BA (Honours) in History and Law - Including Placement Year in Colchester United Kingdom | University of Essex

The roots of today's legal framework trace back centuries. Case law represents the tangible implementation of historical precedents that still hold weight. This forward-thinking program examines various historical eras and contemporary legal practices across multiple fields, offering you distinctive perspectives on how pivotal historical events continue to shape legal consequences.

This program provides comprehensive education in both history and law. You'll cultivate critical thinking, reflection, and analytical abilities essential to both fields. While highlighting their similarities, you'll also examine their distinctions and the different methodologies employed in legal and historical scholarship. The curriculum includes structured introductions to both subjects along with elective options to pursue your specific interests.
Our History Department boasts an impressive research and teaching reputation, with most of our work recognized as world-class or internationally significant (REF 2014). We maintain close connections with the Essex Record Office, among the UK's finest county archives. Student feedback reflects our excellence: 97% of history students reported overall satisfaction with their program (NSS 2018).


At Essex, we don't merely train you for legal or historical careers. We ignite your passion for justice and provide the tools to become a catalyst for change, regardless of your chosen path. From day one, we encourage profound, expansive strategic thinking about career possibilities. During your first two years, alongside legal studies, you'll complete career development modules to identify strengths, understand employer expectations, and boost employability. Our annual law fair connects students with legal firms and professional qualification providers. Graduates enter diverse fields including law, business, finance, government, education, social services, and law enforcement.