BA (Hons) History

The BA (Hons) History program at the University of Sussex offers students an enriching academic experience, combining critical analysis of historical events with an understanding of their long-term implications. This degree provides a comprehensive exploration of history from a global perspective, encouraging students to critically examine various historical periods, cultures, and movements. With a commitment to fostering analytical and research skills, the program prepares graduates for careers in teaching, research, public history, and beyond.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) History at Sussex is designed to offer a blend of core modules and electives, providing students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills in historical research. The first year introduces students to essential concepts in historical study, covering topics such as the history of the modern world and historical analysis techniques. As students progress to the second and third years, they can select from a wide range of topics, including British history, European history, global history, and social history. The program also incorporates practical elements like archival research, enabling students to develop hands-on skills. A significant component of the curriculum is the dissertation in the final year, which allows students to conduct original research in a chosen area of interest.

Research Focus: The University of Sussex has a robust research culture, and the History department is no exception. Faculty members are engaged in a wide range of research activities, specializing in topics such as modern political history, social movements, global conflict, and the history of the British Empire. The research interests of the department intersect with global history, allowing students to gain exposure to a variety of academic perspectives. The university supports students in developing their research skills through workshops, seminars, and access to resources like the library’s extensive collections and archives.

Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex maintains strong connections with both academic and professional sectors, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of industry-related opportunities. The History program offers placements, internships, and collaborations with local museums, historical organizations, and archives, allowing students to gain real-world experience in heritage management, curating, public history, and education. These opportunities not only enrich the learning experience but also help students build a professional network that can be valuable in their careers post-graduation.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) History program at Sussex embraces a global perspective, encouraging students to study history from various regions around the world. The course structure reflects the university’s commitment to exploring diverse historical narratives, from European history to the history of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. This international approach provides students with a broader understanding of global dynamics and historical interconnections, preparing them for careers that require a nuanced understanding of world history. The program’s international outlook is further enhanced by opportunities for study abroad, enabling students to experience history in different cultural contexts.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.

Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.

The BA (Hons) History program at the University of Sussex not only provides a deep understanding of historical events and processes but also equips graduates with a versatile skill set that is highly valued in today’s job market. History graduates are sought after for their analytical thinking, research capabilities, communication skills, and their ability to understand complex societal developments. As a result, there are numerous career paths available to those with a degree in history from Sussex, across both the public and private sectors.

Education and Teaching: One of the most common career paths for history graduates is in education. Many BA (Hons) History graduates choose to become history teachers, sharing their passion for the subject with the next generation. With additional qualifications, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), graduates can teach at the primary or secondary level. History graduates are also sought after in higher education, where they may take on roles as teaching assistants or even pursue postgraduate study leading to academic positions as lecturers or researchers.

Public History and Heritage: Graduates can pursue careers in museums, galleries, and heritage sites, where they can work as curators, archivists, or museum educators. With the historical knowledge gained during their studies, Sussex graduates are well-equipped to engage in preserving and interpreting historical artifacts, documents, and collections for the public. Working in heritage management allows graduates to combine their love of history with public outreach and education, helping to make history accessible to wider audiences.

Research and Publishing: For those with an interest in further research, history graduates can explore careers in research organizations, think tanks, or even publishing houses. As researchers, they may work to contribute to historical scholarship, produce articles or books, or conduct studies that influence policy decisions. Their ability to analyze historical data and present findings clearly makes them valuable assets in publishing, where they may work as editors, writers, or research assistants.

Government and Public Policy: History graduates are well-prepared for roles in government and public policy due to their ability to analyze trends, examine past policies, and understand the implications of historical events. Many graduates go on to work in public administration, civil service, or policy analysis, where they contribute to the formulation and analysis of policies that affect society. Their research skills and understanding of historical contexts make them strong candidates for roles in shaping governmental decisions.

Media and Journalism: The storytelling and analytical skills developed in the BA (Hons) History program make history graduates ideal candidates for careers in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media. Graduates often work as journalists, reporters, or editors, writing about historical events, current affairs, and societal changes. Additionally, they may work in the production of documentaries, historical programming, and digital content, where their deep understanding of historical context can bring depth to media narratives.

Law and Legal Services: History graduates can also pursue careers in law, as the research and critical thinking skills honed during their degree are highly transferable. Many graduates go on to law school to become solicitors or barristers, where their ability to analyze documents, interpret complex texts, and construct compelling arguments proves invaluable. History graduates may also work in legal services in roles such as legal assistants or paralegals.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Development: Graduates with a BA (Hons) History degree are often well-suited for roles in NGOs, international development, and social justice organizations. Their understanding of global history, human rights, and social movements allows them to contribute to projects focused on international relations, humanitarian work, and policy development. They may work as program officers, advocacy coordinators, or researchers in organizations aiming to improve global living conditions.

Business and Marketing: Although it may not seem like an obvious path, many history graduates find opportunities in the business sector, particularly in roles such as market research, brand development, and corporate communications. The skills of critical thinking, research, and communication developed during the degree program are highly valued in business contexts. Graduates can also pursue roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR), where their understanding of societal trends and historical patterns can guide companies in their community involvement efforts.

Freelance and Consulting: Some BA (Hons) History graduates choose to work independently, offering their skills in research, writing, and consulting. Freelancers may write for historical publications, contribute to digital content, or assist businesses in research-related tasks. They may also offer consultancy services, helping organizations understand the historical context of certain issues or guide heritage projects.

Entrepreneurship: History graduates from Sussex who have entrepreneurial aspirations may start their own businesses, often focused on history-related services or products, such as historical tours, publishing, or heritage consulting. Their ability to analyze the past, foresee trends, and develop compelling narratives positions them well for entrepreneurial ventures.