BA Single Honours History (with Foundation Year) (full-time)
Undergraduate
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Discover how studying history can deepen your understanding of the world and equip you to engage thoughtfully with the challenges of today.
The BA (Hons) History degree at Birmingham Newman University offers a reflective and inclusive exploration of the past, designed for students who want to examine how historical narratives shape society. You will investigate a wide range of periods, places and perspectives, developing a critical awareness of global conflict, cultural identity and political transformation. The course encourages curiosity, independent thinking and meaningful connections between past and present.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Why Study This Course?
Studying History at Birmingham Newman University offers more than an academic exploration of the past. It provides a purposeful and intellectually rich pathway for those who want to understand how historical narratives shape the present and influence the future. Whether you're drawn to ancient civilisations, political revolutions or cultural transformation, this degree supports your development as a critical thinker, independent researcher and confident communicator. With a focus on inclusive learning and real-world relevance, the course prepares you to engage with the past in ways that matter today.
‘History at Birmingham Newman University offers small-group teaching across a wide range of subjects, from the ancient world to the twenty-first century. No assessments are by examination, and every assessment offers choice. In your final year, you can choose a topic to research in depth. Together, staff and students explore the past from a wide range of perspectives, developing skills in research, analysis and how to communicate effectively. These skills ensure that History graduates have gone into a variety of professions, from teaching to heritage and, for many, postgraduate study. Birmingham Newman brings together community and learning and prepares students for graduate employment.’ Norman LaPorte – Senior Lecturer in History & Humanities
Explore how History Shapes Understanding
History is rooted in interpretation, context and perspective and this course helps you explore how these elements influence public life. You will investigate themes such as empire, resistance, identity and memory through source analysis, thematic modules and independent research. The course encourages you to question how history is written, whose voices are heard and how the past is used to inform contemporary debates. Many students find that studying history not only sharpens their analytical skills but also deepens their awareness of their own values and responses.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman, you will be part of a close-knit academic community that values your perspective and supports your growth. Teaching is delivered through small-group seminars, collaborative projects and one-to-one academic guidance. You will be taught by historians with expertise across a range of periods and approaches, and benefit from a learning environment that prioritises dialogue, reflection and personal development. Whether you are preparing for a career in education, heritage, media or further study, you will graduate with the confidence and capability to make a meaningful contribution beyond university.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £5,760
Additional Costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
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Where this course can take you.
This degree equips you with more than historical knowledge. You will graduate with the ability to think independently, evaluate evidence with confidence and communicate ideas clearly across a range of contexts. These skills are highly valued in careers such as education, heritage, media, law and public service. Whether you choose to pursue postgraduate study or enter the workplace, you will be prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively, with a strong foundation rooted in critical thinking and a deep appreciation of the past.
Accreditations and Exemptions
This degree offers a strong academic foundation for careers where historical insight, critical thinking and communication are key. Graduates often progress into postgraduate study, teacher training or roles in heritage, media, law and public service. With a focus on inclusive teaching and transferable skills, the course prepares you to engage thoughtfully and effectively in a wide range of professional and academic environments.
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