Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
History remains among the most fascinating and best-loved of the arts and social science disciplines. At Westminster, our focus is on History as a subject that is relevant to everybody. We teach in a truly global framework, listening to previously marginalised voices and questioning long-standing beliefs surrounding power and identity, putting our degree at the cutting edge of the discipline.
Our course is modern history and spans from the mid-18th century at the time of the American and French Revolutions, up until the 21st century and present day. Year-long core modules take a global outlook, whilst shorter modules explore a range of British, European, American, imperial and global histories in depth.
You’ll be taught by a team of passionate academics who are regularly recognised for their teaching excellence and commitment to their students. Our staff are also active, published researchers, introducing you to the newest research. In your final year, you’ll be supervised by one of these specialists to develop your dissertation. Recent fascinating topics include 1960s fashion, Indian independence, the politics of empire in Trinidad and Tobago, female British spies in the Second World War, and transitional Palestine.
Our unique West End location puts us in the heart of historical London and close to many of the country’s leading libraries and archives. You’ll explore the streets of the capital, learn how to conduct your own archival research, and graduate as a well-trained, experienced historian, ready to enter the world of work. You’ll graduate a confident, independent thinker with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong development. You’ll be prepared for a career in variety of engaging in fields including the law, education, the Civil Service, NGOs, the police force – or for postgraduate study.
Top reasons to study with us
- Our focus on modern and global history allows you to understand the social, political, economic, and cultural processes that have shaped today’s world
- Our focus on equality, diversity and inclusion in the study of History and our emphasis on unearthing the lives and voices of those people who have not traditionally featured in History books
- Our Regent Campus means exceptional resources are within walking distance, and London’s museums and archives offer first-class research opportunities and unparalleled options on work placement modules
- Our small group tutorials develop students academically and enhance employment potential
- Our emphasis on employability; you’ll have access to our award-winning Careers and Employability Service, the chance to develop professional mentorships, participation in the Humanities Hackathon or the option to do work placement modules
- Our study abroad and work placement opportunities, whether for a semester or a whole year
- Our inclusive, compassionate community, where we believe everyone’s heritage is important
- The exciting opportunity to study a wide range of subjects within one single module - year three’s special subjects in history enables you to study as many six-week topics as you like, each taught by a member of the History team with in depth knowledge of the topic
Course structure
Over three years, you’ll be exposed to a range of topics in modern history. Initially, you’ll start with core modules to help you develop a solid grounding in modern global history from 1789 to 1989, and in historical methods and approaches. As the course develops, you’ll have more opportunities to choose your own option modules according to your personal interests. By your final year, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing and select short modules from a wide range of rotating special subjects.
We have a wide range of assessments including essays, document and artefact analysis, oral presentations, book reviews, portfolios, blogs, reflection journals and political reports. Through these you’ll learn essential skills that enhance your employability. To help support you in your assessments and learning journey, the course also includes weekly Tutorials in the first two years. These are very small groups designed to help you develop your academic and employability skills with your own Academic Tutor. You’ll benefit from close supervision and learn to develop independent research projects, and how to develop your skills in all of your modules that year.
You’ll also have the chance to take a credit-bearing work placement module in one of London’s hundreds of archives, museums, galleries, libraries and other repositories. Previous interns have had placements in the Imperial War Museum, the House of Lords Record Office and many other London institutions. You can also study an optional module from a range of interdisciplinary topics across the University in each year, such as the study of material culture or sexual histories of London, or from our language options which include French, Spanish, Arabic or Chinese.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
In Level 4, you’ll attend weekly core modules to learn the foundations of the historical discipline. You'll learn about major historical trends, individuals, and events that shaped the modern world in the 19th century (1789-1914), including in China, Japan, Russia, North America, Europe and the Caribbean. You’ll be introduced to the various disciplines of history such as social, cultural, gender or transnational history, and explore museums and archives in London as you do so in order to see history in practice. You also have a few optional modules to choose from. This is also the level where you’ll start to build your academic and employability skills in your small-group History Tutorials. All of this has been purposely designed to prepare you for studying history from a variety of perspectives as you progress with your studies.
Subjects of study include:
- History Tutorial 1 (core)
- Ideas in History (core)
- The Making of the Modern World: Global Perspectives on the Long Nineteenth Century (core)
- This Imperial Island, 1760-1867 (core)
- Protests: From Bread Riots to Extinction Rebellion (option)
- Polylang (elective)
Credit Level 4
In Level 5, you’ll continue to have a core module which focuses on global history, this time in the short 20th century (1914-1991), where topics include world wars, Russian Revolution, Spanish Civil War, the Holocaust, the Algerian War, Ukraine, everyday life in Eastern Europe, the Korean War, Student Revolution in 1968; and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Building upon what you learned in Level 4, you’ll also expand your academic and employability skills set through your History Tutorials, building your own research project, engaging in employability events and consolidating your skills.
Subjects of study include:
- Age of Extremes, 1914-1991 (core)
- History Tutorial 2 (core)
- A Sexual History of London (core)
- For Freedom and Equality: Race, Politics, and Activism in the USA, 1850-1970 (option)
- Murder, Media and Morality in late Victorian London (option)
- New Liberals to New Labour: British Politics since 1906 (option)
- Sites of Conflict (option)
- Polylang (elective)
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours - History with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours - History with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
In the final year, you’ll make practical and effective use of what you have learned so far, and will finally get to research and write your History Dissertation on a topic of your choosing. In addition, you’ll take our Special Subject module which includes a series of shorter, research-led modules. A range of subjects will be offered each year, and may change depending on staff availability, topical events and/or student demand. Possible case studies include:
- The Anatomy of the English Sex Scandal: 1800-1900
- Vietnam War
- Orientalism and Oil? The Middle East since 1876
- The Collapse of Communism in Europe
- Brexit Britain
- The Titanic
- London's Women Workers, 1881-1939
- The Cuban Missile Crisis
- Our German Cousins: Britain and Germany
- The USA and the Great War
You’ll complete various assessments based on the topics which you decide to study in depth. On top of this, you have additional options to study the history of the world after 1989, to take up one of two work placement modules on offer if you are looking for professional experience in a specific area, or to do other modules outside your discipline such as a language.
Subjects of study include:
- Dissertation for History and History and Politics (core)
- Special Subjects in History (core)
- Archives and Museums Internship (option)
- The End of History? Crisis and Conflict since the Cold War (option)
- Work Placement for Humanities (option)
- Polylang (elective)
Credit Level 6
Hear from our students
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Get ahead before graduating
Our internship module gives you the opportunity to gain valuable and practical experience in impressive institutions.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Transferable skills
You'll gain the knowledge and experience to succeed in a many careers such as teaching, public relations, marketing, museums and galleries, higher education administration and the Civil Service.
Career development
As a University of Westminster History graduate, you'll be well placed to take advantage of employment opportunities in the ‘knowledge economy’. Many of our graduates are currently pursuing successful careers in teaching, the Civil Service, museums and galleries, public relations and marketing, higher education administration and in all sectors of industry.
Many of our graduates go on to further study and a number are now pursuing successful academic careers of their own.
Work experience
In the past, students on our internship module have been placed with exceptional institutions including:
- Bishopsgate Institute
- Imperial War Museum
- Kew Botanical Gardens Archive
- National Gallery
- National Theatre Archive
- Royal College of Physicians Archive
You'll also have the option to complete an alternative work placement through our Humanities Work Placement module.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Financial consultancy adviser
- Marketing officer
- Museum curator
- School teacher
- Security analyst
- PR and publicity roles
Graduate employment
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- British Chambers of Commerce
- Citi Bank
- General Electric
- Science Museum
- The Wolfson Foundation
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Rachael Attwood
Senior Lecturer
Dr Rachael Attwood was awarded a DPhil from UCL in 2013, having previously studied at both UCL and the University of Oxford. She joined the University of Westminster in September 2015. Dr Attwood is programme leader for History and teaches on a variety of topics relating to British and Imperial History in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Her doctoral thesis is on the politics of activism against trafficking for sex work in turn-of-the-century Britain and, particularly, the representation of trafficking as 'white slavery'. She has taught at both UCL and the University of Sussex, where she was also a Research Fellow at the Centre for German-Jewish Studies.
Her current research focuses on the history of trafficking and migratory sex work in Britain and its empire, as well as on the history of trafficking and anti-trafficking actions in global Jewish communities. Dr Attwood is passionate about sharing her research outside of academia, particularly with child protection and anti-trafficking NGOs, and has acted as an advisor on a number of academic projects on the history of women's mobility and trafficking.
Our degrees teach an inclusive type of History, a History that challenges orthodoxies, amplifies marginalised voices and strives to set the record straight
Course Team
Why study this course?
Fantastic central London location
Based in our Regent Campus in central London, you'll enjoy the benefits of being close to museums, archives and other exceptional resources.
Study visits
We organise study visits to archives and repositories around the city so you can experience London as a resource for historians.
Support through tutorials
Our small group tutorials provide tailored advice to support your studies and enhance your employment potential.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
More information
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Olivia Kumar
History BA - 2023
The modules taught at Westminster are outstanding and offer a wide range of captivating topics. Each individual module is very well structured, presented and taught.
Shannon-Emma Mary Martindale
History BA - 2023
The teaching team has been amazing. They are always at hand to support me, answer any questions or solve any issues I have. It makes you feel like you are part of a huge academic family.
Gabriella Pace
History BA - 2023
The academic staff are so supportive and helpful, approachable and understanding.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs information
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs information
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
University Records and Archives
Our archival collection will provide you with hands-on experience and develop your research skills. University Records and Archives opens up a wide range of resources to you, enabling you to learn about our history and research significant themes by consulting thousands of items.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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