BA History

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA History at the University of Exeter allows students to explore the past through a wide range of historical periods, cultures, and themes while developing valuable research, analytical, and communication skills. This programme is ideal for students who are curious about how societies, ideas, and events have shaped the modern world, offering the flexibility to specialise in areas of personal interest through diverse modules and independent research opportunities.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in historical study by learning how historians research, interpret, and evaluate evidence. Modules such as Becoming a Historian: Core, Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History, and Understanding Modern History introduce students to different historical periods, research approaches, and methods of analysing the past. Students also develop practical research skills through modules such as Sources and Skills: Modern, Sources and Skills: Early Modern, and Sources and Skills: Medieval, learning how to work with a variety of historical sources.

Year 2

The second year allows students to explore history in greater depth through specialist themes and advanced research methods. Modules such as Uses of the Past and Doing History in the Digital Age help students understand how history is interpreted, presented, and communicated in the modern world. Students can also choose from a wide range of optional topics, including The Russian Revolution, The Body in Early Modern England, Health and its Politics in the Twentieth Century, Borders and Mobilities in Postcolonial South Asia, and Governing the World: A History of Internationalism from WW1 to the Present, allowing them to focus on areas that match their interests.

Year 3

In the final year, students develop specialist historical knowledge while completing advanced research projects. The General Third-Year Dissertation allows students to investigate a historical topic of their choice using independent research skills, while specialist modules such as Truth, War, Violence, Revolution, Sexualities, The Russian Revolution, Magic in the Middle Ages, Britons Abroad, and The Celtic Frontier encourage students to engage with complex historical debates and different interpretations of the past.

Year 4 (Optional Study Abroad/Employment Experience Year)

Students may have the option to extend their degree with an additional year focused on international experience or professional development, depending on the chosen pathway. A Study Abroad year provides the opportunity to study at a partner institution and experience a different academic environment, while an Employment Experience year allows students to apply their historical knowledge and transferable skills in a professional setting, improving their confidence and career readiness.

Focus areas

Medieval history, early modern history, modern history, historical research methods, digital history, political history, cultural history, social history, global history, international relations, historical sources, independent research, public engagement with history.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to research, analyse, and interpret historical evidence while gaining a deeper understanding of how societies and events have shaped the world. The programme strengthens critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, digital skills, independent research abilities, and the ability to evaluate complex ideas from different perspectives.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA History develops highly transferable skills in research, communication, analysis, organisation, and independent thinking that are valued across many professional fields. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, its focus on evidence-based reasoning, writing, digital skills, and critical analysis prepares graduates for careers in education, heritage, media, publishing, government, business, and cultural organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students in developing career-ready skills through research-led teaching, flexible learning opportunities, and a strong focus on communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital confidence. The programme helps graduates build a broad skill set that can be applied across different industries, making them adaptable and competitive in the employment market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA History at the University of Exeter helps students develop practical historical research skills by working with original sources, digital resources, archives, and specialist collections. Students gain hands-on experience in analysing evidence, building historical arguments, and presenting ideas through independent research, written assignments, and discussions. The programme is supported by Exeter’s strong research environment, offering access to libraries, archives, digital humanities resources, and specialist facilities that connect academic study with real-world historical practice.

Students benefit from a combination of research-based learning, digital methods, and engagement with historical resources that allow them to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom:

Historical research using archives and collections: Students have access to the University Library’s extensive historical collections, including archives, rare books, and special collections, allowing them to work with primary sources and develop professional research skills.
Digital history skills: Through modules such as Doing History in the Digital Age, students explore how digital tools and technologies are transforming historical research, interpretation, and the presentation of historical information. The University’s Digital Humanities Lab supports digital projects through specialist technology and research facilities.
Independent research projects: In the final year, students complete a General Third-Year Dissertation, where they investigate a historical topic of their choice, develop original arguments, and apply advanced research techniques.
Research centre engagement: Students benefit from Exeter’s research strengths through academic centres focusing on areas such as Medical History, Medieval Studies, Early Modern Studies, War, State and Society, Imperial and Global History, and Maritime Historical Studies, giving them opportunities to engage with specialist historical research.
History Society activities and academic events: The student-led History Society provides opportunities to attend guest lectures, participate in discussions, join academic activities, and connect with other students interested in history.
Learning through Exeter’s heritage environment: The city of Exeter provides a valuable historical setting, with access to heritage locations, museums, archives, and cultural collections that complement classroom learning.
Study Abroad and Employment Experience opportunities: Students can choose an optional fourth year through pathways such as a Study Abroad year or an Employment Experience year, gaining international exposure or professional experience while applying their historical knowledge and transferable skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA History at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with strong research, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valued across a wide range of industries. By developing the ability to analyse evidence, interpret information, and communicate complex ideas clearly, students are well prepared for careers such as Historian, Archivist, Civil Servant, Business Analyst, TV Researcher, Parliamentary Researcher, Digital Marketing Executive, and Events Project Manager.

The programme supports students in building career confidence through dedicated employability services, practical experiences, and a broad range of transferable skills:

Access the University of Exeter’s Careers Service, which provides personalised careers advice, mentoring opportunities, employer events, workshops, and online resources to help students explore career pathways and prepare for graduate employment.
Take part in development programmes such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which help students strengthen employability through skills workshops, volunteering, leadership activities, and professional development opportunities.
Develop highly valued skills in research, critical thinking, communication, organisation, teamwork, problem-solving, and information analysis, which are applicable across sectors including heritage, education, government, business, media, and cultural organisations.
Gain workplace experience through the Employment Experience pathway, which allows students to complete a year-long placement in the UK or abroad. This helps students apply their historical knowledge in a professional environment, develop practical skills, and enhance their career prospects.
Connect with employers and professional networks through career events, recruitment activities, and opportunities organised by the University’s Careers Service.
Explore career opportunities in areas such as heritage and museums, education, journalism, publishing, government, charities, finance, business, recruitment, marketing, and cultural industries.
Benefit from the long-term value of a University of Exeter History degree, which develops adaptable skills in analysis, communication, research, and independent thinking that remain valuable across different career sectors.
Benefit from strong graduate outcomes, with History graduates progressing into roles such as Account Manager, Archivist, Business Analyst, Civil Servant, Global Market Researcher, Historian, Parliamentary Researcher, and TV Researcher.
Continue developing professional skills through further study options and career-focused postgraduate pathways that build on the research and analytical abilities gained during the degree.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA History, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes that allow them to specialise in areas such as historical research, politics, international relations, education, law, cultural studies, and management. Suitable progression routes include programmes such as MA History, MA Conflict, Security and Development, Graduate Diploma in Law, PGCE teacher training, and other related master’s degrees that build on the research, analytical, and communication skills developed during the undergraduate programme.