History Undergraduate degree
Course also available with Foundation Year
Taught by our team of world-class historians, this degree programme covers a vast range of periods, from the Viking conquests, through Tudor England to the collapse of Communism, and Brexit.
Start Date:
September 2023
Entry Tariff:
Year 1 entry: 112 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Foundation Year entry: 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Degree Type:
BA (single honours)
Duration:
3 years (full-time)
4 years (full-time) if opting for the additional placement year
4 years (full-time) if opting for Foundation Year entry
UCAS Code:
V100
V101 (if choosing Foundation Year)
School:
Entry Requirements
Entry tariff:
Year 1 entry: 112 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Degree with Foundation Year
Foundation Year entry: 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
We welcome applications from students studying T Levels.
For all courses we also accept a wide range of other qualifications and experience. Contact us to find out more.
When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements. Find out more about our Contextual Offer scheme.
General entry requirements:
Why this course
The 2022 Guardian University Guide ranks Roehampton 9th in the UK for history, ahead of Warwick, Bristol and Manchester universities.
Learn traditional research skills alongside a range of digital literacies and the latest methods for uncovering the past.
Taught by an exceptionally supportive team of lecturers - the 2022 National Student Survey puts Roehampton's BA History in the top three in the UK for student support.
Course and Module Details
Overview:
Ranked in the top 10 in the UK, BA History at Roehampton gives you the chance to study over 3,000 years of our past; and the option of a paid one-year work placement.
Taught by our team of world-class historians, you will cover a vast range of periods, from the Viking conquests, through Tudor England to the collapse of Communism, and the events that laid the path to Brexit.
Geographically, the curriculum is equally expansive, taking in the Americas, the British World, Europe, Africa and Asia. Interested in Islam and Women? The Vikings? Or early modern magic? This degree lets you focus on the areas of history that inspire you most.
You'll get real-world experience, and work placement and internship opportunities, and build the skills needed to open the door to many rewarding careers. Working alongside world-class scholars, you will also develop your own identity as a historian and your own research interests. If you're looking to understand the issues the world faces today by learning from the past, and are ready to develop the skills that employers seek, this degree is for you.
How you will learn
Our history degree is designed to build on your education by developing you as an individual and supporting your aspirations. You will learn to understand history in different ways, giving you a new perspective and challenging your views.
Develop key critical and analytical skills, and gain the confidence to present your arguments and debate ideas. Studying history in the 21st century requires digital literacies as well as traditional research skills, and at Roehampton you will learn the latest methods for uncovering the past.
We foster a supportive environment built on strong student-staff relationships and an environment that helps you to thrive, whatever your background. You will learn through engaging lectures and seminars and also have one-on-one tutorials, personal guidance meetings, and extracurricular activities to allow you to develop your experience outside the classroom.
The books and documentaries produced by our historians are reflected in your lessons and your contributions often become part of the dialogue that informs staff research. Take up opportunities to study abroad, undertake a work placement, meet visiting scholars from around the world, and join fellow students on field trips at home and overseas. You can also join the student-led Roehampton Historical Society and contribute your own ideas.
Schedule by year of study
Year one
- Learn all the fundamental aspects of historical research across a broad range of topics.
- Develop skills that will be invaluable throughout your degree, and put them to the test while exploring the history of Europe, from medieval times to the modern day, North and South America, Africa and Asia.
Year two
- Take greater control of your studies, choosing the modules you take and following the interests you developed in year one.
- Module choices are diverse, ranging from medical history to political history, race relations to class struggle, and there are opportunities to study abroad and take a work placement.
Year three
- The only compulsory module in your third year is your dissertation, which you’ll work on under the guidance of your supervisor. What you research, and the approach you take, is up to you.
- Choose all the other modules you take this year. We offer a huge range, from Islam and Women, to a module that looks at the economic and social effects the Vikings had on the areas they conquered.
Course subject to curriculum review
Placement Year
This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost your employability even further. If you choose this route, you will take the placement following year two of your course, and then return to complete your degree.
Why take a placement?
A placement year is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable work experience, to build on the career skills we will teach you on this degree. The connections you make on the placement will improve your career prospects further, and equip you with the skills you need to secure graduate-level employment.
How we support you
The University’s Placement and Work Experience Team are experts at helping you to secure a placement. They will work closely with you from the start, helping you research potential employers, discover placement opportunities, create and pitch your CV, and will coach you to perform well in interviews. We aren't able to guarantee a placement, but our sector-leading advisors will give you the best possible chance of securing one.
Find out more about how we'll support you
We understand that your plans might change once you start your programme. If you decide not to do a placement, you will have the option of completing the three year version of your programme.
Whatever your choice, you will have access to many opportunities for work experience through our Placement and Work Experience Team, and access to face-to-face and 24/7 online careers support.
Modules
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Foundation Year
This course is offered as a degree with foundation year - a four-year programme which provides an additional foundation year at the beginning of the degree, that will give you academic and practical experience, as well as the skills you need to ensure you are equipped to successfully complete your chosen degree.
Start date:
September 2023
Entry tariff:
Foundation Year entry: 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
UCAS Code:
V101
Modules
The following modules form the foundation year of this degree.
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Tuition fees and funding
September 2023 entry tuition fees
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
September 2023 funding
Study Abroad
This course has the option of studying abroad as part of your degree in your second semester of second year.
With Roehampton Abroad scholarships of up to £1,000 and Turing Scheme funding available, you could spend a semester at one of our partner universities across the globe, with destinations including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.
Find out more about where your degree could take you here.
Career Options
You will graduate equipped to succeed in a wide range of careers, including publishing, broadcasting, law, the charity sector, accountancy and teaching.
History graduates have vital skills that make them attractive to employers, including confidence, adaptability and the capacity to work with people from all walks of life. It's no wonder that history graduates become prime ministers, top lawyers, documentary film makers, museum curators, cultural heritage managers, teachers, economists, and business leaders.
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. They will help you build your CV, prepare for interview, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers. You’ll have lots of opportunity to work with our partners across London and beyond, and also to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.
How to apply
Undergraduate programmes
You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.
- Home (UK) students – apply through UCAS (Roehampton UCAS institution code is R48)
- International students – apply using our direct application form.
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Detailed advice on applying for an undergraduate degree is available in the FAQs section below.
Application process FAQs
How do I apply?
If you are applying to us for a full-time degree or extended degree programme, you will need to apply online through UCAS, or direct, depending on the start date of your course and your fee status. Please see tabs above. And don't hesitate to contact us at the same time. Either fill in an online enquiry form, or contact us at the details below!
This is the official applications service for the UK, and they will send your application details to each of the universities you have listed on your application.
When you register with UCAS, you will also receive a username and password so that you can access your application at a later date.
It is very important that you enter the correct institution code (for Roehampton this is R48) and course code for each choice. These can be found on the relevant course pages on our website.
Contact us directly if you have any questions.
What is Roehampton’s UCAS institution code?
The Roehampton UCAS institution code is R48.
What is a buzzword?
Your school, college or centre will give you a buzzword so you can link your application to them. You add this word to your application when you register to make an undergraduate application.
If you are applying independently, without a school or college, you do not need a buzzword.
What if I’m not at school/college?
If you are no longer at school or college you will need to apply to university as an independent applicant. When you register with UCAS they will give you a username and password so that you can complete your application whenever you like.
You will need to complete the online application, including your personal statement and will also need to supply a reference from someone who knows you well, and is able to write about why you are suitable for higher education.
It is very important that you enter the correct institution code (for Roehampton this is R48) and course code for each choice. These can be found on the relevant course pages.
Further guidelines can be found on the UCAS website.
Contact us directly if you have any other questions about applications.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No. UCAS will issue you with a username and password which you can use to log in whenever and wherever you want to work on your application.
There is no time limit from when you start your application to when you send it, as long as you complete it within the deadlines set by UCAS and your school.
How do I apply if I’m an international student?
If you are a international student, you can apply direct using our online application form.
Details of support we provide for international students, and useful information about the application process, are available on our international web pages.
Can I apply through UCAS more than once?
No, you can only send one UCAS application in each year’s application cycle, but this can include applications for up to five courses. Applying for more than one course will cost extra.
If you do not receive any offers from your initial UCAS application, you can make additional choices through UCAS Extra in the Spring term. You will be sent details of UCAS Extra if you are eligible.
When will I hear back about my application?
If you apply to university before the 25 January deadline you should have received decisions from each of the universities you apply to by 18 May 2023. In this case, you will need to make your replies about which to accept by 8 June 2023.
If you applied after the January deadline, or one or more of your universities hasn’t made a decision on your application by the end of May, other reply dates will apply – please do contact us to find out more.
Can I accept more than one offer?
You can accept two courses – one firm choice and one insurance choice.
If you meet the requirements of your firm choice, then you will be expected to take that place, so you need to be sure that the course you have accepted firmly is the one you want to do.
If you miss the grades for your firm choice and meet the requirements for your insurance choice you will be expected to take up that place.
If you meet the terms of your firm choice and ask to be released from this, you will be entered into Clearing and cannot go to your insurance choice.
How do I know what’s happening with my application?
Once you have applied through UCAS you will be able to follow the progress of each of your applications by using UCAS Track.
You can also contact us directly to find out the status of your application with us.
What are conditional and unconditional offers?
If you apply through UCAS and we make you an offer, we will ordinarily make you one of the following types of offer:
Conditional Offers
This offer requires you to meet particular academic or other conditions before you can join the course of study you have applied for. This could be a combination of grade, scores or subjects and will be outlined in the offer communication that you receive.
Unconditional offers
An unconditional offer has no conditions attached. Unconditional offers are often made to students who already have their achieved qualification grades and who are returning to education after a gap year or a period of time in work.
What happens if Roehampton is my firm choice and I don’t meet the conditions of my offer?
If Roehampton is your firm choice, and you have not met your conditions, please check UCAS track, we may be able to show some flexibility, although this is not guaranteed.
If you have missed the conditions of your firm choice, but met the conditions of your Insurance choice. Congratualtions, you will be studying at your Insurance choice. If you miss the conditions for both your firm and Insurance choice, then UCAS will automatically enter you into Clearing.
Make sure that you are prepared for results day and any decisions you may need/want to make. Check UCAS for more advice about what happens on results day.
If you would like any advice on this, please contact us directly and we can discuss your options.
Will my application be accepted after the January deadline?
If you are applying to university from the UK or European Union (EU), irrespective of your nationality, you must submit your UCAS application before the January deadline in order for it to be guaranteed equal consideration. The deadline for the 2023 cycle is Wednesday 25 January 2023 at 18:00.
We understand that there are many reasons why you may not be able to meet this deadline. With this in mind, Roehampton will still consider applications received after the January deadline, if there are places available on the course.
I am studying T Levels. Can I apply to Roehampton?
The University of Roehampton welcomes the introduction of T Levels and is delighted to confirm that we will be able to accept them across the majority of our programmes. Students will be able to apply using T Levels for both three year and four year undergraduate degrees. UCAS Tariff requirements for each programme, will be made available on programme webpages.
I have accepted an offer to study at Roehampton through UCAS. Can I change my mind?
Yes, if you accepted an offer of study at us or another University through UCAS, you have 14 days in which you can change your response, and you can do so by contacting UCAS.
I have accepted a place at another University but want to join Roehampton. What do I do?
If you want to change your mind, please do get in touch to discuss your options with us. Call us on 0208 392 3314.
What is Clearing and how can I apply?
If you first apply through UCAS after 30 June 2023, UCAS will not send your application to universities but will instead send you details about Clearing.
Clearing a service that is available between July and September to help people find places on higher education courses.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for undergraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our financial support pages.
Do you offer student accommodation?
Yes, we have a wide range of on-campus and off-campus student residences. You will be guaranteed University accommodation if you are applying for September 2023 entry.
Find out more about our accommodation and accommodation guarantee here.
Do you provide additional support for care leavers?
Yes to find out more visit our care leavers webpage.
I am already studying at another university. How can I transfer to Roehampton?
We can support you to transfer to Roehampton from another university, into the relevant year of study. Find out more here.
Where can I find advice on applying to University?
UCAS offers a number of helpful articles on the process of applying to universities. You can also find advice and guidance from the Schools and Colleges Engagement Team here.
Who Teaches History?
Dr Sebastian Gehrig
Dr Sebastian Gehrig is Senior Lecturer in Modern European History specialising in modern German and international history.
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Dr Caroline Sharples
Dr Caroline Sharples is Senior Lecturer in Modern European History with a special interest in history and memory.
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Dr Andrew Wareham
Dr Andrew Wareham is Reader in Economic and Social History, specialising in the medieval period and the late 17th century.
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Dr Juan Mario Diaz
Dr Juan Mario Diaz is a historian with an interdisciplinary background in humanities and social science, and extensive experience in decolonising methods and participatory methodologies.
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Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson specialises in political thought, parliament and propaganda in mid-Elizabethan England.
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Professor Ted Vallance
Professor Ted Vallance works on the political history of seventeenth-century England. He is currently writing a new history of the trial and execution of Charles I.
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Dr Dustin Frazer Wood
Dustin Frazier Wood is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He teaches modules on the medieval & early modern period and on digital humanities.
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Dr Kathryn Tempest
Kathryn Tempest is Reader in Roman History. Her research concentrates on the literature, history and political life of the late Roman republic, with particular interests in oratory and rhetoric, all aspects of Cicero, ancient letters and biography.
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Jack Hodgson
Dr Jack Hodgson is a historian of childhood and youth activism in the 19th and 20th century USA.
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Desmond Felix
Desmond Felix specialises in research on the creation of distinct Black British identities and correlations between sport and migration since 1945.
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Dr Katerina Volioti
Dr Katerina Volioti, Lecturer in Art History and Classics, researches Greek vases in their cultural and historical contexts.
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Dr Helen Esfandiary
Dr Helen Esfandiary is a cultural historian specializing in the body, medicine, disease, and gender in the early modern and Georgian periods, with a particular interest in the perspectives of mothers and medical practitioners on children and adolescents.
Read MoreOur Alumni
Dominik graduated our BA History in 2018, then our MA History in 2019. Soon after starting his search for a place on a grad scheme Dominik was offered a job as a US tax analyst with global finance firm Deloitte. He’s recently been promoted to an Assistant Manager’s role in his department but longer term Dominik hopes to qualify as a UK accountant for the wider career opportunities it offers. Dominik believes his history qualifications helped get him the job; he remembers being asked at interview for an example of when he’s had to be analytical. In response he talked about the many complex historical sources he consulted to write his master’s dissertation on the Polish trade unions. He recognises that analysis is a transferable skill possessed by most humanities students, and that skills are more important than knowledge – a philosophy that informs his dealings with the regular intake of American interns he now has to look after
Dominik Hladun, Class of 2018 – now working in global finance
“I first enrolled on BA History in 2017 and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, only that I had a passion for exploring history. Throughout my bachelor’s I covered a range of historical periods and regions, though I was particularly attracted to modern history. When I handed in my dissertation, I didn’t feel that my journey had finished, so I applied to join the MA Cold War History programme. My time at Roehampton allowed me to understand who I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do. I moved to here not long after coming out – and was delighted to find a thriving LGBTQ+ community. I realised that I wanted to become a beacon of support for others in the community, and staff supported me in this idea. When I told my MA supervisor that I wanted to study a PhD, he endorsed it and helped me apply for the TECHNE Studentship, which funds my tuition and support my doctoral studies."
Alan Lee, Class of 2020 - now studying for a doctorate
“Growing up in the culturally rich town of Rochester, the castle grounds and cathedral crypt were like playgrounds to me. I adored the history, and this led me down a long path of discovery starting with a BA History at Roehampton. I had three incredible years before graduating with a first class degree, then returning closer to home for a master’s at the University of Kent. During my second year at Roehampton I took a work placement at the heritage sites I grew up around. I worked at locations such as Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle, Eastgate House, Temple Manor, and the Guildhall Museum. I have stayed in contact with the Medway Heritage team since my work placement and continue to take up the occasional shift at these fantastic places. During my master’s I also taught history at an independent school. I have recently accepted a fully funded studentship to complete a PhD focussing upon the textual works of the group of Benedictine monks that occupied Rochester Cathedral following the Norman Conquest."
Harry Gilbert, Class of 2020 - now studying for a doctorate
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