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School of Society and Culture

BA (Hons) History with Foundation

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UCAS tariff 32 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code V101
Institution code P60
Duration

4 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.

Personalise your degree

At Plymouth, your degree really is what you make it. Choose to study optional modules from across the school.

Year 2 icon
In your second year...

Choose to swap in up to two modules from across the school.
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In your final year...

Dive deeper into your subject by sticking with our selection of options or swap in another module from across the school.
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Achieve your final degree certificate

If you've studied three optional modules from the same second subject area, you can choose to add this to your degree certificate.
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
This four-year course is designed to give you the grounding necessary to progress through your undergraduate studies in history.
Your foundation year will:
  • Welcome you to an exciting and eclectic curriculum which will develop your knowledge of the disciplines of history, English literature, and creative writing while also engaging with lively interdisciplinary enquiry across a wide range of historical periods and literary forms.
  • Provide training in all the skills required for a successful passage through your undergraduate study: research, use of digital resources, essay-writing, academic argument, presentations, independent study.
  • Introduce you to supportive and accessible academic staff in a welcoming community.
  • Immerse you in an academic environment offering a wide range of field trips, access to free cultural events through our arts & culture programme student-led magazines, internships and extra-curricular work experiences.
  • Give you access to state-of-the-art facilities, library and learning resources on our city-centre campus.
  • Enable you to find a route for you, whether you are returning to education after a break or if you come with qualifications other than A levels.
  • Require you to attend classes only on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday mornings.

When you join the BA (Hons) History you will:
  • 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.
This course is an integrated part of the BA (Hons) History degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of one of BA (Hons) History, or one of the following degree courses:
  • BA (Hons) Anthropology
  • BA (Hons) Creative Writing
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
  • BA (Hons) English
  • BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing
  • BSc (Hons) International Relations
  • LLB (Hons) Law
  • LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology
  • BSc (Hons) Politics
  • BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations
  • BSc (Hons) Sociology
  • BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • In your foundation year, you’ll acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll need to progress through your studies and become a confident, independent learner. You’ll take four modules focusing on the interplay of history, literature, and culture in the past and the present, examining the historical and literary stories that have shaped our world.
    The autumn semester contains two discipline-specific 30 credit modules, one in history and one in English and creative writing. The spring semester comprises an interdisciplinary module that broadens out the meaning of the humanities and an independent study project module. All modules will have a strong focus on study skills related to the progression to higher education.
    Entering full-time study can require many adjustments. To help you make the transition, all your classes will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday mornings.

    Core modules

    SSC301
    Discovering Your Inner Academic 30 credits

    In this module, students will learn the core academic and organisational skills required to succeed at university. They will benefit from a range of skill development sessions and subject-specific seminars, allowing them to practice applying the delivered academic skills in the context of their field of study.

    100% Coursework

    SSC302
    Individual Project 30 credits

    Students will undertake, with supervision, an individual project related to their degree programme. Staff will guide students through the process of defining, planning, and setting up their project. As part of the module, students will gain research and time management skills that will support their successful progression through their degree programme.

    100% Coursework

    SSC306
    Literature, History and Visual Cultures 30 credits

    This module explores the key texts and voices that have changed the ways in which we think and write the Humanities. It will investigate how thinkers, poets and writers have shaped our contemporary world, and the ways in which we study it. Based on this, this module will also explore the ways in which literature, art, film, media, memory and heritage impact on history and writing today. Students will examine a range of classic and contemporary literary texts as well as visual and media sources and consider the role of technologies in the Humanities. The module will be constructed around the exploration of key themes, for example gender and sexuality, faith, war, and race and ethnicity, using interdisciplinary approaches to identify how they have shaped the Humanities of the 21st century.

    100% Coursework

    SSC309
    Imagining the Past 30 credits

    This module will introduce concepts central to historical and literary study in the Humanities including: Time; Space; and Experience. Students will work with a range of sources to understand how the Humanities engage with the past. Students will develop the tools needed for progression to Higher Education, with a particular focus on analysing textual materials and essay-writing.

    100% Coursework

  • 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

    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

    HIS4007
    Hands on History: War and Society

    This module will prepare students in the History, Art History, English & Creative Writing, and Politics & International Relations cluster for Level 6 dissertation research. Lectures and workshops will explore key approaches to sources, and practical and theoretical aspects to research. Students will complete an independent research project. Lectures include some choice, and cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, research in archives / local studies/ digital resources, creative practice, and literary analysis.

  • 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

    HEP5000
    Preparing for Dissertation Research

    This module will prepare students in the History, Art History, ECW, and PIR cluster for Level 6 dissertation research. Lectures and workshops will explore key approaches to sources, and practical and theoretical aspects to research. Students will complete an independent research project. Lectures include some choice, and cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, research in archives / local studies/ digital resources, creative practice, and literary analysis.

    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

    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

    HIS5013
    Culture and Society in Britain c. 1760-1914 20 credits

    The module content will examine key selected themes in the culture and society of Britain c.1760 – 1901. In it, students will examine primary sources such as pamphlets, books and visual material, to gain a critical awareness and understanding of aspects of British culture and society in this period which may include the duel, capital punishment, mourning cultures, gambling, popular science, culinary cultures, race.

    100% Coursework

    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).

    HIS5015
    The American Century: The United States, 1900-2000

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

    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

  • 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

    SSC601
    School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences 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. Students will have the option to undertake their placement year abroad. 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

    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

    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

    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

    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 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    HIS6016
    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.

Personalise your degree
All our degrees have a wide range of optional modules and there is even the opportunity to study modules from any of the School of Society and Culture 's subject areas.
You could graduate with one of the following personalised course title combinations:
 
History with Anthropology

Modules

    ANT5008MX
    Brave New Worlds: Ethnography of/on Online and Digital Worlds 20 credits

    This module teaches students how to use ethnographic methods to make sense of the internet, which we now increasingly inhabit. Students learn how to navigate and analyse platforms such as Facebook or TikTok. They study how these technologies transform our relationships, identities, and ideas of truth. The module also examines the socio-cultural and ethical aspects of digital worlds (e.g. Second life).

    100% Coursework

    ANT6008MX
    Coastal Cultures: Marine Anthropology in the age of climate change and mass extinction. 20 credits

    Using ethnography, we analyse how coastal communities use the sea – not only as a source of livelihood, but as a key ingredient in the construction of their identity and place in world. Drawing on a range of cases from across the world – from Polynesian sorcerers, to Japanese whale mourners, to Cornish surfers – we study how coastal communities are responding to climate change, sea level rise, pollution, and extinction.

    100% Coursework

History with Art History

Modules

    ARH5002MX
    Imagery in Online and Offline Worlds: Film, Television and Video Games 20 credits

    This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of current approaches towards mass media and visual culture. Particular emphasis will be put on medium-specificity, content analysis and audience studies.

    100% Coursework

    ARH6002MX
    Questions in Contemporary Art 20 credits

    The module introduces and examines selected questions raised in the last three decades in contemporary art. Case studies drawn from art history, critical and cultural theory, and where appropriate related disciplines, will be examined.

    100% Coursework

History with Creative Writing

Modules

    ENG5010MX
    Writing Creative Nonfiction: Autobiography, Travel Writing, Reportage 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the key concepts and issues in contemporary works of creative nonfiction, or 'life writing'. Included in our readings will be works of memoir and autobiography, travel writing, personal essays and reportage. The module is entirely taught in workshops where we experiment with producing our own works of creative nonfiction and learning to refine them, as well as critically evaluate and contextualise them.

    100% Coursework

    ENG6008MX
    Features Journalism Workshop 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

History with English

Modules

    ENG5002MX
    Gothic Fictions: Villains, Virgins and Vampires 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    ENG6005MX
    American Crime Writing 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

History with Criminology

Modules

    CRM5009MX
    Crime, Harm and Culture 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    CRM6016MX
    Green Criminology: Climate Justice and the Planetary Crisis

    This module will address theoretical perspectives, methodological issues, and empirical research related to the field of green criminology, including applied concerns, such as policy and social/political praxis, through a range of concepts, topics, and themes that are central to green criminology.

History with International Relations

Modules

    PIR6009MX
    Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China

    This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.

    PIR6007MX
    Global Environmental Politics 20 credits

    This module examines the problem of environmental degradation and its implications for our global political economy. It discusses the major debates in political thought around the primary causes of environmental degradation. The module outlines the major attempts to build international regimes for global environmental governance, and the difficulties and obstacles that such attempts have encountered. A range of ideas, critiques, policy proposals, innovations in governance, and templates for political activism within the environmental movement are critically evaluated.

    100% Coursework

    PIR5009MX
    Refugee Studies 20 credits

    This module focuses on the political, economic and social context of forced migration and considers the complex and varied nature of global refugee populations. It analyses responses at international, national and regional level and engages with a range of challenging questions around international co-operation, the framework of international protection, humanitarianism and the causes of displacement.

    100% Coursework

History with Politics

Modules

    PIR6009MX
    Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China

    This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.

    PIR5013MX
    Politics Beyond Parliaments 20 credits

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

    100% Coursework

History with Law

Modules

    LAW5009MX
    Environmental Law 20 credits

    The module provides an examination of key themes in environmental law, with a focus on the generation, application and enforcement of this law within a critical and applied context.

    100% Coursework

    LAW5011MX
    Intellectual Property Law

    This module focuses on the law and concepts of intellectual property, examining in addition related legal themes of information access, dissemination and control.

    LAW6018MX
    Law, Literature and the Screen

    To introduce students to fictional and factional representations of the legal order in prose, film and TV, and to examine the inter-connections between law, literature and the screen.

    LAW6012MX
    Public International Law 20 credits

    A module that focuses on the primary legal principles of the public international legal order, before exploring a range of substantive areas, such as, for example, the use of force, the law regulating the conduct of war, International Human Rights, International Criminal Law and International Environmental Law.

    100% Coursework

History with Sociology

Modules

    SOC5005MX
    Globalisation and Social Justice 20 credits

    This module investigates the key debates of globalisation and critically evaluates, in terms of its economic, political, socio-cultural and legal dimensions, the causes and consequences of a globalising world. It furthermore explores a range of international social justice issues to examine the relationships (causative and ameliorative) between policies and (in)justice

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    SOC6004MX
    Health, Medical Power and Social Justice 20 credits

    This module considers a range of issues concerning health, illness and medical power in contemporary society. The module seeks to develop an understanding of the impact of ‘medicalisation’ on everyday life, as well as the importance of social divisions, such as age, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status. There will be a focus on a range of sociological perspectives on health with an opportunity to focus upon areas of particular interest.

    100% Coursework

History with Policing and Security Management

Modules

    CRM6011MX
    Security Management 20 credits

    This module provides students with a critical insight into the professional domain of security management. It provides an overview of the theories, policies, procedures and practices that underpin the work of the security manager, and focuses upon a career-relevant knowledge and understanding of this significant area of expertise.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    CRM5003MX
    Harm in the 21st Century 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    CRM5009MX
    Crime, Harm and Culture 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

Don’t have 32 UCAS tariff points? We will consider ‘non-standard’ applications on a case-by-case basis.
A levels: Typical offer 32 points from a minimum of two A levels.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP Refer to tutor, however BTEC are usually only considered with another qualification i.e. A level.
International Baccalaureate: 24 overall
All Access courses: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. Preferably English, humanities or combined), including GCSE English and Mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent.
T levels:Pass in any subject.
GCSE English: Grade C/4 or above, if your grade is lower then please refer to the institution for further advice.
We are looking for applicants with good potential including with non-standard qualifications and background, so will consider every application on a case by case basis.
Get in touch with our friendly admissions team on +44 (0)1752 585858 or email us at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £5,760
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £480
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.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Classroom-based Foundation years
On 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to cap the home student fee for the Foundation year of this programme at £5,760, this will be applied from 1 August 2025. Subsequent years of this degree programme will be charged at the new standard rate for home undergraduate tuition fees of £9,535 per annum. Implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure.

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 home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
There are two ways to apply for the foundation course.
Route 1: applications can be 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 through this route, please visit the UCAS website.
Route 2: non-standard applications. If you come with other qualifications and/or do not have 48 UCAS tariff points, please get in touch with our friendly admissions team on +44 (0)1752 585858 or email us at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
We will consider all applications on a case-by-case basis.
International students: Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .
Not quite got these qualifications, or you bring with you other relevant experience? We will consider ‘non-standard applications’.
Get in touch with our friendly admissions team on +44 (0)1752 585858 or email us at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Providing rewarding experiences

BA (Hons) History field trip to Vienna
Experience inspiring study trips

History is about more than just sitting in a lecture theatre. We believe students need to get out into the field to experience and engage with a wide variety of different types of historical sites
BA (Hons) History interns working on the Histories of the Unexpected podcast series
Work on real-world projects

We run a range of paid internships each year for our students. From researching on the Histories of the Unexpected podcast to developing ground-breaking digital story telling projects.
Traineeships with Erasmus+ screenshot
Broaden your experiences

Our international exchange programme gives students the opportunity to travel and spend a semester or year with one of our partner institutions in Canada or North America.

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.

Follow our community on social media

Discover history at Plymouth

How Do You Fix A Town Like Plymouth? An historical account of Chief Constable Joseph Sowerby 1892–1917 selected to be shown at The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival in Mumbai on 20th Feb 2019
Learn from the experts

Enjoy public lectures convened jointly with the city’s Historical Association branch
Students working in the library
Access a wide range of history resources

Besides a digital database of thousands of academic articles and a broad collection of books in the library, you’ll also benefit from the University’s subscriptions to key primary sources
History book bundle
Free book bundles

We want every history student to succeed in their studies. To help you achieve this, we provide a free book bundle in your first year, giving you all your required reading for free.

Featured modules

History Research