(Full time) 2021 start
Economics and History BA
Overview
From trade and industry to living standards and medicine, economic issues have often been at the heart of historical change. This varied and dynamic degree gives you a deep understanding of economic issues in the modern world, as well as an insight into how societies change over time.
Core modules will introduce you to key concepts in both subjects, such as historiography, economic theory and statistics. Then you’ll build on this when you choose from an impressive range of optional modules spanning periods, cultures and sectors.
You could study anything from transport economics and international trade to ethics and the global banking sector, alongside the Industrial Revolution, the Tudors and decolonisation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new perspectives on history and the present, and to gain a broad base of skills that employers seek.
The University of Leeds has plenty of useful resources for historians. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
Leeds has excellent resources for historians, including a wealth of archive material and political documents. The University Library's Special Collections include the Leeds Russian Archive, a resource for the study of Anglo-Russian relations into the 20th century and the Liddle Collection of personal papers from thousands of people who lived through the First and Second World Wars.
Papers from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and extensive correspondence from political figures from around the world are also held in the Special Collections. The University Library offers full training to help you make the most of our resources.
Take a look around our libraries:
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.
Your first year will lay the foundations for your degree. You’ll take core modules on historiography alongside economic theory and history, as well as primary source research. You’ll also develop the mathematical skills you need, taking different modules depending on your previous qualifications.
From this point, you’ll develop your knowledge across the next two years. Core modules in your second year will improve your knowledge of microeconomics and macroeconomics. In history you’ll keep some balance across historical periods, but you’ll choose from options in both subjects so you can tailor your degree to suit you. Examples could include the economics of work and labour, medicine in the Middle Ages, economic development and growth or modern Japan.
Throughout your degree, you’ll develop your skills in independent research and analysis. You’ll put these into practice in your final year, when you undertake an independent piece of research on a topic of your choice.
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.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are leading researchers, and their teaching is informed by their work. We use different teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their knowledge and experience. These include lectures, seminars and tutorials, or occasionally workshops in some modules. However, we attach a lot of importance to independent learning, which gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in research and analysis.
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 also use a wide range of assessment methods to monitor your progress. These normally include exams and essays, but you may be assessed in some modules by oral presentations or group work. Support will always be on hand, and extra classes will be available on issues like exam technique and public speaking throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including A in History and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking
GCSE: Grade 7/A in Mathematics
Other course specific tests:Where 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 AAA 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. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. Grade 7/A in Mathematics at GCSE is required. This course has additional subject specific requirements for History. Contact the Admissions Office for more information. -
BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. -
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including D3 in History
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in History at Higher Level and 5 in Mathematics at Standard Level (or 4 in Mathematics at Higher Level)
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 including H2 in History
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA in Advanced Highers including A in History and AAABB in Highers, or A in History Advanced Higher and AAAAB in Highers -
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. -
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 85% with 85% in History
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual 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 contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: AAB including A in History (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking) at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £20,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
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 Economics and History equips you with in-depth knowledge of two subjects, but it also offers you a valuable range of transferable skills that are actively sought by employers.
You’ll be able to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data, and you’ll have strong research and problem-solving skills. You’ll be comfortable working both independently and within a team, and you’ll have the organisational skills needed to manage two very different subjects.
Graduates have gone onto careers in diverse areas as a result. They include business and finance, management, the civil service, journalism, the media, law, education and the charity sector. Many others go on 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
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
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.