Undergraduate Course
War Studies and History BA (Hons)
Investigate how wars start, how they are fought and how they can change the course of history.
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This joint honours degree combines War Studies and History to give you a deep insight into the nature of war, and how it fits into historical contexts. Explore how wars have been fought through the ages, along with the wider social, cultural and political implications of conflict. On this course you will study war through the varied lenses of history, politics, sociology, philosophy and more.
100% History students responded with a 100% positivity score for how well their course developed knowledge and skills that they will need for the future. (National Student Survey 2025)
98% History students responded with a 98% positivity score for how often teaching staff make the subject engaging. (National Student Survey 2025)
York campus
- UCAS code – L2K4
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2026, September 2027
- 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 2026 entry £9,790 per year full time
International 2026 entry £12,100 per year full time
Discover studying at York St John University
War Studies
Ian Horwood introduces us to War Studies at York St John University.
History
Dr Alice Brumby introduces us to History at York St John University.
Course overview
Studying in a city with a rich history means you will have many resources on your doorstep that connect you with the past, and the marks left on North Yorkshire by historical conflicts. From the site of Britain's bloodiest battle to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, our historic location enriches your learning.
Throughout the course you will investigate the process of war, exploring how wars develop and how they are resolved. You will also discuss the wider social consequences of past conflict and consider their effect on the present day.
Through our History modules you can develop your specialism further, studying topics that focus on periods, themes or locations you are passionate about. Our academic staff are active researchers, with specialisms across British, European, Asian and American history, ranging from the Viking age and the Napoleonic Wars to the Cold War. You will have the chance to engage with some of their current research, as they explore new directions within their specialist fields.
The transferable skills you will develop on this course include analytical thinking, verbal and written communication, constructing arguments and presentation skills. You will also have the chance to gain work experience through our partnerships within the city.
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 your first semester
- 3 compulsory modules in your second semester
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.
You must choose at least 1 module from each subject every semester. 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 is your introduction to War Studies as an academic subject. You will learn about the history of the subject and familiarise yourself with some of the different approaches you will take and techniques you will use throughout the course. We will introduce you to the essential definitions and classifications of war, and you will work to understand what war is, and how and why we study it.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will tackle the complex question of why wars do or do not occur. We will introduce you to a range of historical and theoretical arguments that attempt to answer this question, and which will be relevant throughout your course. We will investigate this question through analysis of case studies ranging from ancient to present day conflicts. We will encourage you to consider broad themes across these case studies and carry out comparative analysis between them.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
War makes for dramatic headlines and engaging copy, but there is frequent and often heated debate about the power and the biases of the media in war. On this module you will explore the relationship between warfare and the media. This includes both a discussion of the representation and reporting of war in the media, and consideration of how we can use media to research and understand war.
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
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
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.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules
- 4 optional modules
You will study 3 modules per semester, but some modules can vary year on year whether they fall in semester 1 or 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.
You must choose at least 1 module from each subject every semester. 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 explores the contemporary landscape of warfare and international security, examining the evolving nature of military conflict, technological advancements, and the dynamics of global security threats.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module explores the practical, contemporary relevance of War Studies, and its application to the personal and career development of students. This is achieved through the participation of students in a work-related learning environment or setting, in this case a seminar-type wargame such as are used by governments, militaries and non-government organisations or a self-organised work placement or project.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will investigate the experience and impact of war on both civilians and soldiers. We will explore this through a series of case studies focusing on wartime experiences from York and its surrounding area. You will make use of first-hand accounts of battle and cinematic representations of combat, using these sources to explore some of the philosophical questions arising from attempts to understand and depict warfare. A series of tours and walks will help bring the historic resources on our doorstep to life.
Credits: 20
Optional 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
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
This module brings an accessible introduction to gendered and cultural sixteenth-century history into the curriculum. Women of the Tudor era offer a fascinating case study of power, autonomy and image in terms of gender and cultural history, elucidating new perspectives both on the period and on the lived experiences and mentalities of women from across society.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the history of the Soviet Union from the October Revolution in 1917 to the end of the Stalin era in 1953. It explores the radical transformation of the world’s first communist state and the emergence of an oppressive dictatorship with major international consequences. You will analyse the Soviet experiment through political, economic, social, military, and cultural perspectives, while engaging with key historiographical debates and developing primary source and critical analysis skills.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module provides an introduction to the social and cultural lives of ordinary French people during a time marked by profound change, including revolutions, colonialism, and the rise of consumer culture. Through the analysis of a range of historical documents in translation, you will investigate personal and collective experiences that have shaped nineteenth-century society and continue to influence Francophone communities today.
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 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
This module examines conflict in Europe between c.1660 and 1815, from the Restoration and the rise of Louis XIV to the end of the Napoleonic Wars. You will explore war through political, diplomatic, social, military, and cultural perspectives, considering the experiences of rulers, soldiers, civilians, and victims of violence. While focused primarily on conflicts between European powers, the module also addresses the global and imperial dimensions of warfare in the early modern world.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module introduces the Anglo-Saxon period (c.450–1066), exploring the emergence of the ‘English’ and debates over the origins of the English state. Focusing on Alfred the Great (871–899), you will examine key primary sources and interpretations of political culture and historical writing, culminating in a critique of how Anglo-Saxon England is presented to modern audiences.
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
This module will examine the traumatic modern history of China and will confront and evaluate the historiographical debates surrounding China’s revolutionary transition from the world’s oldest imperial power to a Communist state. It will consider the political, ideological, economic, military, social and cultural forces which shaped these events, paying specific attention to the concept of revolution.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the social history of Revolutionary England between c.1620 and c.1670 and investigates the extent to which the English Revolution altered early modern society. Using a range of microhistorical case studies of women, men, and places, you will explore different aspects of life during one of the country’s most politically and constitutionally turbulent and traumatic historical periods.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the history of Britain from 1945 to 1997, exploring the political, economic, social, and cultural transformations of the post-war era. Topics may include:
- The creation of the welfare state
- Consumerism and affluence
- Race relations
- Sexuality and social change
- Industrial conflict and Thatcherism
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland
- Popular culture
- The emergence of ‘Cool Britannia’ in the 1990s
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- A dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 1 compulsory module
- 3 optional modules
You will study 3 modules per semester, but some modules can vary year on year whether they fall in semester 1 or 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.
You must choose at least 1 module from each subject every semester. Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
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
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore American history, culture and politics as you consider the ideas and values behind the USA’s military past. We will investigate how Americans have experienced war, and how this experience has been represented in film, literature, music and more. Some of the topics you will encounter include:
- War and American national identity
- Early American wars of colonization
- American military strategy and leadership
- War and rhetoric in American political culture
- The Traumatic impact of war on American soldiers and veterans.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module explores the Stalingrad campaign and the wider conflict on the Eastern Front between 1942 and 1943. You will examine the military, political, and strategic dimensions of the campaign, alongside its significance for the Second World War and its enduring historical interpretations.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the cultural, social, religious, and gender history of Reformation Europe from the late fifteenth to seventeenth centuries. You will examine themes of identity, belief, and authority through primary sources and historiographical debates, while considering how the Reformation reshaped everyday life across Europe.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the Korean War as a pivotal conflict of the Cold War era. You will explore its political, military, social, and international dimensions, considering the roles of the major powers and the war’s long-term impact on global politics.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the social and cultural impact of the First World War on Britain and its empire. You will examine themes including trauma, memory, race, gender, disability, and popular culture, engaging with a wide range of primary and secondary sources. The module also considers how the war has been remembered and represented in public culture.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife in Europe between c.500 and c.1200. Through textual and material sources, you will examine themes including sainthood, dynastic succession, Christianity, and historical memory.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the lives, relationships, and experiences of individuals through personal correspondence from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. You will use letters as historical sources to investigate social change, politics, emotion, and everyday life.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines moments of trauma in American history and their impact on national memory and identity. You will explore how events have been remembered, represented, and contested, with particular attention to myth, justice, race, and historical silences.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores Europe during the Napoleonic era (c.1799-1815), examining themes such as empire, revolution, warfare, and political change. Engage with primary sources and historiographical debates to analyse the experiences of states, societies, and individuals across Europe.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the international origins of the Second World War from a global perspective. You will explore political, diplomatic, military, economic, and ideological factors shaping the actions of the major powers in the years leading to war.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and its significance in modern American history. Through analysis of primary sources, media, and competing interpretations, students explore themes of Cold War politics, conspiracy, memory, and public trust. Particular attention is given to the relationship between historical evidence, myth, and popular culture.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the political instability and conflict of fifteenth-century England during the Wars of the Roses. Examine the causes and consequences of civil war, debates over kingship and legitimacy, and the impact of political turmoil on English society.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the First and Second Indochina Wars from international and comparative perspectives. Moving beyond predominantly American interpretations, students explore the political, military, social, and cultural dimensions of conflict in Vietnam and the wider region.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the history of surveillance in early modern England from the Reformation to the Glorious Revolution. Examine how authorities and communities monitored religion, politics, and social behaviour, and consider the relationship between surveillance, power, and society.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
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 is also 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, visual material, archives, e-learning sources, and the resources of the local community and region such as museums, galleries and historic buildings.
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 War Studies and History
Studying these two subjects together gives you the option to progress onto 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
- The armed forces
- Civil service
- International aid
- Journalism
- Heritage and Tourism
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.
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers support service, Future You, can provide career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Personalised career advice
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Employer events
- Advice about internships, global opportunities and finding part time work while you study
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
T Levels
All of our undergraduate offers are made using the UCAS tariff system. We accept T Level qualifications, and you can work out how many points they are worth using the UCAS calculator above.
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.
International entry requirements
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 are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2026 entry
Subject to government approval, tuition fees for 2026 will be:
- £9,790 per year for full time study
- £4,895 per year for part time study
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 2026 entry £9,790 per year full time
International 2026 entry £12,100 per year full time
International 2026 entry
The tuition fee for 2026 entry to this course is £12,100 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 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 page.
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 military history happened
Make the most of the city you study in. York is a rich resource for the study of history and has played a vital role in several historical conflicts. You can choose modules which focus on York's religious, royal, military and industrial past.
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Combine 2 fascinating subjects
Broaden your understanding and expand your career options by studying these 2 complimentary subjects together as a joint honours degree.
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History and War Studies Blog
Follow our blog to find out more about the field trips, placements and other opportunities studying History and War Studies can offer. Check out the blog online.
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Amy War Studies and History
War Studies is a really rare degree and few other universities offer it. York St John was unique, with a small university environment offered but in a city with lots of culture and importantly for me, history. Being in York while studying a degree in War was invaluable, both within the city and in travelling distance are so many important sites, such as the Yorkshire Air Museum which we visited on a field trip.
More to explore
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Join us in 2026
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Open Days
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