History and Sociology

History and sociology are disciplines that complement each other in illuminating how human societies have developed over time and how they function in the present. History examines the past through evidence, narrative and argument, asking how events unfolded and why, how societies were organised in different periods, and what forces have driven change across centuries. Sociology provides the theoretical frameworks for understanding how contemporary societies work: how inequality is produced and reproduced, how institutions function, how identities are constructed, and how power operates through culture, economy and politics.

Together they give you both historical depth and analytical rigour in your understanding of the social world.

At the University of Essex, this three-year full-time degree develops your skills in historical research and sociological analysis simultaneously. You will read primary and secondary sources with care, construct historical arguments, apply theoretical frameworks to empirical evidence, and engage with the major debates in both disciplines. Essex has a strong research culture in both history and the social sciences, and the programme reflects that in the quality of its intellectual engagement.

Typical entry is around 120 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates from history and sociology combinations go on to careers in research, the civil service, public policy, education, journalism, the charity sector, heritage, museums, law and community development. The combination of historical knowledge and sociological thinking is valued wherever the ability to understand how social structures develop, persist and change is important. The writing, research and analytical skills developed are transferable across a wide range of professional contexts.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in history, sociology, social policy, law or a related field, and some go on to academic research careers in one or both disciplines.