Introduction
Come face to face with the past, and explore what it can tell us about our present and future lives, with our BA (Hons) History degree in Cambridge.
Focusing a range of periods and themes including British and global histories, race and politics, gender, sexuality and the body, and also how we recreate history, you’ll take part in hands-on historical research to make sense of how past events have shaped our world today.
Cambridge is the perfect place to study history. Thanks to our close links with local organisations, you’ll find yourself handling historical objects, leafing through archival material, and working with museum professionals, as well as engaging with digital sources and archives.
There’s also the chance to study abroad for a semester, take part in European field trips, and go on work placements as you prepare for a career in many different fields including business, management, local government, heritage, museums and more.
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As a history student at ARU, you'll form an understanding of why people and societies think and behave as they do – and how these actions can echo down the centuries. This historical insight will sharpen your ability to analyse and tackle complex problems, such as how social divisions arise and dictators come to power. You’ll also form an awareness of the limitations of our knowledge and the dangers of simplistic explanations.
These are important skills, with the World Economic Forum listing complex problem solving and critical thinking as two of the top 10 skills we need to thrive in today’s workforce.
In Years 2 and 3, our optional modules allow you to explore the areas of history that interest you most, with topics including the First World War, modern British politics, sport, the Russian Revolution and histories of everyday life. There is even a class on the history of James Bond! Meanwhile, your Undergraduate Major Project lets you complete a substantial piece of research work so that you become a historian in your own right.
You’ll be supported by staff, recognised as leaders in their field, whose expertise ranges from British imperialism and Victorian studies, to modern politics, gender history and the history of sense and emotions. It’s no surprise that our BA (Hons) History degree came 4th in the UK for ‘Satisfied with Teaching’ in The Guardian University Guide 2019 – and received an overall satisfaction score of more than 94% in the National Student Survey 2020.
Hands-on learning
All our BA (Hons) History students have the opportunity to:
- carry out research in Cambridge’s museums and archives
- take part in live group briefs
- go on European field trips
- study abroad for a semester, with funding available to help cover the cost
- choose from a range of optional modules and pursue your own areas of interest
- learn a language, with our ten-week Anglia Language Programme.
Outstanding student support
Join our student community in Cambridge and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- join a course with over 94% overall satisfaction score (National Student Survey 2020)
- study at a university whose history research was ranked as ‘world-leading’ (REF 2014)
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Careers
What can you do with a BA (Hons) History degree? The answer: Almost anything! Former ARU History graduates are now at work in the civil service, teaching, museums and heritage management, the police, the armed forces as well as other rewarding and enjoyable jobs.
You’ll also become skilled in data analysis, research, critical thinking and complex problem solving. Whichever career path you follow, you can be sure you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities that employers need. We work with them to design our courses, and they help us review what we teach and how we teach it.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Master's, such as our MA History or MA International Relations. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.