History and Economics

History and economics is a combination that illuminates both disciplines by forcing them into productive dialogue. Economics provides the theoretical and empirical tools to analyse how economic systems function, how growth, inflation, and employment dynamics work, and what determines the distribution of resources within and between societies. History provides the long-run context within which those systems have developed, showing how today's economic institutions, policies, and inequalities have been shaped by the decisions, crises, and contingencies of the past.

Economic historians have demonstrated repeatedly that short-run economic models miss crucial structural forces that only become visible across decades or centuries.

At the University of York, this three-year, full-time degree develops genuine competence in both disciplines. You will study microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, quantitative methods, and a range of applied economics topics alongside historical analysis covering social, political, and intellectual change. The two disciplines are treated as equally important rather than as primary and supplementary, and the programme is designed to develop your ability to bring economic and historical thinking to bear on the same problems simultaneously.

A sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement are all available, giving you professional experience and the opportunity to study in a different academic culture. The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects strong academic expectations for a demanding dual-discipline programme.

Graduates of history and economics are well placed for careers in finance, economic policy, management consultancy, journalism, the civil service, international organisations, think tanks, and academia. The combination of analytical rigour and historical perspective is particularly valued in roles that require understanding complex, long-run trends and communicating about them clearly. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in economic history, economics, history, or public policy, and the degree provides an excellent foundation for doctoral research in any of these fields.