History Undergraduate Courses
History at The University of Northampton can be taken as a single honours degree (BA History) or as part of a joint degree with another subject. The range of options is large and includes such popular possibilities as History with Sport Studies, Criminology, Law, English and American Studies. Flexibility is built into the programme. Both degree programmes offer some choice. The course is 3 years full time but there is also a flexible part-time path through the History programmes.
Follow the following links to view the History modules for each level of study:
History - Course Details
Teaching patterns
History students attend a variety of different types of classes. There are lectures on the traditional pattern; workshops at which the students analyse and discuss document extracts; seminars at which key issues and texts are debated; and individual and small-group tutorials for going over ideas and problems.
Assessment
History courses at The University of Northampton are assessed in a variety of different ways, allowing you to play to your existing strengths and to develop new ways of showing what you can do. In the first two years, this means that you can do essays and examinations, but also work on reports, document analyses and presentations. Assessment methods are carefully developed to be realistic, do-able, and progressive in gradually widening your skills and deepening your handling of history.
A mix of essays, presentations, reports, document analysis, and examinations are introduced from the first year. The coursework/examination balance is 50/50 in the first year (with variation between modules), 65/35 in year two, with the special study (dissertation) a key part of the coursework in the final year. This allows you to show both your breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding. In 2002 we carried out an extensive consultation with our students that confirmed that they approved and appreciated the assessment patterns.
In all years, the emphasis is placed on those transferable skills - such as communication, team work and problem-solving - that employers regularly and consistently state that they value.
History Field Trips
The Prinz-Albert-Gesellschaft's fifth Anglo-German student seminar took place in the German city of Coburg - the birthplace and home of Prince Albert - on 5-7 September 2006. Organized by Katharina Beiergrösslein (University of Bayreuth) and Dr Matthew Seligmann (The University of Northampton), it took as its theme 'Propaganda and War'. Four German and Four British students delivered papers at the Student Seminar, including Denise Poynter (doctoral student) and Stacey Kerslake (undergraduate) from The University of Northampton.
The first picture shows the meeting of the students with the Deputy Mayor of Coburg (an event recorded in the local press); the second photograph is a group shot of the student delegates with the seminar organizers and two of the seminar's most generous sponsors.
Careers and employability
At the Start
In year one you are encouraged to develop work-related skills such as IT, information search, and structured writing, within the core History modules. You also think through your capabilities with the help of a personal tutor.
The place of part-time work, voluntary activities, and personal networking in your long-term employability is identified and recognised by academic tutors.
In the Second Year
This is the key year for personal growth for many students and The University of Northampton History course runs a range of employability activities. You do a problem-solving exercise attached to an assessed essay at Level Two. This takes the application process for graduate employment as its pattern. You examine and discuss examples of jobs that history graduates apply for and link these to reference-writing by history lecturers.
The University of Northampton History graduates participate in classes and tell you about their transitions to careers and training. There is an opportunity to apply for a one-term History work placement in museums, record offices, libraries and heritage organisations.
In the Final Year
The 10,000 word study (the Dissertation) unites your subject knowledge and interests with a wide range of the skills you have developed, such as search skills, project and time planning, and conceptual skills.
Mock interviews are offered to final year students for training and job applications.
How do we know that studying History at The University of Northampton helps you to employability?
1. National Graduate Destinations: most recent data
83% of History's single honours graduates of 2003 surveyed were in work or in further study three to six months after graduation. 86% of History Majors surveyed were in work or further study three to six months after graduation. Longer-term career paths of our graduates include the heritage and leisure sector, education, finance, management, and law and policing.
Source: Destination Of Leavers In Higher Education (The University of Northampton Educational And Careers' Guidance Service 2004)
Report surveys students completing full-time Honours Degree, HND, Diploma in HE and PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) courses in 2003.
2. The assessors of the Quality Assurance Agency that inspects subjects in H.E. evaluated UN History in 2003.
They recognised the successful methods of UN's History Department in developing skills among history students by integrating generic skills into learning and into the curriculum. They commented that the students they met during their visit were highly articulate and employable. "Students demonstrate oral confidence and other transferable skills applicable to subsequent employment and lifelong learning".
3. Evidence from commissioned surveys of History graduates (Programme Improvement Through Alumni Research)
History graduates who left UN between 1998-2001 expressed appreciation of the skills they acquired while at UCN and linked them closely with the capabilities they needed in their work and career progression. They singled out reasoning and argument, independent research, working with groups, and making presentations as capabilities developed extensively while at UN. The full findings across three universities can be found at www.pitar.co.uk.
4. Because our current students and recent graduates tell us.
Final year students of 2003-04 identified the skills they developed through producing a dissertation as time management, independent working and initiative, and planning and organisation. They saw these as important to their readiness for graduate employment.
Source: module review of 2003-04 HIS4001 (dissertation)
"I was busy organising a re-enactment in Dunstable at the weekend and I was asked to do research and write a script to do and then I had to do the commentary as well! So I am now used to talking to strangers and putting my research skills to good use. We did the Wars of the Roses' Battle of Northampton 1460, and it went really well." Linda Godden, BA History Graduate
"As I had not studied for some years, I was quite concerned about the prospect of returning to University full time. However, the History tutors were approachable and always willing to provide help and guidance. I have just got back into the rhythm of working life again. I have managed to get a better job due to my degree so it has already proved to be very useful." Andrea Anderson, BA Law with History Graduate
"Following my 3 years at UN, I am now halfway through Postgraduate Teacher Training at Warwick and enjoying it greatly. I find myself drawing upon a lot of skills that I developed during my time studying History. In particular my time management skills and presenting skills, as well as structuring and writing assignments, are now proving to be invaluable to me." Martyn Beeston, BA History with Education Graduate
Entry Requirements
Our students are inquisitive people with an enthusiasm for studying history, and have a willingness to read widely and to deal with different interpretations. You do not need to have studied History, but many entrants take GCSE or post-16 History. We encourage applications from traditional applicants - those taking their A-levels or their equivalents - and from mature students who may have followed a less conventional educational route.
Contact Details
Admissions Tutor: Dr Matthew Feldman
Telephone: (01604) 892575
Email: matthew.feldman@northampton.ac.uk
