History with Sociology BA (Hons), sandwich with foundation year and work placement

History and sociology are complementary subjects. Studying them in combination will help you explore the relationship between past and present and what matters in the world today and why.

If you’re fascinated by history, and how it relates to society, there’s no better place to study it than Portsmouth, a city teeming with the influences of the past.

On this BA (Hons) History with Sociology degree, you’ll pick the periods of time that interest you most, both in British and global history, and develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll explore pressing contemporary social issues and get an understanding of specialist areas of sociological study such as food, happiness, violence, sport, social class, gender and race.

After the course, you'll understand the different ways people encounter and engage with the world and key issues of social and political importance, ready to transfer to the workplace in roles that involve analysis, research, communication and teamwork.

Employers from every area of industry value today’s history and sociology graduates. Studying history with sociology will give you transferable skills in critical thinking, collaboration, research, analysis and argument.

What can you do with a History with Sociology degree?

You can move forward to further study and research or put your degree to work in areas such as:

• archives and information management
• corporate governance
• creative industries
• heritage
• law
• primary and secondary education
• higher education
• charity / not-for-profit organisations
• publishing and media
• trade unions

What jobs can you do with a History with Sociology degree?

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

• administrator for social enterprise
• barrister
• case worker for MP
• development editor in publishing
• exhibitions project manager
• founder of a digital solutions company
• researcher and writer for TV
• teacher
• workplace financial education consultant

Portsmouth alumni have worked with organisations including:

• central and local government
• higher education providers
• National Trust
• National Maritime Museum
• NHS
• the probation service
• Royal Navy

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you can undertake an optional work placement year. This is an exciting opportunity to get invaluable work experience relevant to your intended career path.

The University can provide support and advice to help secure a work placement best suited for you. You can find placements in the UK or beyond, depending on your identified career plans.

Placement destinations

History students undertake placements in a variety of areas, including in the not-for-profit sector, in museums and heritage sites, in digital content management and with legal firms.

Current and recent students have secured placements at:

• Freedom from Torture, a charity which supports survivors of torture who seek protection in the UK
• Shrewsbury Museums
• Darton Law Ltd
• Posada & Company (Law)

We'll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You'll get mentoring and support throughout the year.