Newcastle University

History BA Honours
UCAS Code: V100 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

This degree will open your mind to the past and the present, with topics that stretch from the birth of civilisation right up to the present day.

Our broad range of modules means that you can choose the aspects of history that interest you the most, from topics spanning the centuries and the continents. Reach back into pre-history and right up to the present day with topics covering British and European history, as well as the history of North and South America and East Asia.

You can also select topics from other subjects, such as archaeology, classics, philosophy, politics or modern languages (languages are particularly useful if you want to become a professional historian).

You will explore and evaluate many forms of evidence, including written and material records and oral testimony, and develop skills in critical analysis, communication and research that are useful in a wide variety of careers.

Quality and ranking

The quality of the history study experience at Newcastle is recognised with an overall satisfaction score of 97% in the National Student Survey 2013.

History at Newcastle also ranks in the top 200 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Teaching and assessment

History at Newcastle has an international reputation for its research which feeds directly into your teaching. The geographical range of our research encompasses Asia, the Americas, Europe and the British Isles. This allows us to offer you a really broad study programme that spans a wide range of times and places.

Teaching is a balance of lectures and seminars in Stages 1 and 2 then in Stage 3 the emphasis is almost entirely on seminars. 

Assessment involves a range of forms of course work, such as documentary commentaries, group presentations, literature reviews and essays, as well as written examinations. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Flexible degree structure

This degree offers you flexibility to follow your own interests rather than follow a prescribed course of study. 

You can also choose topics from other subjects within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, such as archaeology, classics, politics, philosophy or a modern language. Languages are particularly useful if you want to become a professional historian. 

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange in either Stage 2 or Stage 3.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of quality facilities on campus including libraries, computing facilities and award-winning museums. These include:

• the University's award-winning Library Service, including historical Special Collections used in our teaching
• dedicated historical libraries and library collections such as the Cowen Library, Classics Library, Shefton Collection and the Gertrude Bell Archive 
• world-class treasures at the University-led, multiple award-winning Great North Museum
• Northern Centre for the History of Medicine

School of History, Classics and Archaeology

As a history student, you will be based in our School of History, Classics and Archaeology in the Armstrong Building.

We have a thriving student-run History Society, and our staff go above and beyond to ensure that you feel welcomed both academically and socially. We also offer you lots of opportunities to broaden your horizons, including the opportunity to study abroad in Stage 2 or 3.