Course summary

Interested in the past but looking forward to the future? BA (Hons) History at Northumbria combines the study of the past with 21-century themes – you will learn to think about how history provides a deeper perspective on present-day challenges, as well as focusing on how these skills can enhance your future employability. Throughout, you will gain new understanding of present-day concerns, including environmental change, global connectivity, racial and gender equality, war and conflict, and media and culture. With modules on American, African, British, Middle Eastern, and European history, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary, you will follow your academic passions and shape your own degree. How does Northumbria’s History course help with employability? Our degree sets you on a path towards a wide range of future careers. We give all students a chance to work on placement with a local business or cultural partner, and our unique new module on place and heritage helps you learn about policy making and funding applications in the real world. More broadly, as you explore new approaches to understanding the environment, conflict, and society around the world, you will be prepared for many future careers – recent alumni work in jobs that range from barrister or property manager to university researcher to archive manager, author, teacher, and much more. Extended Degree This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year where you will explore a wide range of topics taken from across the real-world subject areas such as history, literature, language and linguistics, creative writing and American studies. What will I learn in my Foundation Year? Immersed in a stimulating and challenging learning environment, in your foundation year you will explore a wide range of key areas, including history, literature, film, philosophy, and politics, as well as the digital humanities. Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and seminars, guided study and self-directed learning. You will learn to share ideas with your peers and work as a productive member of a team. Guest speakers from across the humanities will put what you have learnt into context and give you a real-world perspective.