BA (Hons) History

Explore the past to understand the now. Dive into moments of chaos, challenge and change. Uncover evidence that shines new light on societies around the world. Across issues of gender, class, race, inequality and power, you’ll see how diverse people responded to the times they lived in – and how their actions still shape our world today.

The city of Portsmouth is a time traveller's paradise where past and present collide: from historic warships to modern cruise liners, Southsea Castle to the Spinnaker Tower. It's the ideal place to create your own immersive and relevant BA (Hons) History degree.

Course highlights

• Study in a city that’s always been a gateway to the wider world, with options to explore the past of Britain, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America
• Get closer to history thanks to close links with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and the Portsmouth Museum and Records Service.
• Tailor your studies to times and themes you find most fascinating - from the British Civil Wars to the Opium War, from Victorian cities to modern Germany, from persecution and migration to anti-racism in the 20th century
• Learn in a place where historians collaborate with linguists, sociologists and political scientists to answer deep and complex questions
• Develop demonstrable skills in research, analysis and argument that are highly valued by all kinds of employers
• Apply your new expertise in a CV-boosting work placement at a museum, heritage site, charity or other organisation of interest

Focusing on your interests with pathways

You can follow optional sociology or politics pathways through this degree or include it as a pathway in our English Literature, American Studies or International Relations courses. It'll lead to one of these awards at the end of the course:

• BA (Hons) History with Politics
• BA (Hons) History with Sociology
• BA (Hons) English Literature with History
• BA (Hons) International Relations with History
• BA (Hons) History with American Studies

We’re proud to be a breath of fresh air in the academic world – a place where everyone gets the support they need to achieve their best. We’re always discovering. We don’t fit the mould, we break it. Just as the world keeps moving, so do we.

We’re closely involved with our local community, and we take our ideas into the global marketplace. We partner with businesses, industry, and government to set the course for a better future. And we educate and transform the lives of our students to help them achieve their potential. We stand out, not just in the UK but in the world. We excel in research areas from cosmology and astrophysics to cybersecurity, forensics, and sport science. Since the first day we opened our doors, we've looked towards the future. And we're here to help you shape it.