History Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Critical thinkers, cultural navigators and master communicators - our history graduates are ready to shape the future by understanding the past.

The BA (Hons) History programme at Aston University offers an engaging exploration of the past during the modern and contemporary period (since 1789). The course is designed to cultivate critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of historical contexts.

Working closely with experienced historians at every stage, you will follow classes in a wide range of fields including global and British history, history of international relations, history of technology, history of emotions, and the history of slavery.

Alongside your other modules offering a wide range of topics, you will take practice-based seminars: doing research and volunteering at our own Aston University Archives or in other local archives and heritage institutions as part of your coursework; applying your research skills to develop exhibitions, podcasts, and virtual reality experiences; or learning and practising how to teach history yourself.

Opting for the placement year will also provide you with invaluable real-world experience, preparing you for the job market.

Key benefits

* Power up your future – Develop the skills employers around the globe look for. Gain an edge in a fast-changing world and thrive in your career with Aston Power Skills.

* Excellent experience - Ranked 4th in the UK for ‘student experience’ (History; Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026)

* Quality teaching - Ranked 8th in the UK for ‘teaching quality’ (History; Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026)

* Gold standard teaching – Aston University was awarded Gold – the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Where can this degree take me?

The transferable skills that our history programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

* Policy analyst

* Media researcher

* Video game consultant

* Teacher

* Marketing executive

* Archivist

* Tax specialist

* Research officer

* Area manager

* Journal editor