Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - History and Business Management

The History and Business Management programme at Derby provides students with a diverse skill set, combining the study of early modern and modern historical periods with key business and management themes. This integrated approach enhances understanding of how businesses operate while offering insight into historical contexts.

Derbyshire offers an ideal location for studying history, with its rich industrial heritage and thriving cultural sector, including a UNESCO World Heritage site. The programme includes study visits and field trips to museums, art galleries, and stately homes, allowing students to explore the practical and intellectual applications of history in real-world settings.

The programme emphasises the practical application of business through real-world learning. Academic expertise is used to connect theoretical business frameworks with practical business challenges. Extensive links with the business community ensure students have opportunities to explore business in real-world contexts.

The degree can be tailored through a range of optional modules, covering key business themes such as marketing, logistics, entrepreneurship, accounting, and economics, alongside historical topics including the Enlightenment, material culture, and global history, enabling students to align studies with individual interests and career ambitions.

Teaching methods include formal lectures, often featuring expert speakers, seminars with discussions, presentations, group work, debates, case study analysis, computer lab work, and formative assessments. Tutorials provide one-to-one support for assignment development, while self-directed study, work experience projects, video discussions with overseas institutions, and source analysis further develop both historical and business skills. Source analysis allows students to contextualise primary materials and create content for public audiences, such as museum information or blog posts.

The programme incorporates a range of assessment methods. History modules feature assessments designed to develop historical research, public history, and global history expertise while enhancing transferable skills. Business Management modules employ assessments such as business reports, digital materials, in-class tests, portfolios, and engagement with real-world business scenarios to produce industry-ready graduates.

A placement year between the second and third years can be undertaken to enhance employability and career prospects, supported by guidance in finding and completing placements. Alternatively, internships during summer breaks provide further practical experience.

The Business Management modules are professionally accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which independently assesses that the course meets high standards in management and leadership. Students gain this accreditation by passing the required Business Management modules in their first and second years, reflecting the quality and industry relevance of the programme.