History
Take a journey into the past and explore what it means for our present and future. Discover epoch-making developments from histories around the world.
On our BA (Hons) History degree we’ll take you on a journey into the past, looking at the histories of Britain, Europe, the United States and other parts of the world from 1500 onwards. You’ll encounter major historical figures from Henry VIII to Martin Luther King, and explore epoch-making transitions in human experience such as the development of empires, industrialisation and new technology.
Together, we’ll explore major themes such as the impact of revolutions, imperialism and democracy, at the same time exploring the history of everyday life, including changes in the home, consumerism and popular culture. You won’t just study Hitler and Stalin, but also topics such as James Bond and popular literature too.
Reach for the skies
History graduate Charles reveals how he turned his degree into a career as Senior Aviation Analyst and Forecaster for Jane’s.
Read Charles's story-
Build skills that take you into the world of work, including research and data analysis
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Learn to communicate using different formats, from the printed page to podcasts, webpages and exhibitions
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Carry out research in Cambridge’s museums and archives and go on European field trips
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Learn from trained historians with an international reputation for the work they publish
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Attend talks by leading historians and other experts
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Take a placement year, or seek a placement alongside your studies, and solve real-world challenges through live briefs set by local employers
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Course options
Key facts
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- The Growth of the USA: Race, Politics and Conflict, 1776-1900
- Faiths and Fury: The Early Modern Age in Britain and the Western World
- A History of Now
- Writing European History
- Into ARU
- Britain in the 19th century
- Welfare State to European State: Britain 1906-1975
- From World War to Cold War
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- The British Empire 1783-1919 *
- The United States in the 20th Century *
- Hanging, Prisons and Community Service: Crime and Punishment in Britain throughout the Ages *
- Professional Placement *
- Battles Barricades and Ideas - Historians and Europe's Age of Revolution *
- Leisure and Popular Culture in Britain, 1800 to the Present *
- Anglia Language Programme (15 credits) *
- Undergraduate Major Project - History
- From Workhouses to Universal Credit: The Past, Present and Future of the British Welfare State
- Victorian London
- The Making of Modern Media
- The Era of Thatcher and Blair *
- From Communism to Consumerism: Russia since 1917 *
- Hitler to the Hashtag: Political Communication in Peace and War *
- A Global History of Government and Society, 1945-1999 *
- Gender and Sexuality in Britain: 1880-2000 *
- Anglia Language Programme (15 credits) *
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Foundation in Humanities, English, Media, Social Sciences and Education
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work Placement - Humanities and Social Sciences
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Professor Rohan McWilliamProfessor
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Dr Jonathan DavisAssociate Professor
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Professor Lucy BlandProfessor
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Dr Richard CarrAssociate Professor
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Dr Joseph HarleySenior Lecturer
Student experience
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Dr Joseph Hartley explains how the popular image of the workhouse might be inaccurate in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Richard Carr discusses the political implications of Charlie Chaplin's film The Great Dictator in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Prof Lucy Bland discusses the impact of the 1960s on gender equality in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Facilities
Benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including a huge range of digital resources to sustain your research. You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
All our History students have the opportunity to carry out research in Cambridge’s museums and archives, go on European field trips, or study abroad for a semester with funding available to help cover the cost.
Studying in the ancient university city of Cambridge will also give you access to many more resources, libraries and institutions both in the city and beyond.
Careers
What can you do with a BA (Hons) History degree? The answer: Almost anything! Former ARU History graduates are now at work in the civil service, teaching, museums and heritage management, the police, the armed forces as well as other rewarding and enjoyable jobs.
You’ll also become skilled in data analysis, research, critical thinking and complex problem solving.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Master's, such as our MA History or MA International Relations. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Daisy Murray-Smith
"I loved the lectures and the discussions in seminars, not only because I was interested in the subject, but because you could see how passionate the lecturers were."
Daisy Murray-SmithBA (Hons) History graduate and Records Officer with Surrey Police
Daisy's storyEntry Requirements
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Apply for History
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