Our history courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025.
Understanding the making of the modern world has never been more important. Whether it is war and conflict in eastern Europe, political turmoil, social change at home and abroad, the changing role of race, class and gender in modern society, or clashes over monuments and heritage, interpretations of the past influence continue to shape the world today.
With a focus on Early Modern, British, European, American and Russian history, our course explores the fundamental issues, events, and ideas that have shaped societies from the early modern period to the present day.
You’ll examine themes including empire and colonialism, revolution, democracy, race and identity, religion, political ideology and social change, developing a deeper understanding of how historical forces continue to influence global politics and culture today.
The foundation of the course is our small class teaching, where interactive discussions, debates and hands-on workshops allow you to engage deeply with historical questions while developing your critical thinking and confidence.
You’ll learn by actively ‘doing’ history. Throughout the course you’ll analyse primary sources, work with digital archives and develop the research and writing skills historians use to interpret the past.
As you progress, you’ll undertake original research projects, collaborate on public history work, and develop practical skills in project management and communication. Opportunities include producing public-facing exhibitions and working with external heritage partners, as well as undertaking placements or internships.
96 – 112 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBC at A levels, MMM – DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.
If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.
English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | V100 | £9,790 | £17,950 |
| Sep 2027 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | V100 | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.
95% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2025 and based on 2022/23 leavers
Discover our promisesOur History course offers more than just an academic understanding of the past, it helps you develop the research, analytical and communication skills which are valued across a wide range of professions.
Our graduates move into careers in diverse sectors such as museums and heritage, professional research, politics, journalism and teaching. Many also pursue further postgraduate studies. Explore the career journeys of our graduates in our alumni stories.
During your degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience conducting original research with the Cotswold Centre for History and Heritage (CC4HH), produce exhibitions for the Gloucester History Festival and work in local museums. These opportunities develop your skills in investigation, teamwork and communication.
You will also have the opportunity to study abroad and take part in an international field trip to Italy, helping you develop a broader understanding of global historical contexts and cultures.
We have a diverse and interesting breadth of expertise, including early modern Britain and Europe, the Soviet Union, race, democracy and culture in America, Victorian culture, politics and intellectual thought, 18th-20th century popular culture, politics, women’s history, and heritage.
You can gain practical experience by working in archives and local galleries. As well as various field trips within the UK and international locations such as Italy and Washington DC.
Discover more about our latest trip to Italy.
Recent guest lecturers have included broadcasters and historians such as David Olusoga, Kehinde Andrews and Bonnie Greer, journalists Gary Younge and Tim Stanley.
Explore and collaborate with creatives and design specialists from across the spectrum. We offer the perfect environment to practice your craft and prepare you to graduate career-ready.
Our history courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025.
Our history courses are ranked 12th in the UK for teaching quality by The Times Good University Guide 2023.
In addition to regular field trips within the UK, there are opportunities to take part in international trips to locations such Italy and Washington DC.
You can conduct original research for the Cotswold Centre for History and Heritage, and produce exhibitions for the Gloucester History Festival – developing your critical abilities in investigation, teamwork and communication.
“I teach on courses covering democracy and slavery in the 19th century, the long Civil Rights movement, and major themes in the 20th century. I am primarily a cultural historian and I am particularly interested in the diffusion of African American culture both in Europe and the US. I completed my PhD in 2012, which examined the emergence of transatlantic study of African American blues music through the work of Paul Oliver.
“My passion for history actually originates with the blues. I’ve loved the blues since I was little, and through it I became aware of the issues surrounding African American history: slavery, civil rights, culture, and the influence this had on American society.”
Christian O’Connell, Academic Course Leader in History
“One of the best memories I have was a trip in my third year to the National Civil War Centre in Newark. As well as visiting the museum proper, we met some of the people behind the museum, including a session where we could examine and even personally handle some of the incredible artefacts they’d collected, from books and coins to weapons and armour.”
Luke Stagg, History graduate
Take a look at our history course blog to hear more from our history students about their studies and what they’ve been up to after graduation.
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