History: Learning and Teaching

Each year we offer a wide range of modules in terms of periods, places and persons in history, and different kinds of history (social, religious, political, cultural, local, women's, literary, etc.) Teaching is by lectures, seminars and workshops in which you are encouraged to develop your own skills, either individually or in small groups.

Over a three-year programme each year naturally tries to do different things. So, in Year 1 the modules are designed to introduce you to the study of History at university, providing a choice of periods, themes and subjects through which you can pursue historical interests while acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to progress to more advanced study in the second year. In Year 2 the modules are designed to build upon first-year work by providing a more challenging and deliberate engagement with important historical issues, controversies, sources and methods. In Year 3 the modules aim to develop critical and independent thinking at advanced level and to provide you with a deeper understanding of the complexities of a chosen historical period, subject or issue. There are no specific subject requirements. Indeed our first year modules are specifically designed to introduce you to the study of History at University. They provide you with a choice of periods, themes and subjects through which you can pursue your historical interests, while acquiring the skills needed to progress to more advanced study in the second year.

In today's world, history remains the most challenging of disciplines. Its ability to deal with profound questions and to provide many answers can help in the understanding of people's lives, beliefs and problems in the present day.

Assessment

Assessment is designed both to encourage and promote your progressive attainment of the learning outcomes of particular modules and of the programme as a whole, and to provide you with clear and helpful guidance on your performance and achievements throughout your studies.

You will be given a History Handbook that provides general guidance on the requirements for, and good practices in, each kind of work at each level of study, as well as marking criteria. Advice about the precise requirements for, and the choice and timing of each assessment task is provided in individual module handbooks. In this booklet you will also find some samples of past work by students. This may give you some guidance as to what tutors are looking for in particular assessments

Following submission, the work is marked and a written feedback is provided on the script and cover sheet. At these tutorials, your tutors will explain the strengths of the work, and provide clear guidance about how to make improvements. You are also able to use the tutorials to discuss your individual learning problems and achievements, set goals for improvement, and talk generally about your interests and studies.

Research and Scholarship

Each member of staff has their own area of expertise and experience in areas such as early modern British and European history, modern history, social and cultural history, Irish history and Asian studies. This expertise will be reflected in the choices of modules that will be offered.

Employment

Why would employers want to employ history graduates? It is an organised discipline, which not only cultivates independent thinking, but practical and transferable skills which employers find very important. As a result History students find employment in a wide variety of careers, from teaching and environmental work to public service of all kinds and in finance, retailing, the media and related activities. There are also opportunities to undertake postgraduate work at Masters and Doctorate level within the School.