History and Theology and Religious Studies, BA, University of Leeds

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.

In your first year you'll take core modules introducing you to issues and methods in historical study, such as historiography. You'll also choose from optional modules introducing specific religious traditions, or themes such as philosophy of religion or religion in modern Britain or Africa.

This will give you a firm knowledge base to build on in the following year, when you'll study religion in contemporary contexts and choose from optional modules in both subjects. You'll take at least one modern history module and one from an earlier period, from the earliest medieval times to modern Japan or twentieth-century Africa. You'll also choose from optional modules in theology and religious studies, covering topics such as religion, gender and society.

By your final year, you'll be developing strong research and analytical skills. You'll be able to showcase these when you undertake an independent research project or dissertation on a topic of your choice, as well as focusing on a specific historical topic in your special subject. You'll also choose from further optional modules in theology and religious studies.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in History and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in History and Theology and Religious Studies crosses disciplinary boundaries and equips you with a wide range of skills, on top of your subject knowledge.

    Because you've managed two different subjects you'll have good organisational skills, and you'll be a confident independent researcher. You'll be comfortable working on your own or in a team, and you'll be able to analyse and interpret complex information from multiple sources. Once you've formed your own conclusions, you'll have the communication skills to present and defend them effectively, both verbally and in writing.

    As a result, graduates have pursued a variety of careers. They've found success in fields such as advertising and marketing, law, publishing, journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, the civil service and education. Many others have progressed 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 at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will really enhance your CV. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. You could be taught in English, German or Czech - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Read more about study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

    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.