BA History and Theology

Start date
September
Duration
3 Years
UCAS code
VV16
Course Type
Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined
Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25:
£9,250 (UK)
£22,860 (International)
More detail.

An undergraduate BA History and Theology at the University of Birmingham will enable you to explore in depth religion, faith and spirituality in one of the most culturally and religiously diverse communities in Europe. You will investigate unfamiliar territory and  question some of the myths, preconceptions and prejudices that surround History as you study religious movements, institutions and theological ideas that have had a profound influence on historical events and processes.

Our degree gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of options covering the medieval, early modern and modern periods, over a vast geographical range. You can study political, social, cultural and religious history as well as histories of race and gender. There are frequently opportunities to take modules in other departments such as in Art History, African history, and Anthropology. 

You will be taught by specialists with expertise in a diverse range of disciplines as well as global schools of thought, movements and traditions that are shaping the twenty-first century. Yoou will also have access to unparalleled resources such as the on-campus Cadbury Research Library. Its collections include a wide range of nationally- and internationally-important archives as well as over 250,000 rare books, some dating back to the 15th century.

During your degree course, you will also develop an informed appreciation of the religious and historical contexts surrounding pressing contemporary issues, which will allow you to engage critically with historical and theological debates and identify how they influence each other. 

International undergraduate scholarships available in the College of Arts and Law

We are proud to offer 10 scholarships to international students in the form of £3,000 tuition fee awards for year one entry only.

Learn more about our scholarships and apply

There is such a strong sense of community in the department which really helped me to settle in at university. The fantastic staff are really supportive and constantly push us to pursue what we want academically. From learning about textual criticisms of the Bible in First Year to debating the ethics of consumption at Christmas in Third Year I feel super enriched by the fascinating course provided at Birmingham.

Ross

Why study this course?

Our BA History and Theology is right for you if you want to...

  • Boost your employability skills - A History degree will equip you with skills that employers value. There’s a chance to learn a new language for free, take our Professional Skills module and take advantage of the paid internships offered exclusively to University of Birmingham students. 92% of our History graduates are in work or further study (Discover Uni stats 2022).  
  • Experience a history degree applicable to today’s society - our modules explore how the past informs the present and provides a global historical understanding from the Middle Ages to this century, all through a modern lens. 
  • Live in a culturally diverse city - All major faiths are well-represented in Birmingham, with more than 650 churches, mosques, synagogues and temples across the city. Outside London, Birmingham has the UK’s largest Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist communities, the second-largest Hindu community and the seventh-largest Jewish community.  
  • Be taught by our internationally renowned academic staff, who do research that matters - The Department ranked 1st in the country for Research Impact, on its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021. 
  • Explore diverse perspectives – Unlike other universities, we engage with all students/major religions and not just the typical approach of studying the three major abrahamic religions. We want our students to gain a strong understanding of all major religions whilst also specialising in the niche that interests them the most. In your final year, you will have freedom to choose any module that interests you ranging from the Hebrew Bible to the Holocaust.

Open day talks

Two full videos on YouTube of recent undergraduate open day talks relevant to this course:

Modules

Please note: You will take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

 

Joint Honours flexibility

Every degree programme at the University is divided into 120 credits of study for each year of the programme. In the first year of a Joint Honours programme, you will study 60 credits in each subject as you learn the core elements of the disciplines. We recognise that students on Joint Honours programmes might come to favour one subject slightly more than another. To account for this, we have added more flexibility into the second and final years of our programmes. In the second year, you can stick with the 60-60 split between the two subjects or shift to a 80-40 credit weighting, effectively a major/ minor combination. You can either go back to 60-60 in the final year, maintain the same 80-40 split or reverse the major and the minor and go to a 40-80 weighting.

Year 1

History compulsory modules:

  • Practising History (A): Skills in History (10 credits)
  • Practising History (B): Skills in History (10 credits)
  • Discovering the Middle Ages (20 credits) OR The Making of the Modern World 1500-1800 (20 credits)
  • The Making of the Contemporary World: Modern History c.1800 to the Present (20 credits) OR The History of Africa and its Diaspora (20 credits)

Year 1 History modules

Theology compulsory modules:

  • Introduction to the Study of Religion A (10 credits)
  • Introduction to the Study of Religion B (10 credits)

Year 1 Theology modules

Year 2

Compulsory modules:

Students choose 120 credits of optional modules. Students planning to undertake a 12,000 word dissertation in Theology and Religion in their final year must choose the Dissertation Preparation module. Credits must be evenly balanced across semesters.

As a Joint Honours student you have the flexibility to tailor your degree in terms of weightings across your two subjects as well as choosing between a wide range of optional courses. There is just one core module that all students take, ‘Topics in History’ - which includes a range of particular topics you can choose from. All students must also choose one of the optional modules within the Department of History in the Autumn term.

  • Students taking 80 credits in History will choose: an autumn option and Topics in History, plus 40 further credits of optional modules chosen from 'History in Theory and Practice', a 'Sources in History' module, or a spring option. You can also choose, if you wish, a Future or Professional Skills module which is taken in the Autumn term.
  • Students taking 60 credits in History will choose: an autumn option and Topics in History, plus 20 further credits of optional modules chosen from 'History in Theory and Practice', a 'Sources in History' module, or a spring option. You can also choose, if you wish, a Future or Professional Skills module which is taken in the Autumn term.
  • Students taking 40 credits in History will choose: an autumn option and Topics in History.

You will make up your remaining credits with:

Year 2 Optional History modules and Year 2 Theology modules

Year Abroad

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.

More about a Year Abroad

Final Year

Students must take a 40 credit Independent Study module. The Independent Study module must be taken in the major discipline, where a major/minor degree is undertaken.

History Compulsory modules:

  • History Dissertation (40 credits)

Detailed description of Final Year History compulsory modules

You will also spend your remaining History credits in optional modules

Theology compulsory modules:

  • Theology and Religion Dissertation (40 credits) 
  • Theology and Religion Placement-Based Dissertation (40 credits)

Final year Theology modules

Fees

For UK students beginning their studies in September 2024, the University of Birmingham will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. The fees for your first year of study will therefore be £9,250. Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Fees for 2024/25 are as follows:

  • UK: £9,250
  • International: £22,860

Eligibility for fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more about fees for international students.

For further information on tuition fees, living costs and available financial support, please see our pages on undergraduate fees and funding.

Tuition fees when studying abroad

For those spending a whole academic year abroad (where available):

  • Students who are classed as UK for fees purposes are required to pay 15% of their normal annual tuition fee
  • Students who are classed as International for fee purposes are required to pay 50% of their normal annual tuition fee

For those studying abroad for just one semester (where available), normal annual tuition fees apply.

Note - Study abroad opportunities vary between courses; please see the course description for details of study abroad options offered.

How To Apply

Try before you apply!

We’ve partnered with Springpod to create a Subject Spotlight on Theology and Religion, presented by our very own Dr Katherine Brown. This Spotlight provides a way for you to find out what it would be like to study a Theology and Religion degree. Take a look at the trailer here!

Access all of the content for free - create an account with Springpod and start exploring your future degree today!

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
ABB
Required subjects and grades:
A Level humanities subjects.
General Studies:
Accepted.

A Level History, Medieval History or Ancient History is preferred but we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate an interest in and an aptitude for the study of history and theology. Acceptable subjects include: Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Law, Medieval History, Modern or Classical Languages, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology. If you are not studying one or more of the above then please contact us to discuss your application.

If you are not taking A level History then we will require GCSE History grade 7 and at least one humanities subject at A level or equivalent.

IB Diploma:
6,5,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall.

BTEC qualifications:

  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
  • BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned above.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

The truth is flux. Everything is on the move. Everything is changing. The Buddhist is trying to persuade you to go with the flow, to let go of yourself, to let go of the idea that there is a God, and go with the flux.

Dr David Cheetham

Support

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham. 

Personal tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing Officers –You will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or to talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.

Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) provides guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.

Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, including trips.

Teaching staff

Students at the University of Birmingham are taught by a mixture of professors, senior lecturers, lecturers and doctoral researchers, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Many of our teaching staff have published important works about their areas of expertise, whilst others have taught at international institutions and can offer unique perspectives of their subjects.

You can find out more about the members of staff (including their qualifications, publication history and specific areas of interest) in their academic profiles linked below.

Contact Hours

All Birmingham degrees are set within a credit framework designed to measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to accumulate 120 credits in each full year of study which is equivalent to 40 hours of learning a week. Learning is considered to include contact learning (lectures and seminars), private study, revision and assessment.

For this programme, those 40 hours are estimated to be broken down and split into lectures, seminars and other guided teaching opportunities and then independent study. This is a general rule across the entire academic year and may change week by week.

  • Year 1: 15% Lectures, seminars or similar and 85% Independent study
  • Year 2: 15% Lectures, seminars or similar and 85% Independent study
  • Year 3: 13% Lectures, seminars or similar and 87% Independent study

Assessment Methods

Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:

  • coursework, such as essays
  • group and individual presentations
  • and exams

Feedback - you will receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.

Studying History and Theology at the University of Birmingham will provide you with skills highly sought after by employers within the graduate job market.

  • Understanding complex information
  • Writing clearly and effectively
  • A deep understanding of the past
  • Strong communication skills
  • The ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information
  • Building a case to critically assess a particular point of view, strategy or course of action
  • Respecting the views of others even if they disagree with you
  • Generally thinking for yourself
  • Managing your time and prioritising your workload

History and Theology graduates go on to pursue highly successful careers in professions such as:

  • Law
  • Accountancy
  • Journalism
  • Teaching
  • Management consultancy
  • Local government
  • Housing
  • Publishing
  • Marketing
  • Media
  • Retail Management
  • Library and Archive work
  • Charity administration
  • Social policy

Some graduates choose to progress to further study, not just in History and Theology, but also in Politics, International Development, Sociology and others.

You will also benefit from organised events whereby our graduates return to campus to talk to current students about their careers, how to find opportunities and the variety of roles available to historians and theologians. Many careers-orientated events are arranged in the department over the course of your time at Birmingham to enable you to gain skills so that you join the working world with confidence in your abilities.

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the 3rd most targeted university by the country’s top graduate employers according to The Graduate Market 2023 report [PDF - 1.4MB]. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres.  You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive Internship Programmes such as our Cultural Internships, which will give you paid, professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships. 

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project, with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme, where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences.  As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.  

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. Our employer-endorsed, award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme.

There are more than 500 student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.

Culture and collections

Schools, institutes and departments

Services and facilities