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

Satisfy your curiosity and develop a deep understanding of the world in which we live through the study of the history that shaped it from the sixteenth century to the present. Modern History at Winchester allows you to make your own discoveries with a range of innovative and stimulating courses.

* Modern History achieved 96% for developing knowledge and skills, one of the highest scores as rated by final-year undergraduate students in the 2023 National Student Survey

* Winchester students have secured work placements at leading historic, cultural and entrepreneurial venues such as the Mary Rose and British Museum

* Join a student-led history society on trips to sites of historical interest and talks by major historians

* Learn from expert tutors and their cutting-edge research 

* Study in a beautiful city steeped in history

Curious? Passionate? You’re in the right place. This is a History course with purpose, designed to show how the past connects with today’s world. It’s personal, global, and built around helping you gain the skills and experience to shape your future career. Winchester’s BA Modern History is your chance to explore the past in ways that will shape the rest of your life.

You’ll learn from passionate historians who are experts in their fields, actively engaged in research, and committed to supporting your growth. They’ll challenge your thinking, fuel your curiosity and support you every step of the way. And, as part of our close-knit community, your ideas will be heard, and your questions will always matter.

History achieved 100% for academic support as rated by final-year undergraduate students in the 2023 National Student Survey Our committed team of modern historians are passionate about their subjects, which cover a broad range of cultures, wars and traditions from around the globe. Studying alongside them, you can learn about the world at the time of the Reformation, the English Civil Wars, the Age of Revolutions, the rise and fall of empires; the creation of new-nation states, the history of anti-slavery, environmental and civil right movements, and much more. You can choose to focus your studies on Britain, but you can also explore a variety of historical periods, events and cultures, including Europe, the Americas (North and South), Asia and Africa through our broad expertise.

Our approach is hands-on, personalised and future-focused. You'll study in small, supportive groups where lecturers know your name and bring cutting-edge research into the classroom. Their expertise spans a truly global range of cultures and traditions – from Imperial Japan to post-war Britain, Holocaust Studies, and the global Hispanic world (a subject unique in the UK). You could study topics like the global age of Napoleon, the post-war teenager or the American South – bringing the past to life in innovative ways. You’ll explore history through a blend of teaching styles – from traditional lectures and interactive workshops to field visits and group projects. 

Immersive study trips to cities like Berlin, Paris or Madrid will help bring global history to life. Guest speakers from top institutions, including the Imperial War Museum and British Museum, as well as sessions with alumni and industry professionals, will help connect your studies to your future. Winchester is King Alfred’s city, the resting place of Jane Austen, and its history is felt in every street. With this historic city as your extended classroom and close links to London, you’ll have access to local heritage sites, museums, and archives like the Hampshire Record Office, the Mass Observation Archive and the National Archives – working directly with the materials that bring the past to life.