History

Explore the events and developments that have shaped our world, supported by experts at the forefront of historical research.

Choice lies at the heart of a History degree at UEA. We offer courses with a global reach, from the Roman empire to the contemporary world.

Whether you already have career aspirations or an interest in a specific period of history, a History degree at UEA can be tailored to work for you.

You will learn directly from our world-leading historians, whose expertise spans from antiquity to present day and reaches across several continents.

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Why choose History at UEA?

Top10

for History

The Guardian University Guide 2023

3^rd

Overall for Research Quality

REF21

86%

of BA History grads going on to work and/or study 15 months after the course

Discover Uni

History students browsing books in an academic office

Tailor your degree to your interests and skill level

You can tailor a History degree at UEA to suit your interests and career aspirations.

For your second and third year of the degree, you’ll have almost complete freedom to choose whichever subjects you want to study from our wide range of research-led modules.

We also offer a Foundation Year, which is aimed at anyone keen to study History following a break from education, or anyone who didn’t get the A-levels they wanted. The Foundation Year provides you with essential academic skills in a nurturing environment so that you are fully prepared for the History degree.

Find the right course for you

Your study options

All our History courses are available with a Year Abroad

Learn more about Study Abroad

All our History courses are available with a Placement Year

Learn more about Placements

History students and a lecturer in a seminar

Learn from world-leading historians

You’ll learn from the historians who are at the leading edge of history today in the UK and internationally. Their research informs our teaching. At UEA, you’ll engage with experts who write the books, explore the archives and speak the languages of the regions they research.

Learn more about research in the school of History.

History students examining items in the Archives

Some of our notable research

Dr Emily Cockayne’s latest book ‘Penning Poison: A History of Anonymous Letters inspired the Sky History film ‘Wicked Little Letters’ starring Olivia Colman.

Read an interview with Emily about her book here.

Professor Claire Jowitt’s award-winning Gloucester Project explores the life of a 17th-century warship from inception to salvage. Featured on BBC and other media, it resulted in an exhibition in Norwich Castle Museum.

Read about the Gloucester project here.

Each new topic I’ve studied at UEA has expanded my horizons of what history can be, and also crucially where it’s relevant in the wider world of work, whether that’s through considering obvious careers like teaching and heritage or picking up the more widely applicable skills you gain through a history degree, like critical analysis, public speaking and long-form writing.

Matthew

BA History graduate and MA Early Modern History student

Read Matthew's blog, History at UEA: The benefits of following your passion

Careers beyond history

Some of our History graduates work in education or the heritage and museum sectors. However, most of them use the transferable skills they gained from their degrees to work in a broad range of professions, including:

Civil Service
Law
Accounting
Publishing
Public relations
Broadcast media (TV & radio)
Print media (newspapers & magazines)

All our undergraduates have the opportunity to take a placement year to gain industry experience, and benefit from connections with Norfolk museums and local heritage organisations.

Benefit from a tightly-knit learning community

Community is at the heart of UEA. We know our students by name and will support you to align your degree to your interests and aspirations. This ensures that seminars become welcoming settings for discussion and debate in a supportive environment.

You’ll be supported personally and academically throughout your degree, giving you the best possible learning environment to succeed.

Your next steps

Ready to explore campus, chat with current students, and find out all about History at UEA? Book your place at an Open Day and experience it for yourself.

Or join us for a subject taster session or webinar on a broad range of topics about university, like personal statements, student finance, and life as a student.

Book an Open Day Subject tasters and webinars