History (BA)

The current challenges facing humanity – and how we approach these challenges – are grounded in historical events. The history program at our Brantford campus will introduce you to the people, events and ideas that have shaped our reality. Learn how historical artifacts are collected, preserved and displayed, and gain certification in collecting oral history interviews to tell the stories of your ancestors and local community members. This program will also equip you with skills valuable for careers in education, museums and archival work. 

pile of old photographs on a table

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Career-Ready Curriculum
    Develop strong analytical skills and learn how to discover and analyze historical records and objects in archives, libraries and private collections.
  • Community Involvement
    Go behind the scenes of local museums and historic sites in Brantford, Brant County, Six Nations of the Grand River, Hamilton and Toronto to learn how historic artefacts and documents are collected, preserved and displayed.
  • Conquer Practical Skills
    Delve into essays, podcasts, local and digital exhibits, theatre and film, blogs, conference presentations and reports.
  • Certification Opportunities
    Get certified to collect oral history interviews and tell the stories of your ancestors and local community members.
  • Pathway to Teaching
    Looking ahead to a career in education? Apply to the History with Teaching Option program for a direct pathway into Laurier's Bachelor of Education.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Field Placement
    As part of the course HI323: Memory, Monuments, and Museums you'll participate in a placement with a local heritage organization. You'll work alongside professionals and volunteers in the heritage community and develop public history skills and networks.
  • Hands-On Learning
    Participate in the bi-annual People Make History lecture series, which brings the participant of a major historic event to campus to share their story. Meet with the speaker in small groups and learn from their experiences.
  • Events and Experiences
    Become a leader by joining the Brantford Campus History Students' Association (HSA) and help organize events and mentor incoming students.
  • Study Abroad
    Earn your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History from Wilfrid Laurier University and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sussex (United Kingdom) in only six years through our new pathway.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term), January (winter term) or May (spring term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • advertising and promotions manager
  • archaeologist
  • communications specialist
  • curator
  • immigration officer
  • journalist
  • lawyer
  • management consultant
  • political aide
  • project manager
  • social policy researcher
  • teacher

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Brantford Campus

The Brantford campus blends small-city charm with big opportunities. It’s home to more than 2,400 students learning in modern classrooms inside beautifully restored buildings, with access to recreation at the Laurier Brantford YMCA and one-stop student services within One Market. With affordable living options, 20+ programs to choose from, great walking and biking trails and a welcoming community, Laurier Brantford is the ideal place to live and learn.

There are many ways to tour our Brantford campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?