Course summary

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 Throughout, students take a selection of modules with significant historical content in related departments across the School of Humanities, demonstrating the widespread applicability of historical thinking and the variety of theoretical lenses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.