringing out the best in their students no matter their circumstances or background.
More to explore
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Join us in 2024
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Open Days
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