History BA (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

Our degree in History combines your passion for learning about the past with skills that will equip you for a successful future. Do you want to discover how medieval peasants reacted to the Black Death, the role of the Tudors as a European Dynasty or why the world was thrown into two highly destructive wars in the twentieth century? Then our History degree is for you.

This degree scheme gives you the flexibility to study the medieval through to the contemporary period and a broad range of themes such as power, violence, migration, gender and ideas, amongst others. Come and join us on a journey through history.

Alongside learning new and exciting information about the past, our History degrees also provide you with a range of skills, from analysis, fact-checking and communication, through to critical thinking and debate. In a world where the ability to quickly evaluate and analyse information is paramount, a degree in History will equip you with the tools for success whichever career you choose.

Why study History at Aberystwyth University?

• History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making our department the most established in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain.
• Our teaching is innovative, research-based and designed to train you in the skills of interpretation, analysis, and communication - skills that are valued in the workplace.
• Our subject specialisms enable you to follow your historical interests from the medieval period to the present day, ranging across four continents, and embracing political, social, economic and cultural history.
• In choosing Aberystwyth, you will become part of a close-knit and supportive community of students and staff, and you will have access to excellent teaching and research facilities.
• Our commitment to getting to know all our students sets us apart and is integral to our degree schemes. We provide teaching in small groups, including one-to-one tutorials and seminar-only courses, such as our skills and special subject modules.
• As well as learning about the past, you will actively engage in the process of building new understandings of history. By studying primary sources and working closely with our lecturers, you will be contributing to our research community.
• As an Aberystwyth History student, you will have plenty of opportunity to get 'hands-on' experience and access to the world-class resources that are available in Aberystwyth. These include the National Library of Wales - one of the five Copyright Libraries of the UK and Wales’s leading archive repository.
• As part of your degree, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at a partner university, to undertake Heritage sector work placements and to plan for your future career.

What will I learn?

During your three years of study you will develop your historical interests by choosing some of our optional modules from the full range of subject areas taught by our department. You will also learn and apply research skills and methods that will get you ready for your final year dissertation.

How will I be taught and assessed?

You will be taught via lectures and seminars and will experience a wide variety of learning and assessment modes, including formal writing, small group presentation, independent research, and working as part of a team, using the most up-to-date resources and digital platforms. We also hold individual essay tutorials for all students - rare outside Oxbridge - and we have a supportive system of personal tutors, providing one-to-one contact throughout your degree.

Our graduates have been successful in securing a profession in many different fields including: education; law; publishing; national, regional and local politics; the Civil Service; the Police; the armed forces; media and the creative industries; business and entrepreneurship.