B.Sc. in History

The BA / B.Sc. in History program at UPES is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program that provides students with a strong foundation in the study of history. The curriculum emphasizes the history of Modern and Contemporary South Asia, Global History, Intellectual Histories of the South, and the History and Philosophy of Science, Medicine, and Technology. The program aims to train students in historical methods and also emphasizes the importance of applying historical knowledge in public settings, going beyond traditional academia.

The program offers a well-rounded education in empirical historical research practices, with a particular focus on public and applied histories that contribute to a just and sustainable future. Students will gain a deep understanding of ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods, equipping them with the skills necessary to pursue careers as researchers, academics, administrators, and policymakers. Additionally, students majoring in History are encouraged to learn one modern Indian language and one European language, unless they are pursuing a second major in an allied discipline, in which case this requirement is waived.

One of the key strengths of the program lies in its distinguished faculty. The teachers are renowned academics with global recognition in their respective subjects. They have received training in historical studies from leading universities worldwide and are specialists in their areas of focus. In addition to teaching textual and archival research practices, the program places significant emphasis on developing skills that are vital for historians in a changing world, such as heritage conservation and policymaking.

• The BA / B.Sc. in History program emphasises on evidence-based research practices, equipping students with the necessary skills to conduct rigorous historical investigations.
• Special program mentoring for students applying to prestigious MA and PhD programs in top 250 global universities, providing guidance throughout the application process.
• Faculty support and mentoring for students not interested in pursuing an academic career, assisting them in securing industry-specific roles through UPES' career services.
• Original archival-field based research thesis in the fourth year, followed by industry fellowship, leading to a 3+1 internationally recognized BSc degree.
• Placement opportunities as fellows in esteemed institutions such as Vidhan Sabhas, State Archives, NGOs, Embassies, Thinktanks, and Publicly and Privately owned museums and archives.
• Archival Ideation Lab offering specialized training in conducting original research in archives, providing access to a wide range of rare and exclusive documents from the eighteenth century to contemporary times.

The BA / B.Sc. in History program offers students a comprehensive understanding of Indian history and research methodologies. Graduates will be equipped to analyze the connection between empirical training and modern political philosophies, making them valuable contributors to the future. The program focuses on emerging areas of research, including Science, Technology, and Society, Democracy, Misinformation, Migration, Conflict Resolution, and Decolonisation. Field-based archival training ensures graduates are prepared for future learning and research. The program also emphasizes multilingual training, enabling students to analyze diverse data sets and archival sources related to South Asian histories. This comparative approach equips them with the skills to address socio-political and economic issues and find effective solutions. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in academia, teaching applied history, as well as contributing to public history for the wider community. The program also cultivates public policy, public administration, and problem-solving skills through direct interactions with policy makers across various sectors.

The BA / B.Sc. in History program emphasizes the significance of engaging with history in the public sphere, extending beyond academia. This approach opens up opportunities for students to pursue MA/PhD positions in prestigious institutions worldwide. In India, where history plays a crucial role in public and administrative services, the undergraduate program at SoLS offers an in-depth focus on South Asia, making it an excellent choice for those aspiring to enter the civil services. The program's emphasis on empiricism equips students for various roles in archival research-driven public and private sector organizations, including museums, galleries, journalism, policy think tanks, and content creation for biopics and historical OTT platforms. With increasing demand for archiving and repository management in the private sector, graduates from this program are well-suited for future employment. Furthermore, language training in Indian and European languages prepares students to become global citizens, making them suitable for international organizations like the UN, UNICEF, World Bank, and institutions focused on emerging economies.

The introduction of the BA / B.Sc. in History course at UPES is an exciting opportunity for students passionate about the study of history. A B.Sc. in History equips students with a unique set of skills that are highly valued in numerous industries. The program fosters critical thinking, research capabilities, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical events and their impact on society. These skills are transferrable and can be applied to a wide range of career paths.

Click here for detailed Fee Structure.

The minimum eligibility criteria for BA / B.Sc. in History to be fulfilled by interested students is as follows: 50% in 10th & 12th Any Stream

• Math/Eco/ Pol.Sc. in 12th will be preferred.
• Non-Mathematics background students will undergo Remedial Mathematics module in Semester 1

The process of selection criteria for students interested in pursuing BA / B.Sc. in History offered by UPES is based on the individual's performance in Aptitude Test / Valid JEE Score / CUET