History BA (Hons)

Studying History at Loughborough isn’t just about reading books and writing essays — it’s about living history through real experiences. From hands-on research projects to professional placements and study abroad opportunities, this degree is designed to help you apply your knowledge in practical, meaningful ways. You’ll work directly with historical sources, explore specialist archives, and use powerful digital tools that historians rely on today. All of this takes place within an inspiring campus environment, supported by outstanding facilities and expert staff.

Here’s how your learning comes to life:

• Professional placement year – Gain up to a year of real-world experience in industry between your second and final year. Past students have worked with organisations like Volkswagen, PwC, IBM, and government departments, earning a Diploma in Professional Studies and building valuable career skills before graduation.

• Study abroad and combined pathways – Choose to spend part of your placement year studying overseas or combine it with work experience through the innovative “6+6” option — giving you both academic and professional exposure.

• Hands-on archival research – Work directly with rare documents, manuscripts, photographs, and institutional records at the Loughborough University Archive (LUA), housed within the state-of-the-art Pilkington Library.

• Access to powerful digital tools – Make use of specialist databases and digital archives such as Gale Primary Sources, historic newspapers, maps, and manuscript collections to enhance your coursework and dissertation research.

• Special Collections – Explore rare books and journals from the 19th and 20th centuries, covering local history, art, planning, and the history of science — a unique resource for in-depth research.

• Collaborative group projects and seminars – Work closely with classmates in small-group seminars and research projects, developing teamwork, communication, and analytical skills essential for future careers.

• Supportive learning spaces – Benefit from dedicated computer labs, seminar rooms, and collaborative workspaces designed to help you research, analyse, and present historical insights effectively.

A History degree from Loughborough opens the door to an exciting range of careers. Employers value the sharp analytical thinking, strong research skills, and ability to make sense of complex information that history graduates bring to the table. Whether you want to work in government, education, media, business, or the non-profit sector, this degree equips you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Typical career paths include roles like Policy Advisor, Teacher, Consultant, Content Strategist, or Research Analyst.

Here’s how Loughborough helps you turn your degree into a rewarding career:

• Dedicated career support – Access expert guidance through the university’s Careers Network, which offers one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and support for up to five years after graduation.

• Strong employment outcomes – Around 80% of History graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with typical starting salaries around £30,000.

• Industry connections – Thanks to Loughborough’s placement programme, students have gained experience with top employers including Volkswagen, IBM, PwC, and UK government agencies — often turning placements into graduate job offers.

• Career-ready experience – While the degree itself isn’t vocational, the optional placement year and focus on research, analysis, and communication skills give you a strong competitive edge in the job market.

• Graduate destinations – Loughborough History alumni now work as Account Managers, Digital Marketing Executives, Recruitment Consultants, Management Analysts, Operations Officers, Police Officers, and Financial Consultants, among many others.

Further Academic Progression:
Your journey doesn’t have to end with a bachelor’s degree. Many graduates choose to specialise further with a Master’s in Public History, Heritage Management, Museum Studies, or Global History, or transition into fields like International Relations, Cultural Studies, or Public Policy. Others pursue PhD research, leading to academic and research careers at universities, museums, and cultural institutions.