History

History is the discipline through which we make sense of the human past, examining the events, processes, structures and ideas that have shaped societies over time. It is not simply a record of what happened but a practice of interpretation and argument: historians evaluate evidence, construct explanations and debate the significance of what they find, developing skills in critical thinking, research and communication that are among the most transferable any degree can provide. The discipline stretches around the world and across thousands of years, taking in political, social, cultural, economic and intellectual history in an enormous range of forms.

At Birkbeck College, this three-year programme is designed for students with a wide range of interests and objectives, from those pursuing specific career goals to lifelong learners who want to deepen their historical understanding. You will choose from a wide range of history modules taught by world-leading academic researchers, developing expertise across different periods and regions. The programme's flexibility means you can follow your intellectual curiosity wherever it leads within the discipline, while the research and writing skills you develop will serve you in any professional context.

Birkbeck's evening teaching model is designed for students who have existing commitments and study on a different basis from conventional full-time degree students.

History graduates enter careers across a wide range of sectors. The civil service, law, journalism, education, archiving and museums, research organisations, publishing, broadcasting, the third sector and commercial roles are among the most common destinations. The analytical, research and writing skills that history develops are in demand wherever complex information must be interpreted and communicated clearly.

Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in history, heritage management, archiving, education, law or public policy. The breadth and flexibility of the Birkbeck curriculum means graduates leave with both genuine expertise in historical inquiry and a well-developed professional skill set.