Course summary

Develop your critical abilities and historical knowledge within a vibrant department of committed students and expert scholars. The course encompasses histories from Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia and examines pivotal events, transformative processes and historical debates. Lectures and seminars will deepen your critical historical knowledge and support you in developing your own research, essay-writing and presentational skills. The majority of our students choose from a second set of optional first-year modules. These specialised modules include The Fall of Rome and Histories of Violence: How Imperialism made the Modern World. For Year 2 and 4 students, the Department offers an extensive range of modules that includes both short term-length modules and the third-year Special Subjects. You can choose to focus on a particular period, theme or region or to develop a breadth of chronological and geographical knowledge. These module options include British, European, American, Asian and Middle Eastern history, from the ancient world to the twenty-first century. These modules emerge from the research expertise of academic staff in the department. To prepare students for their work placement year, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present yourself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments. 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 placement roles 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.