The History Department aims to provide students with as wide a base as possible for an understanding of the complex society in which we live. In addition, the undergraduate programme is concerned with the nature of history as an academic discipline, the problems of evidence and the debates which these can produce. Students are encouraged to develop the skills of an historian in exposition, analysis and interpretation. These objectives are pursued by a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and visits to local sites in certain courses. The History web-based learning programme remains justly proud of its "Excellent" rating in the last round of government inspections of its teaching provision.

Applications are particularly encouraged from students who have passed A or AS-level History or an allied subject e.g. English, Politics, Religious Studies, International Relations, but the department also welcomes applications from students whose enthusiasm for history may not be represented by their A-level choices. Entry requirements for Single and Combined History are typically 260 UCAS points including BCC at A2 Level, or equivalent (eg. HNC, ACCESS, BTEC National Diploma Level 3, NVQ Level 3).