COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA History and Sociology degree at Essex combines the study of historical change with the analysis of contemporary social structures, offering students a comprehensive understanding of how past events and social dynamics shape the world today. In the first year, students develop foundational knowledge in both disciplines through modules such as The Sociological Imagination, Rebellious Pasts: Challenging and Creating Histories, Researching Social Life, and Crime, Control, and the City, with optional history modules allowing for further exploration of specific interests. Year two builds on this foundation, encouraging students to investigate global power structures and social agency while continuing historical research through the Exploring History: Research Workshop module. Students also have opportunities to select additional sociology or history modules to broaden their understanding. In the final year, the focus shifts to advanced analysis and synthesis through modules such as Rethinking Modernity and options that allow students to integrate historical and sociological perspectives in their research projects. Throughout the program, the Beyond the BA modules provide essential skills for employability and career readiness. This structure equips students with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, enabling them to examine complex social issues, understand historical and contemporary contexts, and pursue careers in research, policy, education, and community engagement.