History

Explore the events, ideas, and struggles that shaped our modern world. Study British and global history from 1700 onwards and build skills for a range of careers.

History for a changing world
Do you want to explore how the past explains the present, and why understanding history matters more than ever? From revolution and resistance to empire, protest, inequality, the climate crisis, migration, and the media – discover how modern history continues to shape the world around us.

As part of this course, you’ll:
• Explore how historians use the past to understand contemporary issues and future challenges



• Study British, European, and global history from 1700 onwards, uncovering the people, movements, and moments that have transformed societies around the world



• Investigate the forces that influence our lives today – from political upheaval and social change to culture, identity, and conflict



• Examine a variety of historical sources, including films, official records, letters, oral histories, and personal testimonies, developing the skills to question evidence, challenge assumptions, and think critically about the world



• Work directly with communities and cultural organisations across Leeds to reveal the city's rich history



• Develop highly transferable skills in research, communication, critical thinking, and analysis to support your future career



Find out more

Join a community passionate about the arts, humanities, and social change
We’ll nurture your passion and help you grow as an independent thinker through:
• Inspiring teaching and lively intellectual debate



• Opportunities to learn from award-winning authors, playwrights, and researchers



• A rolling programme of guest talks and events featuring media professionals, published academics, and industry experts



Building your future potential
From your first year, you’ll be encouraged to think about where your degree could take you. Career-focused learning is embedded throughout the course, helping you identify your strengths, interests, and future opportunities.

In your second and third years, you’ll be able to choose modules featuring live brief challenges set by employers, alongside opportunities for work placements.

Heart of culture and the arts
Study in the centre of Leeds, the Northern heart of culture and the arts. Your campus is surrounded by museums, art galleries, theatres, film production companies, recording studios, and music venues.

Diverse research community
Our teaching and research explore a wide range of topics, from apartheid-era South Africa and LGBTQ+ cultural history to online racism in football and 21st century media and culture.

Hands-on learning
History comes alive through experience. You’ll take part in conferences, seminars and events organised through our Centre for Culture and the Arts.

You’ll have opportunities to work with Leeds museums, archives, galleries, and community partners, as well as regional organisations and events, including the Ilkley Literature Festival and Leeds West Indian Carnival. You’ll gain practical experience of how history is researched, interpreted, and shared with different audiences.

Why study the BA History course at Leeds Beckett University?
- 100% of students on BA (Hons) History were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*


• Explore today's biggest global issues through an historical lens, from protest and inequality to identity, media, and social change



• Learn through real-world projects with cultural organisations and community partners



• Study in Leeds – one of the UK's most vibrant student cities, steeped in history and surrounded by museums, galleries, theatres, and heritage spaces



• Hear from guest speakers including authors, researchers, media professionals, and industry experts



*National Student Survey 2026

Curiosity needs thinkers, makers, and dreamers. It needs you!

Leeds Beckett believes that when unlike minds come together, incredible things happen. That’s why they don’t just teach; they collaborate, challenge and inspire.

Their courses are meticulously designed, combining practical experience through work placements with a vibrant location at the heart of one of the UK’s largest student communities. Boasting a top 10 UK ranking for both course quality and student life (Unicompare 2026) and a prestigious five-star QS rating, LBU sets the standard for excellence.

The university prioritises student wellbeing and stands among just seven universities nationwide to earn the University Mental Health Charter Award - proof of their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellbeing.

All of this is why 98% of Leeds Beckett students and graduates would recommend studying at the university to a friend (Unicompare, 2024 reviews).