Undergraduate Course
War Studies and History BA (Hons)
Discover how wars start, how they are fought and how they change the course of history.
This joint honours degree combines War Studies with History to give you a deep insight into the nature of war. Explore how wars have been fought through the ages, and the wider social, cultural and political implications of conflict. Study war through the varied lenses of history, politics, sociology, philosophy and more.
100% History students responded with a 100% positivity score for how often the course is intellectually stimulating. (National Student Survey 2023)
York campus
- UCAS code – L2K4
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – School of Humanities
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover studying at York St John University
War Studies
Ian Horwood introduces us to War Studies at York St John University.
History
Dr Alice Brumby introduces us to History at York St John University.
Course overview
Studying in a city with a rich history means you have many resources on your doorstep that connect you with the past. You will have the opportunity to explore the marks left on North Yorkshire by historical conflicts. From the site of Britain's bloodiest battle to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, our historic location enriches your learning.
Throughout the course you will investigate the process of war, exploring how they develop and how they are resolved. You will discuss the wider social consequences of past conflict and consider their effect on the present day.
Our History modules allow you to develop your specialism further, giving you the opportunity to research the periods, themes or locations you are passionate about. Our academic staff are active researchers, with specialisms across British, European, Asian and American history, ranging from Ancient Rome and the Napoleonic Wars to the Cold War. You will have the chance to engage with some of their current research, as they explore new directions within their specialist fields.
The transferable skills you will develop on this course include analytical thinking, verbal and written communication, constructing arguments and presentation skills. You will also have the chance to gain work experience through our partnerships within the city. These include:
- York Museums Trust
- York Explore archives and library
- Yorkshire Film Archive
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. How many modules you take each semester will depend on whether you are studying full time or part time.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 4 compulsory modules
- 2 optional modules
You will study 3 modules per semester, but some modules can vary year on year whether they fall in semester 1 or 2.
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
You must choose at least 1 module from each subject every semester. Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is your introduction to War Studies as an academic subject. You will learn about the history of the subject and familiarise yourself with some of the different approaches you will take and techniques you will use throughout the course. We will introduce you to the essential definitions and classifications of war, and you will work to understand what war is, and how and why we study it.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will tackle the complex question of why wars do or do not occur. We will introduce you to a range of historical and theoretical arguments that attempt to answer this question, and which will be relevant throughout your course. We will investigate this question through analysis of case studies ranging from ancient to present day conflicts. We will encourage you to consider broad themes across these case studies and carry out comparative analysis between them.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
War makes for dramatic headlines and engaging copy, but there is frequent and often heated debate about the power and the biases of the media in war. On this module you will explore the relationship between warfare and the media. This includes both a discussion of the representation and reporting of war in the media, and how you can use media to research and understand war.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will help you gain the most important skills needed to be a successful historian. Focusing on analytical interpretation rather than historical narrative, this module will prepare you for the independent study skills required for degree level study. You will explore how historians:
- Examine primary sources
- Write and engage with secondary sources
- Construct arguments and apply theories
- Work with established historical concepts
- Question conventions and established time periods in history.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module is your introduction to the history of York, from medieval to the Regency period. This will mean exploring the city, making use of its resources and thinking critically about how we can assess changes through time. Taking York as a case study, the module explores social and cultural development within the city. You will also consider the dialogue between York’s evolution and changes in national and global history. We will take a thematic approach, focusing on ongoing developments such as trade, public health and religion.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will focus on how war impacts society. Examining different types of war from different periods will build your skills in comparative analysis. You will also engage with contemporary historical debates about the relationship between war and society. We will examine case studies to discuss themes such as:
- The causes of war
- Who wins wars and why
- The effect of war on technological and historical development
- The role of citizens
- The importance of the state.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to the study of historical buildings, and their role in history. You will explore how history is expressed in the built environment and how it lives on around us. Using the buildings, spaces and resources in and around York, you will immerse yourself in this important aspect of history. We will encourage you to challenge existing narratives and assumptions, as you consider the relationship between sites, history and heritage.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore how human societies and the natural world have interacted and reshaped each other through time. This involves taking environmental, social and cultural approaches to history simultaneously. You will discover how nature has influenced society and people’s understanding of their place in the world. You will also evaluate the impact that social developments have environmental issues. Through this you will be introduced to important concepts in social history, considering contemporary approaches to gender, race, power and the history of emotions.
Credits: 20
Optional module
The legacies of empire continue to influence the domestic and international political, economic, social and cultural landscapes today. On this module you will investigate the experience of imperialism by comparing empires from diverse geographical and chronological contexts. You will explore the concepts of empire, imperialism and colonialism, and discover the important role played by empires throughout history. We will look in depth at the emergence, internal relationships and legacies of empires, from European colonial powers to ancient civilizations.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the theme of revolution across different times and places within European history. We will consider revolution in a broad way, defining it as episodes of significant and rapid political and social upheaval. You will consider the causes, developments and consequences of both successful and failed revolutions. The case studies we cover may include:
- The English Revolution
- The French Revolution
- European revolutions of the early nineteenth century
- Revolutions in the early twentieth century, including Russia, Germany and Hungary
- Revolutions and the World Wars.
Credits: 20
Optional module
The 20th Century was defined by conflict, but it also saw the spread of democracy and the construction of international organisations dedicated to the preservation of peace. On this module you will explore these contradictions as you study international history from 1900 to the present day, focusing on case studies of major crises. You will analyse these with reference to some of the main themes in recent international history, including:
- Imperialism
- Decolonisation
- International law
- Democracy and dictatorship
- Terrorism.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will give you a broad understanding of the history of the USA, from both a domestic and an international point of view. You will learn about America’s gradual emergence as a leading international power, economically, militarily and politically. We will explore historical developments in the American experience, including political, social and economic changes. You will consider the continuing tension between unity and diversity in American history, exploring topics such as the Civil War, industrialisation, consumer culture, foreign policy and immigration.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules
- 4 optional modules
You will study 3 modules per semester, but some modules can vary year on year whether they fall in semester 1 or 2.
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
You must choose at least 1 module from each subject every semester. Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will focus on the wider cultural diplomatic and political aspects of warfare. We will explore major military campaigns fought in Western Europe during the second world war. This includes:
- The German drive to the coast in 1940
- The continuation of the 1940 campaign after Dunkirk
- The projected German Operation Sealion to invade the British Isles and British counter-preparations
- British offensive strategy prior to the Normandy invasion
- The amphibious landing in Normandy in June 1944
- The Battle of the Bulge
- Crossing the Rhine
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is a great opportunity to improve your employability and start thinking about your career. You will consider how history, and the skills you have developed by studying it, relate to potential career paths. As part of this module you will participate in a 75 hour work placement. You will need to secure this placement yourself with staff support, but you can take advantage of the many connections we have established with heritage organisations in York and the wider region.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module builds on the Year 1 module Research and Presenting the Past, allowing you to develop your research skills even further. You will conduct project work in groups and engage in independent research that will prepare you for the dissertation module in your final year. We will discuss the importance of primary sources for understanding an event, period or theme. This may include opportunities to work with local archives. We will also look in detail at various schools of historical theory and methodology.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Despite the horrors of the Black Death, devastation of famine and ravages of the Hundred Years War, 14th century England was also sparkled with artistic and literary achievement. On this module you will explore the ideals and ideas existing alongside the trauma of conflict to understand the complexities of the period. You will assess developments in political culture to better understand the challenges and achievements of the period.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will examine, confront and evaluate the historical debates surrounding the American Civil War. You will learn about the campaigns and strategies of the war itself, as well as its social and political impact and its lasting cultural legacy. You will also consider the social and political forces that have shaped how this period has been retold in historical and pop culture representations. This will open wider discussion about how wars are remembered and commemorated.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will examine the contemporary history of the United States. It confronts and evaluate the historical debates surrounding major issues and sources of division in the United States since 9/11, and will examine the social and political forces which have shaped subsequent historical and popular cultural portrayals of key historical events and issues.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Examine early modern English Society from the beginning of the Reformation in the 1540s to the Restoration in the 1660s. This module explores how people negotiated their everyday lives in a world that was becoming ever more watchful of their political loyalties and personal morality. You will investigate this period through a range of primary sources, engaging with them in creative ways to understand the everyday lived experiences of the time. These could include:
- State papers
- Court records
- Petitions
- Documents relating to parish life.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will take a gendered and cultural approach to 16th century British history. This is a fascinating period to study the changes in power, autonomy and image of women. You will find new perspectives on a much discussed period in history, exploring how political and religious movements affected the lived experiences of women from across society. We will consider how these women presented themselves, and how they have been represented since.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will study the history of the Soviet Union, from the October Revolution in 1917 to the collapse of the Soviet experiment in 1991. In doing so you will identify the underlying reasons for both the rise and the fall of the Soviet state, as well as assessing its impact on the rest of the world. You will examine Soviet communism from various different perspectives, taking in political, economic, social, military and cultural history.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will study the Victorian period from a social and cultural historical angle. We explore food and eating from various overlapping perspectives. You will consider how food and eating were shaped by broad historical changes such as:
- Colonialism
- Industrialisation
- Science and technology
- Medical advancements
- Print culture.
You will examine cookbooks as historical documents, along with other primary sources relating to food production and consumption in Britain, France and their empires. Through case studies you will engage with debates about the connections between food and everyday life, class, gender, race and civilisation.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will learn about the social and political history of Britain from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 until the crowning of Queen Victoria. This was a period of enormous political, social and economic change, which also saw Britain rapidly assuming a leading position amongst the world’s major powers. Topics you cover may include:
- The Hanoverian succession
- The Jacobite rebellion
- Imperial expansion
- Industrialisation
- Trade, commerce and capitalism, including the slave trade
- The American Revolution
- The Napoleonic Wars.
Credits: 20
Optional module
The 1960s were a turbulent time for the USA. President Lyndon Johnson was embarking on a series of reforms aiming to create “the Great Society” at the same time as the seemingly endless war in Vietnam. It was also a time of great achievements, with America leading the first moon landings. Topics you will cover on this module include:
- The image and domestic policies of the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon presidencies
- Radicalism and dissent, including counterculture, urban riots and student protests
- The domestic impact of the Vietnam War.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will examine the traumatic history of China throughout the lifetime of Mao Zedong. You will confront and evaluate the historical debates surrounding China’s transition from the world’s oldest imperial power to a revolutionary Communist state. In doing so you will consider the political, ideological, economic, military, social and cultural forces that shaped these events. Given China's modern status as a major world power, learning about its turbulent past and Mao's legacy will help you to understand wider global developments.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will focus on the Roman Empire in the first century AD, exploring what life was really like under imperial rule across society and across the empire. This will mean looking in depth at famous figures like Tiberius, Caligula and Nero, known for their violence and cruelty, as well as those like Vespasian whose legacy is more favourable. You will engage closely with different kinds of primary materials, including written sources but also archaeology, art, coins and inscriptions.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will have the chance to get involved with some of the research taking place within our department. The content will be different every year, depending on the current research taking place in the academic team, the resources available and what you and your course mates are interested in. This is an opportunity to be part of our ongoing contribution to historical knowledge and to build your research skills before starting your dissertation in the final year.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will give you the opportunity to explore a range of creative nonfiction texts including:
- Memoir
- Biography
- The creative essay
- Hybrid forms
- Nature writing
You will develop your understanding of voice, structure and audience in relation to these forms and consider the blurred lines between fact and fiction in nonfiction writing. By viewing, reading a range of nonfictional texts we will ask you to make to produce your own creative nonfiction texts.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will investigate the experience and impact of war on both civilians and soldiers. We explore this through a series of case studies focusing on wartime experiences from York and its surrounding area. You will make use of first-hand accounts of battle and cinematic representations of combat, using these sources to explore some of the philosophical questions arising from attempts to understand and depict warfare. A series of tours and walks will help bring the historic resources on our doorstep to life.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will explore the role, function and evolution of peace organisations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. You will learn about their origin and formation, evaluating the effectiveness of their practices. We will explore a range of primary sources and public debates to investigate the processes behind organisations such as:
- The League of Nations
- The United Nations
- The African Union
- NATO
- The Warsaw Pact
- Amnesty International.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will encounter varied and interesting texts produced within and written about major conflicts of the 20th and early 21st centuries. We will start with depictions of the mechanised horror of the Western Front and progress through representations of:
- The Second World War
- The Spanish Civil War
- Vietnam
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland
- 9/11 and the War on Terror.
We will read texts by writers as diverse as Martha Gellhorn, George Orwell and Kurt Vonnegut and examine the complex relationship between language, experience and memory.
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- A dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 1 compulsory module
- 3 optional modules
You will study 3 modules per semester, but some modules can vary year on year whether they fall in semester 1 or 2.
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
You must choose at least 1 module from each subject every semester. Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
This year long module will involve working independently to research a topic of your choice, using primary sources, cultural literature and advanced secondary sources. It is the culmination of your degree studies, and your chance to explore a topic that you are passionate about. A dissertation supervisor will help you define and develop your project throughout the year.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore American history, culture and politics as you consider the ideas and values behind the USA’s military past. We will investigate how Americans have experienced war, and how this experience has been represented in film, literature, music and more. Some of the topics you will encounter include:
- War and American national identity
- Early American wars of colonization
- American military strategy and leadership
- War and rhetoric in American political culture
- The Traumatic impact of war on American soldiers and veterans.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This is an opportunity to study a specialist area within your chosen historical era. The topics are closely related to staff research interest, meaning your work will be aligned with current research. This will help you develop your skills in research and historical investigation.
Through these special subject modules you can choose to explore topics such as:
- Special Subject in Military History: War in the East, 1940-45
- Special Subject in War Studies: the Vietnam War
- Special Subject in Modern International History: Origins of the Second World Wa
- Special Subject in Ancient History: The Roman Republic: Sulla to Caesar (88-43 BC)
- Special Subject in Late Medieval England: The Wars of the Roses
- Special Subject in Early Modern British History: The English Revolution
- Special Subject in Early Modern Social and Cultural History: Exile, Movement and Identity in the Early Modern World
- Special Subject in European History, 1700-1900: Britain against Napoleon
- Special Subject in Social and Cultural History, 1750-1900: Prisons and Prisoners
- Special Subject in the History of the Cold War: The Korean War
- Special subject in the History of the Soviet Union: Stalinist Society, 1928-38
- Special Subject in American Culture: American Crime Story
- Special Subject in American History: The American Presidency
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
You will experience many different teaching methods and techniques. From lectures and interactive workshops to seminars, we encourage both independent and collaborative learning. As well as working with others, you will have opportunities for 1 to 1 meetings with tutors, who will provide you with additional support.
Your learning is also enhanced through field trips within the historic city of York to uncover the past in our archives and the built environment all around us.
You will typically study 3 modules each semester. Each module will normally have 3 hours of contact time each week, so you will have a minimum of 9 hours each week of teaching.
Alongside your timetabled contact time, you will need to study independently. This will ensure that you get the most out of your degree, as well as building valuable time management skills.
We encourage you to use the widest possible range of resources for your studies, including books, journals, visual material, archives, e-learning sources, and the resources of the local community and region such as museums, galleries and historic buildings.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout your degree. This includes:
- Essays
- Primary source exercises
- Reviews
- Site reports
- Open and closed examination
- Reflective pieces
- Academic journals
- Coursework portfolios
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in War Studies and History
Studying these two subjects together gives you the option to progress onto a wide variety of different career paths. This course teaches you to solve complex problems through independent critical thinking, use varied sources of information to form conclusions, and present your arguments both verbally and in writing. These are valuable skills in diverse professional settings.
This degree could be the first step toward your career in:
- Historical research
- The armed forces
- Civil service
- International aid
- Journalism
- Heritage and Tourism
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate degrees at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
International entry requirements
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Where military history happened
Make the most of the city you study in. York is a rich resource for the study of history and has played a vital role in several historical conflicts. You can choose modules which focus on York's religious royal, military and industrial past.
Learning beyond the classroom
See the sites of historical conflicts for yourself, with visits to Richmond Castle, York Army Museum and the Second World War bomber base in Elvington.
Combine 2 fascinating subjects
Broaden your understanding and expand your career options by studying these 2 complimentary subjects together as a joint honours degree.
History, War Studies and American Studies Blog
Follow our blog to find out more about the field trips, placements and other opportunities studying History and American Studies can offer you. Check out the blog online.
Ellie History
My degree allowed me to study periods of history that I had never looked at before. Although at times challenging, the Late Anglo Saxon England module gave me the opportunity to analyse sources such as wills and charters written in Old English and Medieval Latin. This was really fascinating and something completely new to me. The staff were incredibly helpful and always made themselves available if I needed their support or guidance.
More to explore
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