BA History with Foundation
About this course
The BA (Hons) History with Foundation is a history degree beginning with a foundation year before the full undergraduate programme. The foundation year is intended for applicants from under-represented groups in higher education whose attainment has been affected by educational disadvantage or disruption, subject to eligibility criteria. It develops understanding of how knowledge is constructed within degree study, metacognitive skills and independent learning; on successful completion, students progress to the first year of BA History.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Entry criteria: Specific Eligibility Criteria Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years) Applicants over 21 have probably achieved GCSE grade 4 in English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject. Essential Criteria for Younger Applicants (under 21 years) Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in English Language. Recommended Criteria for All Applicants Successful applicants for this route are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 5 or higher in English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 20%: 5 offers from 25 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 52 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 175 students who started
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 2%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 54 graduates who answered
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 21%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 21%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 18%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 7%
- Skilled trades occupations: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 50%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 250 students who started
- A levels: 99%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA History with Foundation at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,500 after 15 months, £33,000 after 3 years, £47,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £34,500 and £66,500. The £47,500 median after five years is £17,000 more than the UK median for History.
What do graduates of BA History with Foundation at Durham University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA History with Foundation at Durham University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA History with Foundation at Durham University?
The average entrant had 182 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA History with Foundation at Durham University?
20% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 5 offers from 25 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA History with Foundation at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA History with Foundation at Durham University?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.