History
UCAS code V100
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Studying history changes the way you view the world around you and how you understand your place in it. If you have a genuine curiosity about history and a desire to develop a set of advanced skills in a challenging but supportive environment, History at Liverpool is the place for you.
Introduction
You will start by exploring a broad range of historical periods, some of which may be less familiar, giving you a good basis for making choices later in the degree.
You will also experience a wide variety of approaches to history and are free to study aspects of the past that interest you the most. For instance, some modules focus on political history or the history of warfare. Others place the emphasis on social, cultural and gender history. You can also take modules on global history or ones that focus on national histories, whilst others will allow you to explore particular themes, such as slavery, human rights, medicine, religion, the environment or the Cold War.
The degree programme is designed to move from breadth to depth; from directed to more independent learning; and foster the development of advanced research techniques over the three years.
What you'll learn
- Analysis and critical reflection of primary sources
- Analysis, critical and contextual reflection of secondary sources, including historiographical sources
- Application of comparative historical perspectives
- Understanding of different historiographical traditions
- Awareness of different historical approaches
- How to design, research and present a piece of independently conceived historical writing
- Digital fluency
- Development of critical awareness
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In year one, modules cover global history, modern British and European history, and medieval and early modern European history. You will be introduced to independent learning and begin to develop a range of skills necessary to succeed at university.
Students take 45 credits of compulsory modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester.
There is a range of optional modules for History students to choose from in year one, currently including modules in: Archaeology, Classics, Irish Studies, Languages and Politics.
ALGY109 and ALGY116 are pre-requisites for year one and year three Egyptology modules (ALGY257, ALGY244, and ALGY377).
Additional optional modules from Open Languages may be taken up to a maximum of 30 credits. The offer currently includes Arabic, Basque, Catalan, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, available from level A1 (complete beginners) to C1 (proficient speaker), of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Please note that not all languages may always be available at all levels every year.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two, the choice of modules includes a variety of African, American, Asian, British and pre-modern and modern European options.
Students select from entirely optional modules. Students take one 30-credit module and two 15-credit modules in each semester. Please note, certain combinations of modules may not always be possible.
HIST200 and HIST286 are subject to a suitable placement being sourced.
Students wishing to take ALGY257 or ALGY244 must have taken ALGY109 and ALGY116 in year one.
Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In year three, the emphasis is increasingly on independent study and the refinement of advanced research skills: namely, a three-hour weekly special subject module (centred on analysing primary sources) and preparing for the dissertation.
Students take one x 30-credit optional module and two x 15-credit optional modules in semester one.
All modules in semester two (including the History Dissertation) are required.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HISTORY DISSERTATION (HIST396) | 30 |
| USES OF THE PAST: HISTORY IMPACT MODULE (HIST388) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
In year one you will take ‘history matters’ and ‘presenting the past’; either ‘power, belief and identity: medieval and early modern worlds, C. 500-1600 CE’ or the ‘global history of the present’ and either ‘modern Britain: democracy, war and modernity’ or ‘understanding modern Europe’. In year two, you will take 30 credits of optional history modules from the same list of options available to Single Honours students. In year three you will either take a research-focused module in semester one and write a dissertation in semester two or take 30 credits of optional modules in semester one and in semester two take modules: ‘uses of the past: history impact module’ and ‘history research essay’.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will experience a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with no modules being taught entirely through lectures. Most teaching takes place in small groups where you’ll share and explore ideas with your tutors and peers. There is also the opportunity for historical field work in museums and galleries. You’ll also attend workshops and lectures and self-direct study through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff are available on a weekly basis for one-to-one feedback and support through designated office hours. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team.
Your second and third years benefit directly from research connected teaching, as your learning progresses from the core practice of studying History learnt in year one to a focus on more specific historical periods, places or concepts that will form the basis of your year three special subject and dissertation.
How you're assessed
Students on this course are assessed through a combination of exams and coursework. Coursework can includes essays, group projects, individual or group presentations, writing opinion pieces, creating blogs or vlogs, or designing an exhibition. During your final year, you’ll also submit your dissertation and sit final exams.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Your experience
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries, including the University of Liverpool’s own Special Collections and Archives.
Explore where you'll study
History students Emma and Amy talk about studying History at Liverpool
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why History at University of Liverpool?
- we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
- We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
- Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
- Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of Historical and Classic Studies student Amy
Careers and employability
A History degree from the University of Liverpool offers you the chance to develop skills such as teamwork, informed judgement, cultural awareness and leadership – skills which have been identified by the Association of Graduate Recruiters as those increasingly in demand with graduate employers.
Our graduates progress to a range of careers including banking, law, financial consultancy, national and local government, third sector work, journalism, publishing, teaching or work in heritage and culture organisations.
Recent employers include:
- National Museums Liverpool
- BBC
- Foreign Office
- Department for Work and Pensions
- HSBC
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers
- Merseyside Police Authority
- British Council
- Sony Computer Entertainment
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Gavin and Sam, BA (Hons) History 2018
Gavin and Sam, History graduates from the University of Liverpool, were selected for the Santander Universities Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme to represent the University of Liverpool. In this short article, they discuss their business idea and their feelings about being nominated.
Joseph Howe, BA (Hons) History and Politics 2017
Can you tell us a little bit about your role at the House of Commons? “One of the best things about working in Parliament is that there really is no ‘typical day’. My role is to advise and work with the MP in responding to, and communicating, current affairs. On the Parliamentary side of things, […]
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions