History

History is one of the oldest and most important of academic disciplines, concerned with understanding who we are by examining where we have come from. It asks how human societies have organised themselves, how they have changed over time, why some changes happened and others did not, and how the past shapes the possibilities available to people living in the present. Good history demands close engagement with evidence, careful argument, and the intellectual honesty to acknowledge complexity and uncertainty rather than forcing events into simple narratives.

At Birmingham Newman University, this three-year full-time degree offers a reflective and inclusive exploration of the past designed for students who want to examine how historical narratives shape society. You will investigate a wide range of periods, places, and perspectives, developing a critical awareness of global conflict, cultural identity, and political transformation. The programme is inclusive in its approach to what counts as history, taking seriously the experiences of communities and individuals who have often been marginalised in mainstream historical accounts.

The typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects the broad and accessible character of the programme.

You will develop research skills, the ability to evaluate evidence from multiple sources, critical and analytical thinking, and the capacity to construct and communicate well-supported historical arguments, skills that are valued across many professional contexts.

Graduates pursue careers in education, heritage management, museums and archives, journalism, the civil service, the voluntary sector, and any role that values the ability to research thoroughly and communicate clearly. Postgraduate study in history, archival studies, heritage management, or education is a natural continuation for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.