Programme summary for BA (Hons) History
The History programme at UEL is both innovative and challenging. Over the three years of the full-time degree we take a broad view of the historical development of British society from 1600 to the late 20th century. We locate Britain firmly within the constellation of relationships among imperial and colonised powers, and explore the role of the British Empire and cultural imperialism in promoting forms of domination. Questions of class, gender and race are central to our investigations. We make good use of our location in London, both in terms of historical case studies and the world-class archives and museum collections that are available to students within a few miles of the university.
We are concerned to explore history as an experience and a practice. We ask our students to consider how the past informs the present, and to think about the ways in which historical evidence is read, understood and used. Oral history and memory is one of the research interests in the department and students are encouraged to develop their interviewing techniques as well as their honing their writing and presentation skills. The degree therefore has a number of distinctive features:
- We recognise the importance of reflecting critically on the relations between past and present, and explore the extent to which a study of history can illuminate present-day issues.
- We teach the skills of historical research and writing so that you gain a knowledge and practical experience of ‘doing’ history. In both the second and third years you will be able to research topics of your own choice, using museums, local and national archives.
- We integrate global issues into our study of British history, since the development of Britain as a world power and its subsequent decline can be understood only in relation to other cultures and peoples.
At the end of the programme you should be able to think independently and critically about society, and the way it is represented in media and publications. You will also be able to undertake your own research, for by then you will have all the necessary skills to investigate the past and present your ideas in a clear, logical and concise way.
Recent examples of module titles include:
- Patterns of Imperial History
- Britain in the Long 19th Century
- Making the Modern Self
- London, History and Heritage
- Researching British Social History, 1918-1951
- Cultural Change/Cultural Anxiety, 1951-79
- Madness, Culture and History
- Enlightenment and Modernity
- Memory and History
- Doing Public History: Place, Memory and Heritage
- Research Methods and Dissertation
Students can also choose from a range of optional modules delivered by other subject areas in the university. Please note that the modules offered are likely to change from year to year.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a history student at the University of East London. The course covered a wide range of historical topics and I was regularly able to pursue my own interests in coursework and research projects. The lectures and seminars were engaging and thought provoking and the staff were enthusiastic and helpful. The course has ultimately given me new insights into history and has inspired me to continue in my studies at Masters level. I would strongly recommend the undergraduate course at UEL to anyone who is thinking of studying history.”
John Cordon, UEL history student (graduated in 2010)
About the programme
The History programme at UEL is challenging and innovative. Looking at Britain and its former Empire in a global context, you will study a broad view of the development of British society, from its emergence as a world power in the 18th century to post-war decolonisation. The programme deals with issues such as class, nation, gender and race, which inform your studies throughout.
2-subject degrees
You can combine this programme with a range of other subjects as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include History and English Literature, and History with International Politics.
Programme structure
History at UEL is a three year full-time degree course including both compulsory and option modules at all levels of study. Recommended options allow students to study History in an inter-disciplinary way, choosing modules from Literature, Politics, Cultural Studies and Sociology. Students may take History as a single honours degree or combine it with another subject.
Career opportunities
History provides a broad- based education of the type that employers tend to favour. Graduates can proceed to careers in publishing, tourism, the heritage industry, local government, the media and administration. Teaching in primary and secondary education is a very popular career path. Entry to postgraduate programmes is encouraged: many of our graduates proceed to take master’s degrees and professional qualifications.
Support
History at UEL is a friendly and welcoming programme in which all students are given excellent academic and tutorial support at all levels of study. We consider this support to be an important part of academic life at UEL.
Members of the History teaching team are available for personal tutorials on a weekly basis to discuss coursework and other academic issues.
All students are given a personal tutor who is able to provide academic support and advice, and recommend other support services available at UEL.
UEL offers a wide range of study skills support via its Writing Centre, Skillzone, English Language Centre, and Disability, Dyslexia and Access Centre.
Admission
The minimum requirement for level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points. These may be acquired from:
A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes); GNVQ; AVCE; Scottish Highers; International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate; BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma; relevant Access course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for level 1 entry may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 80 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent t be considered for level 0.
We also welcome applications from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Prospective students falling into this category will be expected to demonstrate a clear interest in History, and to demonstrate any transferable skills they have acquired from work or other life experience. Applicants may be invited for interview.
Students may also be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online History (BA (Hons))
