BA (Hons) Modern History with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V14P
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Are you fascinated by the events that have unfolded in the centuries since the French Revolution of 1789? Do you wonder why nations succeeded and failed, how societies dealt with the impact of empire, or how battles for social justice were won? On our BA Modern History with a Placement Year, you’ll study the forces that have shaped our world.
You’ll be taught by a team of internationally-recognised historians and learn about developments around the globe – from the Soviet Union to modern Japan, from modules examining propaganda to landscape history, and beyond. You’ll learn how to develop and communicate your own ideas, and how to interpret historical sources.
Choice will be at the heart of your degree. Building on a firm grounding in your first year, in your second and fourth years you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules. You’ll decide how to build your course, tailoring your studies to your interests. On our BA Modern History with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining valuable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Norwich is an ideal place to study, with a rich history of its own. Nowadays it’s a lively modern city, and on our beautiful campus you’ll benefit from our strengths in British, European and global research, including internationally renowned centres in Eastern European history and East Anglian studies. You’ll have the chance to gain first-hand experience of history through our network of partnerships with heritage organisations such as Norfolk Museums.
The skills you learn will be invaluable in the workplace. Our graduates have gone on to careers as varied as the Civil Service, media, local government, law, finance, heritage, teaching and many more. And if you’re thinking of taking your study of history further, our degree will provide a vital foundation.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you’ll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. Modern History graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries, and many more. We will, however, require that the tasks you will conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you’ll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
* Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this must be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you’ve an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your businesses in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year of study will give you a solid foundation in the main periods of British, European, and global history. Core modules will cover developments from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. In your second semester, you’ll explore topics such as nationalism, ethnicity, decolonisation, and climate change across the sweep of global history since 1914, as well as having the opportunity to choose more specialist topics to explore, such as witchcraft or how to interpret visual sources (from photographs, paintings, and films to buildings, maps and relics). You’ll be introduced to established methodologies and theories of historical inquiry. Through all these modules, you’ll develop your skills in research, analysis, and debate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The School of History and Art History has a particular strength in Modern History, including a group of specialists in the history of modern Britain, and experts in the history of modern France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the former Yugoslavia, the Middle East, Japan, South Asia, and America. Their research interests cover a huge range of topics, including political, social and cultural history, economic history, international history, and gender history. You can find out more about the specialisms and current research projects of the experts you will study with by viewing our staff profiles. All this passion for their research and their subjects translates directly into superb teaching.
Teaching
In the first year, you’ll learn key historical methods, how to critique effectively, and be able to take a long view on some of the most influential and important current debates today. Through a mixture of lectures and seminars, you will learn how to listen to and critique the ideas of others, as well as how to present and defend your own ideas, in a supportive, friendly environment. You’ll also embark on a series of workshops which will help you to begin your search for the placement you’ll undertake in your third year.
Independent Learning
Making use of UEA’s state-of-the-art library facilities, you’ll explore the library and discover the wealth of physical and online resources available to enrich your studies. With guidance from your lecturers and seminar leaders, you will develop your skills in independent reading and research to help you finish the year equipped with the skills you need to continue your journey through your degree.
Academic support
Our ‘History Key Skills’ programme is designed to help you make an effective and successful transition into university work. You’ll engage with targeted training sessions throughout your first year to help you develop key academic skills as you engage with these skills in your studies.
Based in Student Support Services, our Learning Enhancement Team will help you get the most out of your studies and ensure you’re achieving your full potential. Their support covers:
- Study skills, including reading, note-taking and presentation skills
- Written skills, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
- Academic writing, including how to reference
- Research skills, including how to use the library
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessments and examination skills, including time management
If you’ve additional support needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to Student Support Services about how they can help. Student Support also assists with all matters of personal wellbeing, and this is integral to the supportive learning environment we nurture at UEA.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll be assessed by a mixture of essays, presentations, and document commentaries. You’ll gain experience and confidence with these assessments, without them counting to your final degree.
You’ll receive both written and oral feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll be given the option to hone your historic focus or keep it broad. You’ll have access to a wide range of modules offered by the School of History and Art History, focusing on topics ranging from the Middle East, to heritage and public history, from propaganda to America’s role in the world.
There are no compulsory modules this year, allowing you to tailor your learning to the topics that interest you, while honing your skills of academic enquiry and argument.
You can also choose to learn a new language in your second year, or broaden your studies by taking modules chosen from those offered by other disciplines in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Lectures and seminars will enable you to build on the foundational knowledge and skills you acquired in the first year. With a wide choice of modern history modules, you can develop your own pathway and start to specialise in a particular area of your choice. You might also take a placement as part of a Humanities-wide module or learn a new foreign language. You’ll continue to be supported in your search for your third-year placement with another series of workshops.
Independent Learning
You’ll deepen your ability to read sources critically to analyse and evaluate them within context through independent study. You will gain the confidence to take more risks in your academic work, finishing the year with a real sense of how history influences our everyday lives.
Academic Support
You’ll continue to have access to all the training in study skills, academic writing, research, critical thinking, and tackling assessments that’s offered by our Learning Enhancement Team (described in Year 1 in more detail). And that team is just one part of our Student Support Services, who will continue to be there throughout your second year to nurture your studies, whether that’s by providing additional support for disabilities or by looking out for your wellbeing.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll be assessed through the same forms of assessment, in combination with examinations. In each module you’ll have a chance to test your skills and receive feedback from your tutors through practice assessments (also known as formative work), which can take a variety of forms, such as presentations, reviews, and source analyses. You’ll continue to receive detailed feedback on your work and be encouraged to benefit from the support of your tutors in their office hours.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You’ll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll specialise even further and master the intellectual skills required of a historian. You’ll select a specialist subject from a range that typically include topics on Japan, war and appeasement, and the French Revolution. Each subject will be led by an academic currently researching the specific area, so you can be sure your learning will be at the forefront of its field.
In addition to your area of focus, you’ll study two advanced modules. Alternatively, you could opt to take just one advanced module and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 30)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
This is your opportunity to delve into specific topics that have sparked your imagination in the first two years. As part of a Special Subject, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your chosen topic through longer seminars in discussion with a specialist in the field. You can also pursue a dissertation, working one-to-one with an expert in the field, or choose to take another advanced module.
We believe one of the best ways to learn is by doing, so selected modules will include interesting and thought-provoking field trips or field work, where you’ll consider Modern History in a real-world setting. The trips vary, but past trips have included visits to the Churchill Archives and Osborne House.
Independent Learning
You’ll bring together all the skills and confidence you’ve developed over the previous two years through independent research and critical analysis of documents as you master your field of study. The skills you have honed throughout your history degree, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and organisational abilities will prove invaluable in any career.
Academic Support
In your final year of study, our Student Support Services will be on hand to continue to help you flourish, whether that’s by providing ongoing support for your disabilities or by offering a timely session on research skills that enables you to sharpen your work on your dissertation (if you’ve chosen to do one).
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll be assessed via a combination of coursework, document work, presentations, and examinations, along with an extended essay in your specialist subject and a dissertation, if you choose to do one. All the feedback you’ll continue to receive will enable you to deepen your work as a historian and graduate with a host of flexible skills that are valued by employers.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA (Hons) History with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
The cost of individual field trips will vary, and all such trips are optional.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
History graduates have the world at their feet. As well as subject-specific skills and knowledge, you’ll develop a range of transferable skills and qualities, including communication skills, team working, leadership, self-management, and sophisticated digital literacy. Such attributes open doors to a wide variety of professions and careers.
History at UEA has a proven track record of leading to careers in law, finance, local government and administration, the heritage and tourism sector, the Civil Service, political lobbying, non-governmental organisations, teaching, think-tanks and many more besides. Or you could further your research by going on to postgraduate study.
Careers
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
- Public Relations
- Political lobbying
- Museums and heritage industries
- Teaching
- Finance
- The Civil Service
- Postgraduate Study
Discover more on our Career pages.