Department of History | BA History (with Foundation Year)

BA History (with Foundation Year) at Durham University

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Why study History? Our answer to that is simple: because we are human, and we need to understand ourselves, and one another. History helps us to see other ways of thinking and living – and it offers us alternative perspectives on the present.

The BA History degree at Durham University is designed to give you a sense of the Diversity of Human Experience – geographically and chronologically. We offer an unusually broad range of options that will take you to very different places and times. You can also explore diverse themes and approaches, such as Environmental & Scientific History, Visual Cultures and Gender & 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.

Year 2 raises new questions about the Human Past, setting these in specific periods and parts of the world. It develops your understanding of Historiography - the History of History-Writing and gives you experience of writing an extended historical argument. 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 the focus is on intensive study and independent learning. The special subject guides you through the primary and secondary material on a specific period or phenomenon; the dissertation allows you to choose your own topic and devise your own question, for an extended piece of writing. The dissertation is an opportunity to focus on a topic that fascinates you – and brings together the skills you have developed through your time at Durham University.

Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to attend an extensive programme of activities, including research seminars and public lectures from high-profile guest speakers.

History's aim is to make you better at thinking, speaking, and writing for yourself; and better at critically assessing the words that others speak and write. Thinking analytically, arguing clearly and concisely - these are fundamental skills in many jobs. Our graduates have gone on to find successful careers in a wide variety of fields. They work in teaching at schools and universities, in museums and galleries, in law, finance, banking and accountancy, the Civil Service, the charity sector, media, journalism, and the military and further study.

Our students acquire many skills which are readily transferable to a whole range of professions. You will learn to search for, gather and process information, to evaluate evidence and to express yourself clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing.

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A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!