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

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?

* 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

* Join a supportive and inspiring learning community - 100% of students on BA (Hons) History were positive about the way teaching staff explain things\*

\*National Student Survey 2025