The course gives students a far greater, more critical, and analytical understanding of complex historical issues. It is intended to help anyone with an interest in the past to comprehend historical problems at a more advanced theoretical level and to study the past as a way of understanding the present. Much of this course is based around historical subject matter as well as learning the theories and analytical techniques needed to understand what is in effect the worlds collective memory.

Students will gain an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the history of Europe, Africa and Asia. They will also obtain an insight into the functioning of past societies that will help them to understand the problems of the present. Courses are designed to produce successful graduates by getting them involved in reading, exploring and discovering the various expressions of past and present human experience.

It is a constantly changing and expanding subject as well as inspiring and dynamic one, that gives students a chance to become involved in cutting edge research. Lectures and tutorials are often conducted in a way to help students prepare for their essays, projects, dissertations and presentations, and to give feedback on any work previously presented.

Explore the historical forces that have shaped contemporary society through stimulating learning experiences and a range of distinctive and innovative forms of assessment.

History degree personal statement
Below is a personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Example

“History was always my most favourite subject at school so deciding on it as a degree was easy. This along with my previous academic experience at college has widened my perceptions of the subject and given me an appetite for more learning.

To become a good historian you need genuine passion for the subject and must also find it interesting and enjoyable, I am happy to say that I posses all of these emotions. It can at times be a very demanding subject to learn, however it is also equally rewarding and satisfying.

Through my experience as a college student I have developed as a person and learnt many key life skills which will be invaluable to me in the future.  I gained a broader perspective of the historical investigation techniques and research skills needed to reconstruct the past in finer detail. I have also gained important skills of analysis, synthesis and crucially improved my confidence in my own abilities.

Over the summer I joined a work experience scheme where I spent time on a voluntary basis at a local primary school, assisting children with their reading skills. Becoming a teacher in the future is one of my career options, so this has been an excellent opportunity for me to gain some real practical knowledge of a possible future job.

After visiting your university on an open day and experiencing the campus vibe and friendly atmosphere, I realised this was the university for me. The choices you get on the course at your university simply aren’t matched by many other universities. I also want to say that I was also greatly impressed by your highly regarded and enthusiastic lecturers who seem to specialise in most eras of history.”

More History personal statement examples

Typical History degree university questions

Why do you want to study at our university?

Answers

  • I wanted to study at a traditional, internationally respected establishment, which had state-of-the art resources.
  • Because of the rich variety of teaching methods that your lecturers use to engages students.
  • The structure of your courses which allow the freedom to specialise in the areas of history that they find particularly appealing.
  • Your course seems perfect for my interests in history and offers me the opportunity to go into other areas.

Other questions

What do you think makes a good historian?

In what ways do you feel that a History degree will benefit you in your working life?

Do you have any career plans at the moment?

What did you particularly enjoy about studying History?
On a history degree course areas of study will include:

  • Economic history
  • The history of religion and culture
  • Medieval society
  • Renaissance learning and culture
  • Industrialisation
  • The British Empire.
  • Study a range of periods and countries particularly British or largely European history.
  • The birth of modern Europe.
  • Contemporary political issues.
  • Introduction to archaeology.
  • Heritage and history.
  • Early modern history.
  • Britain since 1945.
  • The Norman Conquest.
  • The Civil Rights Movement
  • The Development of the Greek City-state
  • The origins of the First World War.
  • Egyptology
  • Britain at War, 1939-1945
  • The Russian Revolution
  • Early Christian Europe.
  • Roman Imperialism and its Consequences
  • Imperialism and decolonisation
  • Classical and Hellenistic Greek States.
  • Anglo Saxon England.
  • The American Civil War.
  • Germany’s Nazi Dictatorship and the Holocaust.
  • Gaels, Vikings and Normans: People and Environment in the North Atlantic World.
  • History, Philosophy and Politics.
  • History and Religious Studies.
  • History and International relations.
  • History and music.
  • Social history.
  • War and society in history.
  • Roman Britain
  • Understanding global heritage.
  • The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union
  • The history of politics in modern Europe.

Skills you will learn on a history degree course

  • Interpretation and methodology from different perspectives.
  • Different approaches to studying.
  • Develop skills which employers value highly.
  • Interactive e-study methods.
  • Increase your confidence to debate, argue and solve problems.
  • Refine your skills in evaluating historical evidence and drawing conclusions from it.
  • Learn to think in new innovative ways.
  • Discover web-based learning, blogging, role-play and online discussions.
  • Learn practical skills that will translate very smoothly into a modern workplace environment.
  • How to present conclusions logically and concisely.
  • Develop initiative and the capacity for independent research.

 

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