BA History

About this course

History is one of the foundational disciplines of the humanities, concerned with understanding how the world came to be the way it is by studying the human past in all its complexity. It is a discipline that develops both detailed knowledge of particular periods and places and a set of general skills in reading evidence critically, constructing arguments and communicating clearly. History teaches you to hold competing interpretations in mind, to ask where our knowledge comes from and how reliable it is, and to understand the present by understanding how it was shaped. At York St John this programme is offered part time, making it accessible alongside work and other commitments. The degree incorporates a foundation element to build academic skills, a sandwich year for professional experience, a year abroad for an international perspective, and embedded work placement opportunities. York is a city with one of the richest and most varied historical pasts in Britain, from its Roman, Viking and medieval heritage to its role in the English Reformation and the industrial revolution, and that context enriches the learning environment in ways that few other locations can. You will explore a wide range of periods and places, developing the research and analytical skills that the discipline demands while deepening your knowledge of particular themes and periods. History graduates are valued for the quality of the analytical and communication skills their degree develops, and they move into a remarkably wide range of careers. Common destinations include teaching, the civil service, law, journalism, publishing, museums and archives, heritage management, politics, business and the charitable sector. The critical thinking and research skills the degree builds are transferable to almost any professional context that values careful reasoning and persuasive communication. For those who want to continue their studies, postgraduate work in history, heritage studies, archival science, law or public policy is a natural continuation, and academic careers in history remain a well-established pathway for those who pursue research at doctoral level.

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