Swansea University
History with a Foundation Year BA (Hons)
Swansea University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Overall student satisfaction
85 /100
75 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in CAH20

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of History at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23000 £21000 £24500
25-75 percentile range £19000 - £25000 £16000 - £25000 £20000 - £30500


Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH20

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24582 £22856 £27697
25-75 percentile range £20570 - £28247 £17647 - £28615 £20983 - £35780

Course Description

This four-year degree enables you to explore a wide cross-section of different periods and historically significant worlds. Your studies will span from medieval, early modern and modern history, covering British, Welsh, European, American and World history. History at Swansea is ranked top 20 in the UK for Course Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2023) and top 20 in the UK for teaching (NSS 2022). The first year will be spent as a Foundation Year, where you will explore the humanities and social sciences. This is ideal if you need a little more support after further education or if you are returning to education after a gap. You will then progress onto the full degree. Whether your true passion lies in medieval Europe, revolutionary America or the cold war, you can choose from wide ranging themes and modules. These include studies in gender, sexuality and inequalities, heritage, memory, medicine, health and disability, war, violence and peace. Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, Swansea is a perfect gateway to the medieval past. Within a short journey are magnificent castles such as Pembroke and Manorbier, as well as medieval churches and fortresses in the Gower. The second year gives you a chance to study abroad for a semester in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore and later studies are shaped by modules around your specific historical interest and a substantial dissertation project. A range of work placement programmes throughout the course are available to help prepare you for graduate life. Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment of academics, students and visiting scholars. Students are also involved in wider university clubs and societies including the History Society, which organises social events and cultural activities. Our History students typically develop effective oral and writing skills through presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and analysis skills. They go on to work in a variety of career sectors including education, media and public relations, heritage and museums, business and management, law, and public services.

“I chose History at Swansea as the course offers a great variation of topics and the modules are really interesting. They stretch from the ancient empires of China and India, to the Second World War. The expertise of the lecturers is second to none.” – Alistair Kirk.

Please visit our course page for more information

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Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of History with a Foundation Year BA (Hons) at Swansea University

15% Other Health Professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Teaching Professionals
10% Protective service occupations
5% Welfare and housing associate professionals
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Elementary occupations
5% Sales occupations
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include: - Source Analysis - Debate - Presentations (solo & group) Throughout your undergraduate BA History degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/history/ba-history/ or get in touch with us at [email protected]

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees

International applicants should refer to The College, Swansea University http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-college/
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study History with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Swansea University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Swansea University in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #2 
    • #35 
    History
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #3 
    • #43 
    History
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #180 
    History
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

See all 27 university rankings of Swansea University

About Swansea University

Swansea University was established in 1920 and is located in the large city of Swansea, in Wales. There are two campuses, the flagship campus is located between Singleton Park, with its green parkland and botanical gardens, and Swansea Bay beach. The more recent Bay Campus on the other hand is located on an extensive beachfront property on the eastern side of town, past the marina. Apart from a vibrant academic life, students can attend the numerous yearly festivals that take place in Swansea, guaranteeing plenty of opportunities for getting out and about in your free time.

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Where is this programme taught

Singleton Park Campus
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