Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our undergraduate courses will be published from September 2025.
History BA at King’s is taught by one of the biggest history departments in the UK, with expertise covering every continent and all time periods since 300 AD. Our diverse syllabus and wide range of optional modules give you the freedom to shape your history degree to suit your passions and interests. You will gain an in-depth understanding of societies ranging from medieval Europe and the Middle East to contemporary Latin America. In your final year, you'll write a dissertation, where you will answer your own research question by delving into primary sources and giving a fresh perspective on a moment in history. The course gives you a foundational understanding of world history and equips you with the transferrable skills and resources required to analyse and communicate, conduct your own research as a historian, and prepare yourself for work and life beyond university.
“What I enjoy most about my course is the worldly breadth of information and exposure we receive as King's students. Not only does our education span across any thinkable geographical region, but we are gifted with an immersive international staff and student body- all concentrated in the heart of London.”
Throughout this degree in History, you will study people and places from across the world over the last 1800 years and develop critical and independent thinking skills. You’ll graduate with a highly sophisticated understanding of the world we live in now and with a set of advanced analytical skills that present excellent career prospects. The depth and breadth of expertise within the history department means that you’ll get to study all time periods from 300 AD until the present. The first year of your BA History will give you a core foundational understanding of the history of the world. You’ll start thinking thematically about the big issues of world history during each time period, such as state formation, industrialisation, and revolution, and differences between various societies. You’ll research these by considering the most significant transformations that occurred and exploring the major forces of the time. You’ll begin your studies by exploring the medieval world with an innovative module that takes a comparative approach to a wide range of topics. The curriculum uses diverse perspectives to incorporate previously neglected histories from across the world into a new mainstream understanding of the medieval world. Looking beyond elitist Western histories, this module looks at topics such as large-scale population movements and the transformation from big state structures to small state successors in the medieval period. The History BA covers the early modern era of 1500 - 1800 through the prism of four key themes: migration, trade and empire; states, power and religion; lives; and knowledge and culture. You will explore topics such as transatlantic slavery, sex and gender, the development of the modern state, and the enlightenments. You will also learn about the making of the modern world, with one module covering 1780 - 1900 and another that focuses on 1900 to the present. You’ll study the idea of modernity while considering themes that include war and empire, the material world, politics and revolution, and societies and cultures. The global sweep of the BA History will equip you with transferable skills that include analysis, communication, presentation, teamwork, collaboration, discussion, understanding, leadership, empathy, and more. The second year of your degree in history comprises two required modules on history and memory, which ask you to think about the place of history in the present. This part of the history course will see you head out into London to reflect on history in public spaces. For example, you could visit Soho while you reflect on the history of queer London, head to Windrush Square as you think about migration, or visit any number of the capital’s cultural institutions that will be on your doorstep. For the rest of your second year, you’ll have the freedom to carve your own pathway by choosing to study particular themes, regions, or time ranges. You’ll get to choose one 30-credit module asking you to focus on a region, from the United States to South Asia, The Middle East, Latin America and beyond. You’ll also choose four optional modules from a varied shortlist that is likely to cover topics such as the medieval Mongols and Turks, the US-Mexico borderlands, imperial Britain, globalisation, and beyond. The final year of your BA History challenges you to think more deeply and broadly about historical developments. You’ll elect to study a specialised topic through primary source materials and write your research dissertation on a related theme. For example, you may choose topics such as Romans and Barbarians, Caribbean intellectual history, the history of feminism and women’s political thought, the experience of power in Nigeria, democracy and dictatorship in Latin America, and British imperial policy and decolonisation, amongst many others. You will also enhance your comparative and theoretical perspectives by taking a thematic special subject. The list of options may include themes such as crime and punishment, media, rights, war, nations, bodies, God, and wealth. While studying your chosen specialist subject extensively, you’ll get the freedom to conceive of your dream dissertation. Under the guidance of a supervisor who’s an expert in the area, it’s your chance to answer the research question you find most exciting. As a History BA student, you have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester. You’ll also benefit from invitations to extracurricular activities such as guest lectures and other social events.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
Students will be supported through innovative digital education tools to discover meaningful work experience for themselves, including internships, insight programmes, which you can undertake alongside your studies.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Notes: If you are taking linear A Levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABB Please note that A Level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A Levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A Levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
Notes: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE.
33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels. Note: The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities or similar - to be considered.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 level 3 credits at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities or similar - to be considered.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers are not permitted for this programme.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
History BA at King’s is a three-year programme where you will take modules totalling 120 credits for each year and will be assessed through a combination of essays, examinations, presentations and dissertations. You will choose from a wide range of modules, which span the Medieval, Early Modern and Modern periods.
Our modules are designed by the academics within the department and reflect their expertise. In the final year, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a research dissertation on a topic that is linked to one of the many specialist subjects we offer, with one-to-one support from academic staff with comparable interests. We are part of the University of London and as second and final-year students, you’ll have the option to study History modules at other institutions, such as UCL, Royal Holloway and Queen Mary, creating an even greater choice of modules.
You will have regular and varied contact with staff and other students in lectures, seminars and supervisions. You will also produce an extensive amount of written work and engage in independent study. Most teaching takes place in seminars, which are a forum for debate in which students have the opportunity to refine their discussion and presentation skills.
From the beginning of the degree, you will analyse primary sources as well as the writings of historians. We ensure you are exposed to many different approaches to these subjects, and encourage a comparative approach, looking at the connections and contrasts between various times and places throughout the degree. In your final year, you will conduct supervised historical research resulting in a 10,000 word dissertation in history.
Assessed internship placements are not included as part of this course. However, King’s Careers & Employability can help you to find a range of different work experience options, including internships, placements and shadowing opportunities.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Your performance will be assessed through Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment typically include examinations, essays, a dissertation and seminar presentations. Coursework contributes approximately 70% and examinations approximately 30% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totaling 120 credits.
There are no optional modules in year 1.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
History BA students will develop a number of skills, including analysis and argument, which are transferable to a range of careers.
Career prospects for King’s History graduates are excellent, with alumni working in national newspapers, national and international NGOs, law firms, the civil service, state and private schools, the military, heritage, banking and business sectors, as well as in many different universities across the globe.
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £27,100 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Throughout this degree in History, you will study people and places from across the world over the last 1800 years and develop critical and independent thinking skills. You’ll graduate with a highly sophisticated understanding of the world we live in now and with a set of advanced analytical skills that present excellent career prospects. The depth and breadth of expertise within the history department means that you’ll get to study all time periods from 300 AD until the present. The first year of your BA History will give you a core foundational understanding of the history of the world. You’ll start thinking thematically about the big issues of world history during each time period, such as state formation, industrialisation, and revolution, and differences between various societies. You’ll research these by considering the most significant transformations that occurred and exploring the major forces of the time. You’ll begin your studies by exploring the medieval world with an innovative module that takes a comparative approach to a wide range of topics. The curriculum uses diverse perspectives to incorporate previously neglected histories from across the world into a new mainstream understanding of the medieval world. Looking beyond elitist Western histories, this module looks at topics such as large-scale population movements and the transformation from big state structures to small state successors in the medieval period. The History BA covers the early modern era of 1500 - 1800 through the prism of four key themes: migration, trade and empire; states, power and religion; lives; and knowledge and culture. You will explore topics such as transatlantic slavery, sex and gender, the development of the modern state, and the enlightenments. You will also learn about the making of the modern world, with one module covering 1780 - 1900 and another that focuses on 1900 to the present. You’ll study the idea of modernity while considering themes that include war and empire, the material world, politics and revolution, and societies and cultures. The global sweep of the BA History will equip you with transferable skills that include analysis, communication, presentation, teamwork, collaboration, discussion, understanding, leadership, empathy, and more. The second year of your degree in history comprises two required modules on history and memory, which ask you to think about the place of history in the present. This part of the history course will see you head out into London to reflect on history in public spaces. For example, you could visit Soho while you reflect on the history of queer London, head to Windrush Square as you think about migration, or visit any number of the capital’s cultural institutions that will be on your doorstep. For the rest of your second year, you’ll have the freedom to carve your own pathway by choosing to study particular themes, regions, or time ranges. You’ll get to choose one 30-credit module asking you to focus on a region, from the United States to South Asia, The Middle East, Latin America and beyond. You’ll also choose four optional modules from a varied shortlist that is likely to cover topics such as the medieval Mongols and Turks, the US-Mexico borderlands, imperial Britain, globalisation, and beyond. The final year of your BA History challenges you to think more deeply and broadly about historical developments. You’ll elect to study a specialised topic through primary source materials and write your research dissertation on a related theme. For example, you may choose topics such as Romans and Barbarians, Caribbean intellectual history, the history of feminism and women’s political thought, the experience of power in Nigeria, democracy and dictatorship in Latin America, and British imperial policy and decolonisation, amongst many others. You will also enhance your comparative and theoretical perspectives by taking a thematic special subject. The list of options may include themes such as crime and punishment, media, rights, war, nations, bodies, God, and wealth. While studying your chosen specialist subject extensively, you’ll get the freedom to conceive of your dream dissertation. Under the guidance of a supervisor who’s an expert in the area, it’s your chance to answer the research question you find most exciting. As a History BA student, you have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester. You’ll also benefit from invitations to extracurricular activities such as guest lectures and other social events.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
Students will be supported through innovative digital education tools to discover meaningful work experience for themselves, including internships, insight programmes, which you can undertake alongside your studies.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Notes: If you are taking linear A Levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABB Please note that A Level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A Levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A Levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
Notes: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE.
33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels. Note: The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities or similar - to be considered.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 level 3 credits at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities or similar - to be considered.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers are not permitted for this programme.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
History BA at King’s is a three-year programme where you will take modules totalling 120 credits for each year and will be assessed through a combination of essays, examinations, presentations and dissertations. You will choose from a wide range of modules, which span the Medieval, Early Modern and Modern periods.
Our modules are designed by the academics within the department and reflect their expertise. In the final year, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a research dissertation on a topic that is linked to one of the many specialist subjects we offer, with one-to-one support from academic staff with comparable interests. We are part of the University of London and as second and final-year students, you’ll have the option to study History modules at other institutions, such as UCL, Royal Holloway and Queen Mary, creating an even greater choice of modules.
You will have regular and varied contact with staff and other students in lectures, seminars and supervisions. You will also produce an extensive amount of written work and engage in independent study. Most teaching takes place in seminars, which are a forum for debate in which students have the opportunity to refine their discussion and presentation skills.
From the beginning of the degree, you will analyse primary sources as well as the writings of historians. We ensure you are exposed to many different approaches to these subjects, and encourage a comparative approach, looking at the connections and contrasts between various times and places throughout the degree. In your final year, you will conduct supervised historical research resulting in a 10,000 word dissertation in history.
Assessed internship placements are not included as part of this course. However, King’s Careers & Employability can help you to find a range of different work experience options, including internships, placements and shadowing opportunities.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Your performance will be assessed through Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment typically include examinations, essays, a dissertation and seminar presentations. Coursework contributes approximately 70% and examinations approximately 30% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totaling 120 credits.
There are no optional modules in year 1.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
History BA students will develop a number of skills, including analysis and argument, which are transferable to a range of careers.
Career prospects for King’s History graduates are excellent, with alumni working in national newspapers, national and international NGOs, law firms, the civil service, state and private schools, the military, heritage, banking and business sectors, as well as in many different universities across the globe.
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £27,100 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
Take a look at our comfortable, safe residences to suit your budget, located close to King's teaching campuses.
Art, food, music, shopping – you'll never find yourself with nothing to do in the world's most vibrant city.
Information about living in London, including events, budgeting and expenses, travel and safety.
During your time at King's College London, a range of academic and personal support and guidance is available to you.
