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History

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Discover the people, ideas, and events that shaped the world we live in today. You'll explore different time periods, places, and cultures—from medieval life to the modern world—across Britain, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Our expert teachers are passionate about history and will help you uncover hidden histories, challenge myths, and understand how the past still influences the modern world.

What will you learn? History is about people and their stories. In the core modules you’ll explore key periods, from medieval and Tudor England to the world wars and modern events like the Arab Spring. You’ll also learn about heritage, public history, and even the history of history itself.

Why study this course?

  • You can choose optional topics like the Vikings, the American Revolution, homelessness, youth culture and more.

  • Along the way, you’ll develop skills in researching, analysing, and understanding complex information as well as a deep understanding of the past.

  • You can also learn a new language for free—either as part of your degree or just for fun!

  • Take our Professional Skills module and take advantage of the paid internships offered exclusively to Birmingham students.

  • You can also choose modules from other departments - from Art History to African history to Anthropology and beyond.

Top 15 in the UK for History in the Complete University Guide 2025

Top 35 for History in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Top 85 for History in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2025

Modules

First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the course page.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
V100
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
AAB

A Level History, Medieval History or Ancient History is preferred but we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate an interest in and an aptitude for the study of history and politics. Acceptable subjects include: Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Law, Medieval History, Modern or Classical Languages, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology. If you are not studying one or more of the above then please contact us to discuss your application.

If you are not taking A level History then we will require GCSE History grade 7 and at least one humanities subject at A level or equivalent.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus an A at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Diploma: DD, plus an A at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level, including an A in the required A-level subject/s mentioned above.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects. Please see A Level details above for subject information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE History grade 7 if not taking A Level History

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The historic entry grades range shown below includes students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.

Learn more on the University of Birmingham website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.

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