History (Placement Year) BA (Hons)

Lancaster University

Why Lancaster?

• Design your own study experience, choosing from many fascinating modules throughout your degree
• Benefit from a focus on employability at every stage of your degree, including a heritage placement
• Be inspired by our world-class academics whose research expertise informs your modules
• Study with a History Department that prioritises student contact – we keep class sizes small so we can offer personal support and feedback
• Enrich your learning with history right on your doorstep, including Lancaster Castle
• Keep your careers options open by developing a wide range of professional skills

Journey through time at Lancaster – a city rich in history. Gain knowledge about different periods and cultures while developing skills employers want. In your second year, you can boost your employability with a specialist placement.

Freedom of choice

Our specialised modules allow students to develop a breadth of chronological and geographical knowledge – from Inventing Human Rights (1776-2001) and The Transatlantic Slave Trade (1500-1865) to The Origins and Rise of Islam (600-1250).

You’ll study diverse periods from ancient Rome to the 21st century, as well as specific regions in global, national and regional history. How about discovering more about Lancaster itself with our module ‘Witches’, Warriors and Slavers?

There is an extensive choice of modules throughout your degree, so that you can personalise your studies to suit your own interests and passions. For example, in your second year, you can apply to take part in our heritage placement module and gain invaluable work experience. Past students have worked with The National Trust, Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives and the Duchy of Lancaster.

Your module options

We aim to give you the widest possible choice of modules in both your second year and your final year. Almost all of the optional modules for year 2 can also be taken as optional modules in your final year. These are in addition to the modules listed for the final year in the course structure section below. This means you have a choice of over 40 modules in both your second and your final years.

Your Placement Year

A placement year is an excellent way to...

• try out a role that you may be interested in as a career path
• start to build your professional network (some placement students are offered permanent roles to return to after they graduate)
• develop skills, knowledge and experience to put you ahead of the field when you graduate

You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate. A very wide range of companies and organisations offer placements across all sectors. As a full-time employee, you’ll have a detailed job description with specific responsibilities and opportunities to access training and development, the same as other employees.

Our Careers and Placements Team will help you to secure a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews. You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.

The university will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.