History BA (Hons)

Worcester has a long-standing reputation for offering a stimulating degree course at the cutting edge of current historiography, delivered in a supportive and informal atmosphere.

A recent review by the Quality Assurance Agency found that there was an excellent relationship between staff and students, excellent support for students, excellent feedback to students and that staff were enthusiastic and of high quality.

This course has been designed to provide a coherent programme, yet at the same time permits you to study the types of history which appeal to you most. In the process, you will acquire research, analytical and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.

A wide range of undergraduate modules is offered which cover British and Irish, European, and World history. Modules in British and Irish history range from 16th and 17th century religious history, to 18th and 19th century Irish political history, to 19th and 20th century social, political and women’s/gender history.

Non-British modules include detailed studies of the history of Germany, the USA, and Russia/Soviet Union. A significant number of modules focus on the theme of the media including the history of propaganda, film and popular music.

The History course, therefore, provides the opportunity to study a broad range of historical themes ranging from early modern England to twentieth century USA and provides the opportunity to examine the most up to date research on key questions of our time, such as the “Final Solution” in Nazi Germany.

Most courses are closely focused upon the research expertise of the staff. Books published by staff include:
Darren Oldridge: The Witchcraft Reader and Strange Histories
Paddy McNally: Parties, Patriots and Undertakers: Parliamentary Politics in Early Hanoverian Ireland.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK. For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

History BA (Single Honours) V100 BA/His

Study options

It is also possible to study History as a joint degree with another subject.

The combination subjects available are: Archaeology and Heritage Studies, English Literary Studies, Geography, Politics: People and Power and Sociology.

The University of Worcester’s degree combinations add breadth to your studies and enhance your employability.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Dr Paddy McNally, Field Leader:
01905 855285
p.mcnally@worc.ac.uk

240-300 UCAS tariff points

Modules

How to do History (mandatory)
Democracy and Totalitarianism in 20th Century Europe (mandatory)
Early Modern England (mandatory)
Explorations in Women’s History
Reconstructing the Past
An introduction to Media History
Modern Japan 1854-1951
An Introduction to Historical Research (mandatory)
The Victorian Century
Imperial and Weimar Germany
20th Century USA
From Slavery to Civil Rights: African Americans, 1860-1960
Religion and Society in England, 1559-1660
Women’s Experience: Britain, 1850-1976
Sex and Society in England, 1600-1900
(Re)presenting the Past: History in Film
Popular Music: A Comparative History of Britain and the USA
Nationalism (mandatory)
The USA and World War Two
The Home Front: Britain 1939-1945
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Nazi Germany, 1933-1945, Politics, War and Genocide
Empire & Appeasement
Jack the Ripper: History, Literature and Myth
Propaganda and Politics in the 20th Century
Witchcraft
Politics, Religion and Society in Ireland, 1690-1848
Martin Luther King
The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Assessment

Teaching
History modules are typically delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and directed learning. Lectures are designed to introduce you to the historiography of the subject under consideration and to direct you to appropriate reading.

Seminars are designed to encourage you to discuss your views on topics introduced in previous lectures based on the research you have undertaken in preparation for the seminar.

Tutorial Support
You will be given the opportunity to have individual tutorials with module tutors throughout the teaching semester. Each week lecturers post tutorial timetables on their study doors so you can sign up for a tutorial when you feel you need one.

Assessment
Assessment is overwhelmingly by coursework. We strongly believe that assessment is not primarily designed to ‘test’ students’ knowledge but, more importantly, to give them the opportunity to develop and acquire key transferable skills which will serve them well in the workplace.

Assessment takes a variety of forms - essays, document analyses, oral presentations, book, article and film reviews, research proposals, timed tests, independent study/Dissertation.

Will Tisdale

Student, History BA (Hons)

"History offers many fascinating modules, including the First World War, Black American History and Witchcraft. Another benefit of studying at the University of Worcester is the Students' Union Millennium Volunteer programme. I have been working with 'sport for kids' throughout my degree, which has been fun and rewarding."

Academic department

Institute of Humanities & Creative Arts

“We are a lively community of scholars, researchers and creative practitioners, intent on supporting and encouraging students to expand their intellectual horizons, grow their creative and professional ambitions, and achieve their potential.”
Professor Antonia Payne, Head of Institute

Employability

There will be opportunities for progression to a diverse range of careers, including teaching, accountancy, law, media, local government, the police, retailing, administration, marketing, social work and management. Growing numbers of graduates have embarked on postgraduate research in history both at Worcester and at other universities, some of whom have subsequently become university lecturers. The study of History equips you with a wide range of transferable skills, which will serve you well in the world of employment.