UCAS code V100
Studying history changes the way you view the world around you and how you understand your place in it. If you have a genuine curiosity about history and a desire to develop a set of advanced skills in a challenging but supportive environment, History at Liverpool is the place for you.
You will start by exploring a broad range of historical periods, some of which may be less familiar, giving you a good basis for making choices later in the degree.
You will also experience a wide variety of approaches to history and are free to study aspects of the past that interest you the most. For instance, some modules focus on political history or the history of the environment. Others place the emphasis on social, cultural and gender history. You can also take modules on global history or ones that focus on national histories, whilst others will allow you to explore particular themes, such as slavery, medicine, religion or the Cold War.
The degree programme is designed to move from breadth to depth; from directed to more independent learning; and to foster the development of advanced research techniques over the three years.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take 60 credits of required modules in each semester.
Students can choose to drop one 15-credit module in either or both semesters to allow them to take a 15-credit module in another department (Languages, Cultures and Film (LCF); Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology; or Irish Studies), so long as this can be accommodated by their timetable.
LCF offer 30-credit language modules which represent 15 credits in each semester. If students take a language module in semester one, they must continue it in semester two.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In semester one, all students will take HIST201 Historians’ Toolkit (15 credits core module). In addition, students will take one 30 credit optional module and one 15 credit optional module.
In semester two, all students will take HIST249 Long Essay (15 credits core module). In addition, students will take a one 30 credit optional module and one 15 credit optional module. Other optional modules from other departments may also be available and will be confirmed ahead of the academic year.
HIST200 requires prior approval and is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students will not be able to register directly for this module.
Registration onto HLAC220 is for students planning to undertake a Year in Industry (work placement, HLAC221) between second and final year, or for those who are interested in developing their transferrable skills in preparation for a short placement or other work experience.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THE HISTORIAN'S TOOLKIT (HIST201) | 15 |
| THE LONG ESSAY (HIST249) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In semester one, single honours students take one 30-credit optional module (Special Subject = SS) and 30 credits of optional modules.
Other optional modules from other departments may also be available and will be confirmed ahead of the academic year.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| USES OF THE PAST: HISTORY IMPACT MODULE (HIST388) | 30 |
| HISTORY DISSERTATION (HIST396) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In year one you will take ‘history matters’ and ‘presenting the past’; either ‘power, belief and identity: medieval and early modern worlds, C. 500-1600 CE’ or the ‘global history of the present’ and either ‘modern Britain: democracy, war and modernity’ or ‘understanding modern Europe’. In year two, you will take 30 credits of optional history modules from the same list of options available to Single Honours students. In year three you will either take a research-focused module in semester one and write a dissertation in semester two or take 30 credits of optional modules in semester one and in semester two take modules: ‘uses of the past: history impact module’ and ‘history research essay’.
You will experience a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with a strong emphasis on discussion, collaboration and independent learning. Most teaching takes place in small groups, where you’ll explore historical ideas, debates and evidence with both tutors and fellow students. You’ll also have opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through historical fieldwork in museums, galleries and the wider city of Liverpool.
As you progress through the course, you’ll engage with a wide range of primary and secondary sources, develop your research and digital skills, and learn how historians investigate and interpret the past. Teaching is research-led, meaning you’ll benefit from the expertise of staff working at the forefront of their fields. You’ll also have access to archives, special collections and extensive digital resources to support your studies.
Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported to become an independent researcher and confident communicator. Academic staff provide regular opportunities for feedback and guidance, while course materials and learning resources are available online through the University’s virtual learning environment.
Your second and third years allow you to specialise in areas that interest you most, studying topics linked directly to staff research. In your final year, you’ll undertake an independently researched dissertation with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor.
Assessment is designed to develop the skills valued by employers and historians alike. You’ll be assessed through a variety of coursework and authentic assessment methods, including essays, source analyses, presentations, posters, portfolios, group projects, public history projects, digital assignments and reflective work.
Assessment tasks are varied to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in different ways while developing your abilities in research, critical analysis, digital literacy and communication. Many assessments are based on real-world historical practices, such as creating exhibitions, producing digital content or communicating historical research to different audiences.
In your second year, you’ll complete an extended research essay, helping to prepare you for independent historical research. During your final year, you’ll undertake a dissertation based on original research, and complete work that explores how history is communicated and applied beyond the university environment.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries, including the University of Liverpool’s own Special Collections and Archives.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
We initially weren’t going to send an application as we thought it would be overlooked… Our key piece of advice is that don’t be shy!
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A History degree from the University of Liverpool offers you the chance to develop skills such as teamwork, informed judgement, cultural awareness and leadership – skills which have been identified by the Association of Graduate Recruiters as those increasingly in demand with graduate employers.
Our graduates progress to a range of careers including banking, law, financial consultancy, national and local government, third sector work, journalism, publishing, teaching or work in heritage and culture organisations.
Recent employers include:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Gavin and Sam, History graduates from the University of Liverpool, were selected for the Santander Universities Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme to represent the University of Liverpool. In this short article, they discuss their business idea and their feelings about being nominated.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,505 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £27,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £13,500 (applies to year in China)
The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.
This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.
This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
ABB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels considered in a relevant subject. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
| GCSE |
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | Applications considered. BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits. |
| International Baccalaureate | 32 points overall with no score less than 4 or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,5,5 in 3 HL subjects. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | ABB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level. |
| Access | Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction and 12 at Merit. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
| International Baccalaureate English B | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 31 July 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions