(Full time) 2019 start
History and Theology and Religious Studies BA
Overview
This degree explores how humans and societies have changed over time, alongside the religious traditions that shape and are shaped by them.
You’ll gain an understanding of British, European and world history while exploring what religious beliefs and practices have meant to individuals and communities – and what they mean today. Core modules will enable you to develop important skills in historical methods and research, whilst learning more about the role of religion in different contexts. You’ll also choose from an impressive range of optional modules in both subjects.
All the major world religions are represented in these options, and you could also study philosophy of religion, texts such as the Hebrew Scriptures, sin or religion and development. At the same time, you could study the Crusades, the slave trade, modern Chinese or African history. You’ll learn about how faith and societies have influenced each other in the heart of a dynamic and religiously diverse city.
Course content
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.
In your first year you’ll take core modules introducing you to issues and methods in historical study, such as historiography. You’ll also choose from optional modules introducing specific religious traditions, or themes such as philosophy of religion or religion in modern Britain or Africa.
This will give you a firm knowledge base to build on in the following year, when you’ll study religion in contemporary contexts and choose from optional modules in both subjects. You’ll take at least one modern history module and one from an earlier period, from the earliest medieval times to modern Japan or twentieth-century Africa. You’ll also choose from optional modules in theology and religious studies, covering topics such as religion, gender and society.
By your final year, you’ll be developing strong research and analytical skills. You’ll be able to showcase these when you undertake an independent research project or dissertation on a topic of your choice, as well as focusing on a specific historical topic in your special subject. You’ll also choose from further optional modules in theology and religious studies.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors in School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science and the School of History are at the forefront of research in their fields.
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise. These usually include lectures, seminars and tutorials as well as workshops on occasion. However, independent study is still integral to the degree, since it gives you the chance to develop your research, interpretation and analytical skills.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods. These normally include exams and essays, but some modules may also use oral presentations and group work. We offer plenty of support if and when you need it: for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on structuring essays and public speaking throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including A in History and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Other course specific tests:When an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level including A in History (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking) and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. There are subject specific requirements for History modules. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
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BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1 including D3 in History.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in History at Higher Level.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 in History
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers including A in History and AABBB in Highers, or A in History in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80% including 85% in History.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level including History and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £18,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
A Joint Honours degree in History and Theology and Religious Studies crosses disciplinary boundaries and equips you with a wide range of skills, on top of your subject knowledge.
Because you’ve managed two different subjects you’ll have good organisational skills, and you’ll be a confident independent researcher. You’ll be comfortable working on your own or in a team, and you’ll be able to analyse and interpret complex information from multiple sources. Once you’ve formed your own conclusions, you’ll have the communication skills to present and defend them effectively, both verbally and in writing.
As a result, graduates have pursued a variety of careers. They’ve found success in fields such as advertising and marketing, law, publishing, journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, the civil service and education. Many others have progressed to postgraduate study.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will really enhance your CV. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. You could be taught in English, German or Czech – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.
Read more about study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.