Introduction to our History degree
Take a journey into the past and explore what it means for our present and future. Discover epoch-making developments from histories around the world on our BA (Hons) History degree in Cambridge.
Reach for the skies
History graduate Charles reveals how he turned his degree into a career as Senior Aviation Analyst and Forecaster for Jane’s.
Read Charles's story
Study at an award-winning university
We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Join a course that scored 95% for Teaching on my Course and 91% for Assessment and Feedback in the National Student Survey 2023.
On our BA (Hons) History degree we’ll take you on a journey into the past, looking at the histories of Britain, Europe, the United States and other parts of the world from 1500 onwards. You’ll encounter major historical figures from Henry VIII to Martin Luther King, and explore epoch-making transitions in human experience such as the development of empires, industrialisation and new technology.
Together, we’ll explore major themes such as the impact of revolutions, imperialism and democracy, at the same time exploring the history of everyday life, including changes in the home, consumerism and popular culture. You won’t just study Hitler and Stalin, but also topics such as James Bond and popular literature too.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
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Fees and Paying for University
Student experience
60 Second Seminar
Dr Joseph Harley considers how our traditional view of the workhouse might be inaccurate.
Charlie Chaplin and the Nazis
A 60 second seminar from Dr Richard Carr, Senior Lecturer in History and Politics at ARU
Why they had to partition India
A 60 second seminar from Dr Sean Lang, Senior Lecturer in History at ARU
Prof Lucy Bland
Read about Lucy's award-winning research on Britain's 'Brown Babies' and her current work on race relations in the 1930s.
Spotlight on Professor Lucy BlandProf Lucy Bland
Professor of Social and Cultural History Lucy Bland talks about her award-winning research on Britain's 'Brown Babies' and her current work on race relations in the 1930s.
ARU Spotlight Podcast: Prof Lucy BlandFacilities and showcase
Hands-on learning
All our BA (Hons) History students have the opportunity to:
- carry out research in Cambridge’s museums and archives
- take part in live group briefs
- go on European field trips
- study abroad for a semester, with funding available to help cover the cost
- choose from a range of optional modules and pursue your own areas of interest
- learn a language, with our ten-week Anglia Language Programme.
Outstanding student support
Join our student community in Cambridge and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- join a course that's ranked 3rd in the country for The Teaching on my Course (Source: subject ranking for History, NSS 2022)
- study at a university whose history research was ranked as ‘world-leading’ (REF 2021)
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Alternatively, take a guided tour and meet our students.
Lecturers
Rohan McWilliam
Professor
Sean Lang
Senior Lecturer
Jonathan Davis
Associate Professor
Lucy Bland
Professor
Richard Carr
Associate Professor
Joseph Harley
Senior Lecturer
Careers
What can you do with a BA (Hons) History degree? The answer: Almost anything! Former ARU History graduates are now at work in the civil service, teaching, museums and heritage management, the police, the armed forces as well as other rewarding and enjoyable jobs.
You’ll also become skilled in data analysis, research, critical thinking and complex problem solving.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Master's, such as our MA History or MA International Relations. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Daisy Murray-Smith
"I loved the lectures and the discussions in seminars, not only because I was interested in the subject, but because you could see how passionate the lecturers were."
Daisy Murray-SmithBA (Hons) History graduate and Records Officer with Surrey Police
Daisy's storyLife in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgeWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Foundation year available
This course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.
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