Course summary

If you really want to get a handle on the modern world, it is essential to understand the past. How did America become a superpower? Would women have got the right to vote without struggle? Why do people empower authoritarian leaders? How does climate shape society? History at Stirling allows you to explore these and many other pressing questions, guided by a committed team of historians passionate about their subjects. You will develop your knowledge of the world while acquiring intellectual and personal skills much in demand in the labour market. Stirling is different: in the context of a friendly department with approachable staff, we offer a unique breadth and chronological depth of options at honours level. We offer a range of courses on American, African, European, British and Scottish history that only few other (and much larger) institutions can match. You will explore reform and revolution, war, ideas, social movements, historical figures, race, gender, religion, democracy, the environment. In addition, thanks to the flexibility of Stirling’s academic programmes, you can study history in combination with other subjects, such as education, politics, languages, media studies and many more. The first two years provide the strong foundations that any student of history needs, while years three and four allow you to choose from an ample selection of country and thematic specialisms. The final year allows you to become a researcher yourself and thereby practice the skills you have learned and hone your analytical and problem-solving skills for life beyond university. You will have the opportunity to do one Special Subject, working closely with our staff, leading experts in their fields, in small groups, hands on cutting-edge historical research themes, using real primary sources. This level of in-depth study runs in parallel to the final year dissertation, a personal project in which you show that you have mastered the knowledge, the skills and the autonomy of the well-rounded university graduate. The opportunity to work with young adults to help them fulfil their potential must surely rank as one of the most important and influential roles anyone can take up as a career. What are the complex processes that underpin both learning and teaching within classrooms and other ‘learning spaces’? How can we use expert knowledge and developed experience of these processes to maximise the quality of education experienced by all our young people? Choosing to study Secondary Education at Stirling will involve exploring these and other core pedagogical beliefs, issues and practices and lead to one of the most rewarding and challenging career choices available to any graduate. You will usually follow eight semesters (four years) which leads to an Honours degree in the chosen teaching subject(s) and Professional Education. Alternatively, seven semesters (three and a half years) lead either to a General degree, or to a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Education. General degree students may only be able to qualify in one teaching subject.