History

Studying History at UON will allow you to gain an excellent understanding of how historical events have shaped the contemporary world, as well as to develop key skills which are valued by diverse employers.

History BA (Hons) is delivered by a friendly group of deeply knowledgeable staff whose expertise encompasses the history of politics, warfare, society, culture, economics, religion, class, age, race, medicine, crime, gender, emotions and sexualities. Students study the distant and recent past, local communities and global networks, learning how to compare societies across time and space, but also how to engage critically with evidence and the arguments of other historians. UON History graduates emerge from their studies as intellectually enriched individuals who pursue interesting and rewarding careers.

Career Prospects
History graduates from the University of Northampton go on to work in all parts of the economy from teaching to business, to law, the civil service, research and libraries, the heritage and tourist industries, TV, film and publishing. Studying history provides you will the transferable skills of analytical thinking, research, and presentation that will make you in demand in the 21st-century workplace.

The programme mixes academic study with field trips and opportunities to go on placements with local museums, heritage organisations and other relevant employers.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Course Modules

STAGE 1
• Themes and Perspectives in History (Compulsory)
• The Early Modern World, 1500-1800 (Designated)
• The Holocaust and the Politics of Race (Designated)
• The Medieval World 1200-1500 (Designated)
• Health and Healers: Histories of Disease and Disability (Designated)
• United States: War and Society, 1610-2020 (Designated)
• Politics and Society in Britain since 1945 (Designated)
• Catastrophe: Europe, 1890-1914 (Designated)

STAGE 2
• Dissertation Research Skills (Compulsory)
• Communicating History (Compulsory)
• Shadows of Empire: Movements and Migrations (Designated)
• Crime, Policing and Punishment in England 1700-1900 (Designated)
• First World War (Designated)
• Family and Life-Cycle in Early Modern England (Designated)
• Medieval Chivalry and its Afterlives (Designated)
• Life on the Margins? Poverty and the Poor in Britain, 1660-1834 (Designated)
• From Pleasure to Anxiety: The English Aristocracy 1750-1950 (Designated)
• Terror and Terrorism from 1789 (Designated)

Optional Placement Year
• The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (Compulsory)

STAGE 3
• History Dissertation (Compulsory)
• Using History (Compulsory)
• Citizenship and Gender in Britain 1760-1918 (Designated)
• Jack the Ripper’s East End: Crime and Popular Culture in Late-Victorian London (Designated)
• Witchcraft and Heresy in Early Modern Europe (Designated)
• Secret State: British Intelligence, 1558-1945 (Designated)
• The English Country House, c.1660-1830 (Designated)
• Gender and Work in Early Modern England (Designated)
• The War of the Roses (Designated)
• Cultures of Fascism in Europe and America from Mussolini to the Alt Right (Designated)
• Murder and Mayhem: Crime in Twentieth Century Britain and America (Designated)
• Seeing Ghosts: Death and the Supernatural in Britain, 1654 - 1918 (Designated)

Module information is quoted for 25/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 26/27 entry modules will be released in June 2026.

The course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Essays

• Individual presentations

• Group projects

• Poster presentations

• Audio and visual podcasts

• Role play