History at Durham University - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

Our History degree is one of the most varied and exciting in the country. You can explore history from the end of the Roman Empire to the present day. You may study periods and places you have encountered before, but in new ways and in more detail; you may also encounter entirely new ones. You can also explore diverse themes and approaches, such as environmental and scientific history, visual cultures, and gender and sexuality. The course will equip you with critical and presentational skills that are valuable in many careers. Year 1 offers you an induction into advanced historical study, engaging with different periods and approaches to the study of the past, and experience how history encompasses the diversity of the human experience. In Year 2 you will engage with a range of periods and styles of historical study, with modules introducing new problems in a more specific framework and developing your understanding of historiography and how to write extended historical arguments. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. In Year 3 you will take further responsibility for your own learning. You will bring all your knowledge and skills together in your dissertation. You will be able to concentrate your studies in an area that fascinates you, and really blossom as an independent learner and researcher. You will be encouraged to attend an extensive programme of activities, including research seminars and public lectures from high-profile guest speakers.

Modules

Year 1 Core modules: Making History gives you a grounding in the key skills you will need at later stages of the course to interpret and explain historical information. You will be introduced to the practice of researching and writing history by examining how historians shape knowledge in particular areas. Examples of optional modules: Decline and Crisis? Europe 1300–1500 Transformations in the Late Antique Mediterranean, c.300–c.700 CE Connected Histories: Early Modern Europe, c.1450–1750 The Atlantic Archipelago, c.1500–c.1750 Modern Times: A Cultural History of Europe, c.1860–1960 Power in Africa Imagining East Asia in the Modern World Wars and Welfare: c. 1900–1945 The Rise and Fall of American Slavery, 1607–1865. Year 2 Core module: Conversations with History encourages you to identify and define your own questions in the context of a given set of historical and historiographical issues. You will develop effective strategies for dealing with these contrasting approaches as you plan and write an in-depth, independent project, and you will discuss and explain your ideas in a small-group context. Examples of optional modules: The Book of Hours in Medieval Life and Art Medieval Islamic World Inventing France, 1300–1500: Kings and Communities of the Realm Law and Order in the Barbarian Kingdoms c.500–800 AD The Court: Art and Power in Early Modern Europe A ‘Pure’ Land? Gender, Caste and Community in South Asia, c.1750–1950 The “Vast” Early Modern Americas Early Modern Hospitality in Global Comparative Perspective Hard Times: British Society, 1815–1902. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) Core module: You will undertake supervised independent research leading to the writing of a Dissertation. You will choose your own Dissertation topic, through consultation with a supervisor. With some limitations, the potential range of topics is very wide – in recent years topics have varied from representation of bandits in twentieth-century Hollywood films to ceremonial in medieval France. Examples of optional modules: Interpreting Conflict in Post-Colonial Africa Revolution and History Liberty, Equality, Democracy: Progressive Thought in Nineteenth-Century Britain History and Its Audiences Empires and States in Early Modern Asia: Nomads, Slaves, Scholars, Rulers Health, Wealth and Happiness: Investigating Standards of Living and Wellbeing in the Past Beyond Feudalism.

Assessment method

Most modules are assessed by coursework essays or projects and by examinations in which you will write answers to essay-style questions. An oral presentation forms part of the assessment of the Conversations with History module. In your final year, you will write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in independent learning and research and your ability to tie together areas of learning from across the entire course.


How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.

EU

Wales

England

International

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Application codes

Course code:
V100
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome enquiries regarding applications for deferred entry which may be considered in special circumstances. Please contact us using www.durham.ac.uk/study/askus/ Our contextual offer for this programme is A level AAB (or equivalent) including History at grade B. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/


English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
59%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
86%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
EU £25500 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £25500 Year 1

Additional fee information

There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
History at Durham University - UCAS