BA History and Economics

The History and Economics course combines these two fields of study to allow insights that neither subject can realise alone. The course offers considerable flexibility. It is possible to specialise primarily in either history or economics, but all students gain distinctive skills and understanding from this integrated approach.  

The combination of economics, economic history and history (political as well as social) means that you will be equipped to view issues in the real world from a variety of contrasting perspectives. You will learn both the historian’s careful approaches to evidence to construct an argument and the economist’s analytical and quantitative methods. The degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of professional, financial and academic careers.  

Year 1 (Prelims) 

As a first-year student, you will study a wide range of time periods, places and methods. You will be introduced to new ways of studying history and economics, and you will learn crucial academic skills. You will study:  

1. Introductory Economics 

2. European and World History  

3. A Paper on Historical Methods Approaches, or Historiography, or Foreign Texts

4. Optional Subject 

Years 2 & 3 (Final Honours School) 

In the final two years of study you have enormous choice. Some students range widely over time and space, others prefer to develop focused specialist interests, but you are all trained to do original research as economists and historians. You will study: 

1. One or more of: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Economics 

2. The Development of the World Economy since 1800 

3. European and World History, or History of the British Isles

4. Further Subjects in History and/or Economics 

5. A dissertation based on original research