Explore past movements and people and how they have shaped the present with our expert-led History degree
Immerse yourself in the histories of people, power, and cultures from the past to the present day with our innovative History degree. You’ll study:
- global histories
- the role of history and heritage today
- a range of subjects from the 16th to the 21st century.
You’ll build your curriculum around topics that excite you most. As well as studying lots of History, you will choose some modules from subjects like politics, film, and literature. This flexibility in our curriculum reflects the increasingly diverse and complex societies in which we live. It also allows you to:
- thoroughly examine global issues such as the environment, migration, and war and conflict
- build nuanced perspectives
- develop career-boosting skills.
Our approach works. We continue to be one of the best performing History courses in the country for teaching and student support. And 96% of students are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA, 2024).
A history course led by experts and research
Our curriculum is designed on the principle of research-led teaching by historians who are experts in their fields. Our student, Steph, explains that this has given her invaluable insights and learning experiences.
- In the 2023 National Student Survey, St Mary’s History recorded 100% positive scores in all of the key teaching and assessment categories.
Recently, one of our history lecturers, Prof Glenn Richardson, guested on the Not Just the Tudors podcast to discuss his biography of Cardinal Wolsey and his rise to and sudden fall from power.
Small class sizes and one-to-one support
We're a community. Our class sizes are small, so you'll get valuable time with your lecturers, as well as one-to-one support. We genuinely care about our students and will encourage you to think critically, so it's no wonder we're:
- Top 10 for student experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024)
- 1st in London for ‘Academic Support’ (National Student Survey (NSS), 2024).
Our student, Dermot, says, "the lecturers [...] [have] always been so open, welcoming, and friendly throughout my whole time at St Mary’s. There really is an open-door policy here, so if you ever need any help or want to chat through anything you have plenty of opportunities to do so. Something that really stands out is how much the teaching staff will get to know you on a personal level. It really is a great environment."
Another student, Meg, added, "I loved my St Mary’s experience! My lecturers knew my name and had an open-door policy."
No exams
You will complete coursework-based assessments only. There are no formal exams.
Hands-on learning in London
Our students tell us that St Mary’s is the perfect location to explore history at London’s many museums, archives and historic houses, such as:
- Migration Museum
- Imperial War Museum
- Hampton Court
- London Docklands
- The National Archives.
As a student here, you’ll have easy access to be able to undertake your own first-hand research.
About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.
It will enable you to:
- apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
- build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
- develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
- get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.
Support from St Mary’s every step of the way
Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.
Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.
Dr Mark Donnelly
Associate Professor - History
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Course content
Modules
At St Mary's University we promote an interdisciplinary approach to the Humanities and this is an important and unique part of our offer.
Unlike other Humanities degrees, if your choose to study History at St Mary's you can expand your knowledge by exploring modules across Creative Writing, English, Liberal Arts, Theology, Film and Politics.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
96 - 112
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,250
International
£17,100
(£1200 during placement year)
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
The course is predominantly taught through seminars and workshops, where you will work collaboratively with other students to analyse historian’s work and a range of primary sources. We will support you in class to develop your ideas and think critically about the periods under consideration.
Some teaching is also done through lectures and tutorials, which are a great opportunity for you to discuss your work with us in detail.
As a student at St Mary’s you will also learn about the past and how it is presented through field visits to museums, historic sites and archives.
Class sizes range from ten to 25 students.
Assessment methods
The majority of our assessment is through coursework, although there are a small number of revealed exams.
Our assessment models are different for each module, allowing you to develop a range of demonstrable skills during your degree programme.
Many modules are assessed through essays, but you will also write critical commentaries about primary sources, or review books and articles. In some modules, you may create and present posters, or participate in mini-conferences where you'll present your work to your peers in a supportive and encouraging environment.
You will receive written feedback on all assignments and are encouraged to meet regularly with tutors to discuss your work individually.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
With our history course, you’ll learn essential abilities for a successful career, such as research and analytical skills, and effective communication.
For more information, please get in touch with our friendly Careers Service at careers@stmarys.ac.uk.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
Find out more about the extensive support system available to you at St Mary’s.
Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.