School of Society and Culture

BA (Hons) History

UCAS tariff 104 - 112
UCAS course code V100
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time

Study location Plymouth

It’s often said that the best way to see the future is to understand the past. History with the University helps you to do just that. Exploring five centuries of human history, you encounter political intrigue, cultural transformation, war, sex and revolution across the globe. Graduate with the problem-solving, research and analytical abilities that give you an edge in the world of work.

Find out how our flexible course structures provide you with an opportunity to personalise your studies, feed your curiosity, and help you achieve your career aspirations.

Careers with this subject

Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with a history degree, and learn how you can stand out to graduate employers.
Careers service
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements and networks, working with the academic staff teaching on your course.
We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

  • Study history in Britain’s Ocean City and explore more than five centuries of fascinating history.
  • Work with world leading experts in history from 1500 to the present day to develop your interests and research. We offer modules in British, American and World History.
  • Enhance your career options with a degree that helps you develop highly sought-after analytical and communication skills while you home in on your passion.
  • Participate in local, national and international field trips which are free or subsidised for all students.
  • Our international exchange programme gives you the opportunity to travel and spend either a semester or an entire year exploring history with one of our partner institutions in the US or Europe. 
  • Make the most of our excellent history resources and partners in the University library , The Box and wider city of Plymouth and region.
  • Be part of a community of historians by joining the History Society or taking part in our internship and volunteering opportunities.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • In your first year, you’ll get to know the key concepts of history, studying six modules designed to give you a firm foundation in historical methodology while helping you develop practical skills. You’ll study the subject from a broad range of perspectives exploring developments in world, US, European and British history.

    Core modules

    HIS4001
    What is History? 20 credits

    What is History? – provides an overview of how the discipline of history operates, and looks at some of the key skills associated with the subject.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    HIS4002
    America from Settlement to Empire 20 credits

    This module aims to provide an introduction to major themes in the political, social and cultural evolution of the United States from 1492 to the end of the 19th Century. It aims to emphasise links to Europe and to give students a broad perspective on their historical studies. It will also provide students with an introduction to use of electronic sources in the study of American history and to the development of vital skills in critical thinking and academic writing.

    100% Coursework

    HIS4003
    World History since 1850 20 credits

    This module is an introduction to major themes in the political, social and cultural history of the modern world beyond Europe.

    100% Coursework

    HIS4004
    Fractured Isles: Britain and Ireland 1640-1990 20 credits

    The module is an introduction to the major themes in political, social and cultural history of Britain and Ireland in the period 1640-1900. This module will include 2, 2 hour talks that introduce our School and programme level employability related opportunities and support, including details of the optional placement year.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    HIS4005
    Fighting for Survival: Living and Dying in Early Modern Europe, 1450-1700 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the political, social, cultural and religious history of Early Modern Europe, 1450-1700.

    100% Coursework

    HIS4006
    History and Heritage 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the field of heritage studies. It directs attention to how historians do heritage (and history) for an external audience. It aims to explore the materials and methods used and how they apply to how we understand, interpret and shape how we live with the past today. Students will study a specific topic in history and heritage individually and/or in small groups through problem based learning with an assessment geared towards public engagement.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • During your second year, you’ll have the chance to choose from a range of modules as you develop your historical knowledge and skills. Experience visual, oral, material and archival research – undertaking interviews with living witnesses, examining visual sources and delving into original sources.
    In your second year you will have the opportunity to try modules from other disciplines as part of our 21st Century Curriculum.
    You can also take the opportunity to study in the USA or Canada for up to a year.

    Core modules

    HIS5008
    Preparing for Dissertation Research 20 credits

    This module is designed to prepare students for Level 6 dissertation research in History by lectures and workshops that explore key approaches to sources, and practical and theoretical aspects to research in history, before carrying out a small project in independent research. Lectures in the period of the research project will entail an element of choice and also student-generated lectures, based on selection of topics at start of module: with subjects geared to doing research in archives / local studies/ digital resources.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    HIS5001
    Heritage and Public History 20 credits

    The module content will examine the theory and practice of the presentation of the past to public audiences. In it, students will examine the creation, nature, use and understanding of heritage and public history, nationally and internationally. They will examine these issues in case studies of historical ‘sites’ of different types, to gain a critical awareness and understanding of the theories and controversies surrounding heritage and public history. This is a work facing module, where students will consider the theory and practice of ‘using’ ‘sites’ of heritage and public history from the point of view of a range of stake holders.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS5002
    Royal Navy in the Age of Sail, 1545-1815 20 credits

    This module examines the royal navy and the development of British naval power between 1545 and 1815. Beginning with the sinking of the Mary Rose in 1545 this module explores changing role of the navy and sea power in defence to the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815. This module also investigates the logistics, technological changes and social history of the navy in this period.

    100% Coursework

    HIS5003
    The Longest War; Britain, Ireland and the Troubles 1949-2006 20 credits

    This module looks at the complex relationship between Britain and Ireland in the later part of the twentieth century up to present day. It has a special focus on the conflict in Northern Ireland. Students will look the impact of the Troubles on both societies; and study in depth the peace process.

    100% Coursework

    HIS5004MX
    Global Cold War: Politics, Culture and Society

    This module is an introduction to major themes in the political, social and cultural history of the modern world with special focus on the 20th century and the Cold War.

    HIS5005
    Research Methods in Visual, Material and Oral History 20 credits

    This module investigates the use of oral, material & visual sources as a means of investigating the past. Also, the contextualisation of historical sources and questions in the wider historiographical literature.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS5007MX
    Eighteenth-Century Empires

    This module is designed to explore the ‘long eighteenth century’ with a broad geographical focus, encompassing, but not limited to the Atlantic Isles, Atlantic world, formal and informal empire, and trading connections. It takes in the slave trade and impact of slavery globally, studies voyages of exploration, examines the scientific and political enlightenment, and wider cultural and social impacts of imperialism.

    HIS5009MX
    Middle Kingdoms: Themes in Early Modern Asia

    This module introduces the history of early modern Japan (c.16th-19th centuries). At one level, it explores key questions shaping the histories of the late Sengoku (‘Warring States’) and Tokugawa Japan. Building on these questions, it then situates the Japanese experience in a trans-regional perspective with reference to early modern China, Korea, Ryukyu, as well as Europe.

    Explore this module

    HIS5010
    America Since 1900 20 credits

    This module is an introduction to major themes in the political, social, economic, business and cultural history of the United States since 1900.

    100% Coursework

    HIS5011
    Other Voices - Marginalisation in Early Modern Europe 20 credits

    This course explores the ways in which early modern society confronted difference, and constructed its norms and mores. We will consider the role of religion, race, class, and gender in early modern Europe through the study of those groups who found themselves on the outside.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS5014MX
    Dunkirk to D Day: The Second World War in Europe

    The module examines the Second World War in Europe and the Atlantic Ocean from 1940 to late 1944.

    Explore this module

    SSC500
    Stage 2 Professional Development, Placement Preparation and Identifying Opportunities 0 credits

    This module is for students in the School of Society and Culture who are interested in undertaking an optional placement in the third year of their programme. It supports students in their search, application, and preparation for the placement, including developing interview techniques and effective application materials (e.g. CVs , portfolios, and cover letters).

    CRM5003MX
    Harm in the 21st Century

    This module explores the global challenges of harmful behaviours and activities in contemporary society by considering specific areas of concern for criminologists. By drawing on real-world examples in everyday life, the module examines how social problems and issues have arisen due to processes of globalisation that have changed the social, political and economic landscape of the 21st century.

    CRM5009MX
    Crime, Harm and Culture

    The module aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of harm and crime by exploring relevant issues from film, television, music, fiction literature and art. By applying a criminological lens to different forms of popular culture, students will be able to examine a variety of media forms in terms of its content and its contemporary political, social and economic context using different theories and concepts.

    ENG5002MX
    Gothic Fictions: Villains, Virgins and Vampires

    This module looks at eighteenth- and nineteenth-century novels to trace the variety and scope of literary contributions to the Gothic. It begins by discussing the origins of the Gothic novel, then moves to the heyday of the genre in the revolutionary 1790s, on to authors writing in the early and mid-nineteenth century, through to the decadence of the 1890s.

    ENG5013MX
    ‘Hurt Minds’: Madness and Mental Illness in Literature

    This module considers changing attitudes towards, and a variety of theories of, the mind, examining how different cultures have understood ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ mental states. It will look at how the experience and treatment of mental illness has been represented in fiction. The mind is at its most fascinating when it behaves outside of expected social norms. By considering a variety of literary texts over several centuries, this module explores shifts in the definition, understanding, evaluation, and management of exceptional mental states.

    ENG5017MX
    Writing Genre Fiction

    This module takes students into in-depth engagement with prose fiction writing in various genres, with possibilities including fantasy, science-fiction, period/historical, young adult fiction, horror, comedy, romance, crime, and thriller. The module is taught through lecture, seminars, and workshops where students are asked to submit and feedback to peers and tutors on a regular basis.

    HIS5006
    First World War at Sea 20 credits

    This module examines World War I at Sea. It will investigate the changing role of maritime history and the history of the sea in this period. This module also investigates logistical, naval, cultural, political, technological changes and social history of World War I from a maritime perspective.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    LAW5019MX
    Law in Context: Commerce and Intellectual Property

    This module focuses on the work of commercial lawyers in practice in helping businesses to trade. It analyses a range of contractual agreements dealing with the manufacture, sale, supply and distribution of goods, assets and services in general and intellectual property in particular.

    PER5008MX
    Play and Games for Performance

    This module will introduce students to practical methods for designing games and play structures for participatory performances that invite audiences to become actively involved in the work. In addition to learning new tools for designing and facilitating play, students will be prompted to consider playfulness from a theoretical perspective, recognising the connection between the play of mimesis and theatrical performance.

    PIR5013MX
    Politics Beyond Parliaments

    This module analyses the role of civil society and the public sphere in democratic governance and in democratization from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

    PIR5014MX
    Voter Behaviour and Effective Election Campaigning

    This module undertakes an advanced examination of contemporary trends and developments in theories of electoral behaviour globally; then more specifically the relationship between electoral rules, electoral systems and election outcomes; the evolution of campaign techniques, and the role, mechanics, and accuracy of opinion polls in modern electoral politics. These global understandings are applied directly to the case of British politics.

  • Optional placement year

  • Undertake an optional placement year where you can build a number of key employability skills. Put theory onto practice, get a taste for your chosen career and expand upon your professional network.

    Core modules

    SSC600
    School of Society and Culture Placement Year

    Students have the opportunity to gain work experience that will set them apart in the job market when they graduate by undertaking an optional flexible placement year. The placement must be a minimum of 24-weeks (which can be split between a maximum of two different placement providers) and up to a maximum of 48-weeks over the course of the academic year. The placement is flexible and can be undertaken virtually, part or full time and either paid or voluntary. This year allows them to apply and hone the knowledge and skills acquired from the previous years of their programme in the real world.

  • Final year

  • In your final year, you’ll continue to advance your skills working alongside our expert historians in their areas of specialism. With one-to-one support, you’ll benefit from your tutor’s experience and knowledge as you create a piece of independent research on a subject of your choice, based on original research and primary resources. You can also continue to explore other subject areas as part of our 21st Century Curriculum.

    Core modules

    HIS6001
    History Dissertation 40 credits

    In this module students prepare the ground and complete a Dissertation of 10-12,000 words on a subject of their own choosing, making extensive use wherever possible of primary historical sources. Lecturing staff provide tutorial support and assistance with research and writing.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    HIS6002MX
    Piracy and Privateering, c.1560-1816

    This module explores piracy and privateering activity in the seas around the British Isles and further afield from the reign of Queen Elizabeth to the end of the second Barbary War in 1816. This course focuses on the social history of piracy and privateering, the organisation of pirate society, and the economic impact of piracy and privateering.

    Explore this module

    HIS6005
    The Irish Revolution 1912-37 20 credits

    This module examines the political, social and cultural history of Ireland during the period 1890-1937 with particular focus on causes and effects of partition and the nature what is known as the ‘Irish revolution’.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS6006MX
    America, the United Nations and International Relations 1945 to the present

    This module provides a detailed examination of the relationship between the United States of America and the United Nations in the management of international relations from 1945 to the present.

    Explore this module

    HIS6007
    Filth and the Victorians 20 credits

    In this module students study the Victorian era from the perspective of environment, public hygiene, cultural values of cleanliness and fear of physical, moral and other forms of contamination. Drawing on urban histories, histories of medicine and science, the module also uses a range of literary and artistic sources.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS6008
    The Civil Rights Movement 20 credits

    Examining the African American struggle for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s.

    Explore this module

    100% Coursework

    HIS6011
    Inter-War Britain 1919-40 20 credits

    The module examines Britain in the period 1919-40 with an emphasis on Government and politics. The social, economic and foreign challenges facing Britain are examined for their ability to impact on policy and politics.

    100% Coursework

    HIS6012
    Modern Japan: Transforming Empire and Identity at the Edge 20 credits

    This module is an introduction to the major themes of political, social and economic development in Japan, especially in the nineteenth and twentieth century.

    100% Coursework

    ENG6005MX
    American Crime Writing

    This module considers the development of twentieth-century American crime fiction from hard-boiled detectives, to myths of the mafia, and postmodern reinventions of the genre. This module will explore the cultural contexts of American crime writing, prevailing conventions of the genre, as well as challenges to those conventions.

    ENG6008MX
    Features Journalism Workshop

    This module offers students an in-depth experience of professional writing. We will explore technique in features and literary journalism; music reviews, opinion columns and longer immersion features as well as other contemporary works of non-fiction feature writing, both short- and long-form, from sub-genres including profiles and interviews, autobiography and columns, travel writing, and reportage. We will learn to research and produce our own works of professional nonfiction and critically evaluate them.

    HIS6014
    Heritage and Public History 20 credits

    This module will examine the theory and practice of the presentation of the past to a range of audiences, specialist and non-. Students will examine the creation, nature, use and understanding of heritage and public history, nationally and internationally. They will examine these issues in case studies of historical ‘sites’ of different types, to gain a critical awareness and understanding of the theories and controversies surrounding heritage and public history. This is a work facing module, where students will consider the theory and practice of ‘using’ ‘sites’ of heritage and public history from the point of view of a range of stake holders.

    100% Coursework

    HIS6015
    Maritime Explorations and Encounters

    This module examines the major concepts and themes of maritime exploration from the 15th to the 21st century. It challenges students to rethink their ideas about the use of navies in exploration, leading explorers such as Sir Francis Drake, Captain James Cook and Charles Darwin, the place of Plymouth in maritime exploration and the nature of encounters with native peoples.

    HIST615
    Family, Sex and Society in Britain, 1450-1700

    This module examines developments in interpersonal relationships in Britain between 1450 and 1700. Focusing on marriage, the family, and changing patterns of sexual behaviour, it considers the changing nature, experience and meaning of family life and intimate relations during a period of religious and political upheaval.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BA (Hons) History programme specification_7216

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104 - 112

A levels
A typical offer will be 104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels including a grade B in History, Art History, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Government & Politics or Law. General Studies accepted. 
International Baccalaureate
26-28 points overall. A typical offer will be 26 points overall including three subjects at Higher Level and grade 5 at Higher Level in a relevant subject such as History, Art History, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Government & Politics or Law or equivalent. If overseas and not studying English within IB – you must have IELTS: 6.5 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM. Please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All access courses
Pass a named Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferably History, Humanities or Combined), with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction to include 12 credits in History (or Art History, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Government & Politics or Law). 
T levels
As a University we will continue to review T Level qualifications as more information becomes available in the next couple of months.
GCSE
Mathematics and English language grade C/4. If you do meet these criteria please seek further advice with the admission team on admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.  

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business  and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
If you are interested in applying for an intercalated degree with the University of Plymouth, please contact our Admissions Team in the first instance applications@plymouth.ac.uk.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Insight: Piracy and Privateering module

The problem of piracy at sea has never gone away. Dealing with the pirate threat remains a problem for 21st century states, just as it was from the 16th to 18th centuries when Plymouth was a centre of piracy and privateering. 
Jolly Roger

Meet our experts

Student voice

A passion for history

“History is so much more than just the textbooks – it's the study of past, present and future. Studying history has completely changed my perspective and my interests.”
Danielle Dafter, a final year BA (Hons) History student, loves to explore Plymouth's historical past.