You’ll join a lively community where you can explore the topics that matter to you. With small classes, engaging discussions and opportunities for real world experience, Worcester gives you the space to grow your skills and discover where your interests could take you.
for student satisfaction
of graduates go on to work or further study after 15 months
University of the Year finalist
Recognised for our graduate success, we’re shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.
Overview
Studying a joint honours degree in History and Sociology connects past events to the issues shaping society today, giving you deeper insight into politics, culture and social justice. History shows you how the past shapes and reshapes the world around us, while Sociology helps you make sense of the social forces influencing everyday life. Studying both means you’ll explore people, power, communities and change through two complementary lenses – understanding how ideas, conflicts and cultures developed over time, and analysing the inequalities and identities that affect society now.
In History, you’ll explore themes that remain relevant today – from gender and sexuality in the early modern period through to the 1970s, to the role of race and ethnicity in imperialism, slavery, genocide, national identity and racism. You’ll study the global south through the histories of Africa, South Asia and East Asia, and deepen your understanding of poverty, conflict, war and social justice across British, European and world history. In Sociology, you’ll tackle big questions about what shapes the world we live in and how people influence society in return. You’ll look at how power, inequality, and identity operate in everyday life. Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to question assumptions, uncover hidden inequalities, and understand how societies change.
Your learning will take place in small, friendly groups where you’ll get to know your lecturers and feel supported as you build your confidence. Teaching is hands-on and discussion-based where you’ll develop practical skills in research, communication, critical thinking, and project management. By your final year, you’ll bring everything together in a major piece of research on a topic of your choice.
Work experience
During your time at Worcester you’ll have the opportunity to take part in subject-related work experience and volunteering activities. In your second year you can choose to take a work experience module, and volunteering opportunities with local and regional organisations are regularly publicised to all history and sociology students.
Course content
On this joint honours course, you’ll have the flexibility to choose optional modules in your second and third years to shape your learning to your interests and career ambitions.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Optional modules will run if enough students choose to study them. It is not guaranteed that all modules will be offered every year.
Careers
This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers where understanding people, communities and social change really matters. Throughout your course, you’ll build the research, communication, problem solving and project management skills employers look for.
You’ll have opportunities to take on placements and work experience in settings such as museums, archives, schools, local government, community organisations, charities, and heritage sites. These experiences help you apply what you’ve learned in real workplaces and explore career options before you graduate. You can also volunteer, study abroad or get involved in student representation and ambassador roles to strengthen your CV even further.
Graduates from History and Sociology go into a wide range of roles, especially those that involve working with people, solving problems, communicating ideas, and understanding society.
Recent graduates have gone into careers such as:
- Teacher
- Social researcher
- Community development worker
- Youth worker
- Heritage assistant
- Civil servant
- Marketing executive
- Media researcher
- Journalist
- Human resources assistant
If you do choose to become a teacher you can train to teach with a one-year Primary or Secondary PGCE at Worcester.
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of guided lectures, independent study and one-to-one tutoring sessions.
This joint honours course has been designed to prepare you for your future career, so evaluation is not all about exams. You’ll also be assessed through reports, document analyses, article and film reviews, presentations, book reviews, case study analyses and blogs.
Teaching and assessment contents
You will be taught through a mix of interactive lectures, student-led seminars, and workshops which focus on independent research, assessment writing skills, graduate employability, and lifelong learning. Lectures introduce you to key ideas, debates and real examples from both History and Sociology, while seminars give you the chance to share your views, discuss case studies and explore the topics that interest you most.
Staff are available for one‑to‑one tutorials throughout the semester, and you’ll meet regularly with your Personal Academic Tutor to reflect on your progress and plan your next steps.
Across the course, you’ll be encouraged to become an independent learner — someone who can research issues, think critically and manage projects with confidence. You’ll have access to support from Firstpoint, Library Services, and your course team, helping you build a strong profile of skills and experience that prepares you for both future study and your career.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 104
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| A-level | BCC |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | DMM |
| T-level | M |
We do accept Access to HE Diplomas and other qualifications which may not exactly match the combinations above. Work out your estimated points with the UCAS tariff calculator.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
In 2026/27 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £9,790 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
In 2026/27 the standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £17,200 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Applying through UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.
Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.
History and Sociology BA (Hons) - VL13
Contact
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Admissions Office
admissions@worc.ac.uk01905 855111More to explore
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