War Studies and History BA (Hons)

York has played a central part in many of our country’s stories. It has been a seat of royal power and a site of rebellion. York has been both an administrative centre and a strategic target. This makes it a unique place to study War and History. You will have a range of resources on your doorstep, connecting you with the past of both York and the wider region. 

You will have the opportunity to explore the marks left on North Yorkshire by conflicts of the past. From the site of Britain's bloodiest battle to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, our historic location enriches your learning. 

On this course, you will investigate the process of war. Explore how they develop and how they're resolved. Discuss the wider social consequences of past conflict and consider their effect on the present day. Our History modules allow you to develop your specialism further. Choose to research periods, themes or locations that you are passionate about.

We also offer War Studies combined with other subjects. Explore more:

• International Relations and War Studies BA (Hons)
• Politics and War Studies BA (Hons) 

Year 1

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. In each semester you will take 3 modules. 

On the first year of this course, you will: 

• Take 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in your first semester 
• Take 1 compulsory module and 2 optional modules in your second semester. 

If you are studying part time, your first year modules will be split over two years. 

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Programme Specifications for this course. 

Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. Not all modules may run every year and all modules are subject to change. 

Year 2 

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. In each semester you will take 3 modules.

On the second year of this course, you will:

• Take 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in your first semester
• Take 1 compulsory module and 2 optional modules in your second semester.

If you are studying part time, your second year modules will be split over two years. 

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Programme Specifications for this course. 

Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. Not all modules may run every year and all modules are subject to change.

Year 3 

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. In your final year, you will study: 

• A dissertation module that you will work on across both semesters. 
• Two special subject modules per semester. These modules are subject to availability and reflect staff interests. This means the specific topic may change from time to time, but examples are below.

If you are studying part time, your third year modules will be split over two years.

You can find out more about the structure of your final year on the Programme Specifications for this course.

Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. Not all modules may run every year and all modules are subject to change.

We encourage both independent and collaborative working. You will work with your peers and teaching team to discuss ideas and debate contemporary issues. On this joint honours course, you will experience a range of teaching methods. These include:

• Lectures
• Interactive workshops and seminars with other students.
• One-to-one tutorials with tutors.

War studies modules provide either 22 or 33 hours of class contact time in total. In class, you will examine arguments made by War Studies scholars. You will interrogate primary sources in print and in other media. You will learn how to advance your own argument and think critically about issues related to war and peace. We support your class contact time with open learning strategies. These range from interaction with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to independent and group study. Outside of class contact time, we expect you to engage in independent study. 

When you arrive, we will assign you an academic tutor. You can go to them throughout your studies for help and support. This system is part of wider academic and wellbeing support at the University. 

On this joint honours course, we use a wide range of assessment methods. These include:

• Essays
• Reviews
• Exams
• Coursework portfolios

During the final year of your degree, you will complete a research dissertation on a subject of your choice. This is your chance to deploy the key analytical skills gained over your degree so far.

Choosing a degree in History and War Studies can help you achieve your career ambitions. Employers value the research, analytical and communication skills you will gain while studying with us.

With these skills, you could pursue a career in heritage and tourism, archiving, library work or teaching. You could continue to postgraduate level study and pursue a research career. Our International History MA could be the perfect choice for you. 

This degree can prepare you for a career as an:

• Archivist
• Heritage Manager
• Historic Buildings inspector
• Conservation Officer
• Museum Education Officer
• Museum Curator
• Museum exhibitions Officer
• Secondary School Teacher. 

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad, is a personal career path designed to give you an employability journey tailored to you. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interviews
• Work experience and volunteer opportunities
• Personalised career advice.

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice wherever you are on your career path.

We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way, on your terms.

Qualifications

The minimum entry requirements for this course are:

• 104 UCAS Tariff points
• 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.

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 your first language is not English you must show evidence of English language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Foundation Year

This course is available with a foundation year. This option is ideal if you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto a degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education. A foundation year prepares you for degree level study, giving you the confidence and skills needed to make the most of your course. Passing it guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.

Foundation courses

Personal statements

Essential criteria

• A strong standard of written English
• Interest and enthusiasm for the subject. For example, this could be via studying related A Levels, or through relevant work experience or placements.

APEL policy

If you can't meet these minimum requirements it may be possible to take into account evidence of Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) as an alternative method of meeting the programme’s entry requirements. In such a case, appropriate references and records of employment might be presented to support the applicant’s case for admission.

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 EU, or internationally (outside the UK/EU). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK and EU 2021 entry

The tuition fee for 2021 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/EU, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.

Funding Opportunities

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

International 2021 entry

The tuition fee for 2021 entry to this course is £12,750 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK/EU.

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.

International Fees and Funding

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

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

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. 

All undergraduates receive financial support through the York St John Aspire card. Find out more about the Aspire scheme and how it can be used to help you purchase equipment you need for your course. 

Aspire Card