Economic History BSc

Why are some countries rich and others poor? What forces shape inequality? What can the past teach the programme about current and future economic crises? This BSc Economic History degree looks at the historical development of economies in social, political and cultural contexts. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, students apply concepts and theories from across the social sciences to explore real-world issues and understand how historical patterns inform contemporary economic challenges. The programme is delivered by a department that is world-leading for research and teaching in economic history – and one of only a few of its kind in the world. The BSc offers a comprehensive range of economic history courses covering virtually every global region and historical period, from ancient economies to the modern era. Students can engage with thematic courses covering financial and monetary history, the history of technology and innovation, slavery and forced labour systems, historical economic geography, industrial development, trade networks, and economic policy evolution. This breadth allows for specialisation according to individual research interests whilst maintaining a coherent understanding of how economic systems have developed globally. Throughout the BSc programme, students engage with primary sources, statistical analysis, and historiographical debate, developing critical thinking skills essential for understanding complex economic phenomena. The programme emphasises quantitative literacy alongside historical interpretation, enabling students to work with economic data, demography, and comparative analysis. As students progress through the BSc, they acquire wide-ranging, transferable skills that are highly sought-after by employers, including data analysis, written and oral communication, independent research, problem-solving, and the ability to contextualise information within broader frameworks. Graduates progress to highly paid and rewarding careers across diverse sectors including financial services, management consulting, the Civil Service, government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, the charity sector, education, and academia, where their historical perspective and analytical capabilities prove invaluable.