BA (Hons) History
Explore major themes in the political, economic, and cultural history of Britain and Europe from the 1500s to today.
Apply Now
Course overview
Buckingham Open Day
Get to know Buckingham! Tour our campus, attend a subject session, and chat to staff and students.
18 January 2025
FIND OUT MOREAbout the course
History is one of the most popular subjects among UK university students, and with good reason. Having a historical perspective enables people to make sense of today’s rapidly changing world. Employers like it because history teaches you to think for yourself, to work under pressure, and to construct a coherent argument from the evidence. Historical research has never been more exciting than it is today, with the internet making available so many treasures from the archives.
Our BA History programme has been carefully designed and fine-tuned by Buckingham’s team of experienced and high-calibre historians. Students begin with survey courses covering major themes in the political, economic, and cultural history of Britain and Europe from the 1500s to today. They then advance to more specialised subjects including empire, global migration, and heritage studies.
Throughout, students take a selection of modules with significant historical content in related departments across the School of Humanities, demonstrating the widespread applicability of historical thinking and the variety of theoretical lenses from which History can be approached. The degree culminates in an independent dissertation, utilising skills that have built up over the entire period of study at Buckingham. So the programme not only teaches history; it hones your skills of analysis, independent thinking, and oral and written communication.
View course modules
+
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirements for History are A-level : BBB-BBC , IB:31-32 or equivalent qualifications.
Applications are individually considered by the Admissions Office and other factors may be taken into account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply. Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken in to consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Foundation options are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@buckingham.ac.uk or +44 (0)1280 820227) for more information. Applications to Buckingham are individually considered by the Admissions Tutor and other factors may be taken in to account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply, including if you have a mix of BTEC and A levels. Equivalent A level grades are also accepted (for example BBD equivalent to BCC)
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken in to consideration and result in a slightly lower A-level grade offer.
Foundation options are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office using our contact form or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227 for more information.
Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent). If English is not your first language you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each component).
Flexible entry
Our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications, if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions team.
UCAS and direct applications
You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system, or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
ENGLISH LEVELS
If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
SELECTION PROCESS
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or via our contact form.
STUDENT CONTRACT FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract
Teaching and assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom can also offer networking opportunities for students outside of the academy.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Some of our modules offer Many of our modules offer the opportunity of work placements and experience outside of the classroom.
After your course
By studying History at Buckingham you will gain comprehensive knowledge that can be adapted to a wide range of careers. It gives you an ideal preparation for careers in professions such as law, diplomacy, international business, journalism, politics and education, as well as the academic grounding to pursue further studies in History or other subjects in the Humanities and Social Sciences, including Politics, International Relations, Global Affairs, and Economics.
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
What our students and alumni say:
“Doing a History degree at The University of Buckingham provided me with a solid foundation for going forward with my career – and a passion for learning that remains undimmed five years after graduation. The teaching staff truly made each lecture come alive with rich detail, anecdotes, and passion. For those considering studying History, the University of Buckingham is an outstanding choice for both enjoyment of the subject and going forward in life” – Alex
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
How to apply
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.
Apply direct
Apply online from this page as:
- The most flexible option.
- You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
- There are no application fees.
- Apply as an additional option to your UCAS courses.
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button below.
Apply via UCAS
Alternatively, if you do not wish to apply directly with us, you can apply via UCAS where you can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices.
Do bear in mind that the application and decision deadline are set by UCAS and there is an application fee to UCAS.