Programme Specification for History BA (Hons)
|
Final award |
BA (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE |
|
UCAS code |
V100 (level 1 entry, 3 year full-time route |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
History (2007) |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
September 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
Study modern Britain in its global context at a London university, and enjoy the research expertise, experience and support of our History teaching team.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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.
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.
If you have the potential, commitment and enthusiasm to study for a degree but are unable to meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree programme you can apply for the Extended Degree programme route. An Extended Degree includes a Level 0 year, making the period of study 4 years or 5 years if the Extended Degree programme is taken on a part-time basis. The programme provides a supportive learning space for students to experience academic studies at university and helps develop confidence and academic skills in preparation for Levels 1-3. The programme is also highly rated by students who successfully complete the programme. Successful completion of the programme guarantees entry to a range of Single Honours programmes or a Combined Programme of study within the School of Arts and Digital Industries.
More details of the Extended Degree programme can be found here
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is History?
History is the study of the formation and development of past societies, world-wide.
History at UEL
- Provides the opportunity to be taught by historians with a national and international reputation for research
- Provides a friendly and welcoming environment for study with strong tutorial and study skills support
- Studies the history of modern Britain in a global context, with particular emphasis on Britain’s imperial past
- Studies the emergence of London as a global city
- Studies the place of History in the heritage industry
- Places questions of class, gender and race at the centre of historical investigations
- Places great emphasis on students’ independent research, introducing them to the world-class archives and museum collections within a few miles of the university, as well as archives based at UEL
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.
Learning environment
The History programme involves students in a range of approaches to study. These include lectures, seminars, workshops and visits to museums and archives.
Assessment
All History modules on our degree programme are assessed by coursework. This includes essays, documentary analyses, presentations and research projects. Some of the option modules on offer may include examinations.
First year assessment does not count towards the final award classification. Second year assessment counts towards one-third of the final award classification; third year assessments count towards two-thirds of the final award classification.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Students on the programme benefit from a focus on their academic discipline as well as engaging with the UEL employability and skills curriculum.
Project work
Students undertake independent research projects at level 2 and level 3 of their degree. At level 2 students write a ‘mini’ dissertation as part of a Research Workshop, and at level 3 they write an extended dissertation. Research work at both levels is supported by training in historical research methods and strong tutorial support from experienced teaching staff.
Added value
Studying History and undertaking independent historical research in London, provides an excellent opportunity for students to use the many libraries, research collections and archives based in the capital.
UEL also hosts several notable archives that are available for student use. These include the East London People’s Archive, the Refugee Council Archive, the East London Theatre Archive and the East London Lives Olympic Archive.
History is an academic discipline that places great emphasis on the development of writing and analytical skills. At UEL we also encourage students to develop oral communication skills through participation in seminar and group work, and via assessed presentations. All of these skills will be of great value in future life, both in the workplace and beyond.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- the relationship between past and present
- the emergence and development of the British empire
- colonial slavery and its legacies
- London histories
- Changing ideas about the self and subjectivity including gender, class, race and sexuality
- History and the heritage industry
- Undertaking independent research
If you enjoy...
- imagining past societies
- discovering how much British society has changed over the last 300 years
- opening your mind to different ways of viewing and understanding the past
- sharing ideas in discussion groups
- doing original research
If you want...
- a programme that makes use of different approaches to studying History – social, political, cultural and intellectual
- an excellent choice of related options
- opportunities to combine History with a wide range of other subjects, such as English Literature, International Politics, Cultural Studies and Sociology
Your future career
History provides a broad-based education of the type that employers tend to favour. Our graduates proceed to careers in the heritage industry, local government, and the media and administration. Teaching in primary and secondary education is also a very popular career path. Entry to postgraduate programmes is strongly encouraged; many of our graduates go on to take masters degrees and professional qualifications.
How we support you
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.
Bonus factors
- Make use of the experience and expertise of our committed team of History lecturers
- Make use of London’s world class library, museum and archive collections while studying at UEL
- Enjoy sharing ideas with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- To understand the broad contours of historical change in Britain from its ascension to world power in the early modern period, to its imperial decline in the post-war period
- To situate British history within a global context
- To acquire a deeper understanding of the relationship between past and present, by learning to critically evaluate historical evidence in the light of present knowledge
- To acquire research skills, and to apply them in coursework and independent projects
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Understand the importance of evidence in the construction of historical argument (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Identify and discuss different historical arguments (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Develop an understanding of different historical issues and debates by reading a wide range of primary and secondary sources (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Develop a detailed understanding of specific historical topics and debates in independent research projects (Major, Joint)
Thinking skills
- Consider the relationship between continuity and change in relation to different historical issues and debates (Major, Joint, Minor)Demonstrate an ability to analyse, evaluate and comment critically on conceptual issues in relation to a range of historical issues and debates (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Articulate coherent and nuanced arguments in relation to set questions in written and oral form, taking into account the complexity of historical issues and debates (Major, Joint, Minor)
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Define an historical research topic, developing research questions, selecting an appropriate methodology and locating relevant primary and secondary sources (Major, Joint)Produce carefully structured and argued academic work (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Gain confidence in using a range of libraries, museums and archives to find information for assessed research (Major, Joint)
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Develop advanced written and analytical skills (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Develop skills in time management, including the ability to plan and execute a programme of work (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Read and synthesise information from a range of written sources (Major, Joint, Minor)
- Develop oral communication skills and experience of group work
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
1 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
2 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
3 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
M equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 5 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year . An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor 40 credits at levels one, two and three.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
Level 1 entry
| LEVEL | UEL Module Code | TITLE | SKILLS MODULES (Insert Y where appropriate) | CREDITS | STATUS SINGLE | STATUS MAJOR | STATUS JOINT | STATUS MINOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
CC1300 |
Critical Approaches to Humanities |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
N/A |
|
1 |
CC1401 |
Patterns of Imperial History |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
CC1403 |
Making the Modern Self |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
N/A |
|
1 |
CC1405 |
London, History and Heritage |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
1 |
CC1406 |
Britain in the Long 19th Century: 1780-1918 |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
|
|
|
20 |
University Wide Option |
University Wide Option |
|
|
|
2 |
CC2000 |
Culture, Power, Knowledge |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
N/A |
|
2 |
CC2402 |
Researching British Social History: 1918-51 |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
N/A |
|
2 |
CC2405 |
Cultural Change/Cultural Anxiety: 1951-79 |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
CC2406 |
Madness, Culture and History |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
|
|
|
20 |
Option |
Option |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
20 |
University Wide Option |
University Wide Option |
|
|
|
3 |
CC3000 |
Dissertation |
Y |
40 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
3 |
CC3404 |
Memory and History |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
CC3403 |
Conflict and Change |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
|
|
|
20 |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
20 |
Option |
Option |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
20 |
Option |
Option |
|
|
Modules are defined as:
- Core -Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified module within the field
- University Wide Option - Select from a wide range of university wide options
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree)
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Academic research for weekly classes and assessed coursework Attending lectures and seminars on a weekly basis
- Group discussion in weekly classes
Thinking skills are developed through
- Critical analysis of academic texts in preparation for weekly classes. Research and planning for assessed coursework Participation in seminar discussion
Practical skills are developed through
- Using academic libraries and research collections Planning and writing essays and other written coursework assignmentsDeveloping independent research projects
- Academic research in preparation for weekly classes and written assignments
- Participation in seminar discussion and involvement in group work
- Organisation of workload in order to meet assessment deadlines
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Essays
- Documentary analyses and research exercises
- Oral presentations
- Independent research projects
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Essays
- Documentary analyses and research exercises
- Oral presentations
- Independent research projects
Practical skills are assessed by
- Essays
- Documentary analyses and research exercises
- Oral presentations
- Independent research projects
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Essays
- Documentary analyses and research exercises
- Oral presentations
- Independent research projects
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluation forms
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting twice a year)
- Informal evaluation at the end of modules
- Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee to student representatives
- discussions on core History modules
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- Arts and Digital Industries at UEL: http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/
- Visit our gallery of student work here: http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/showcase/studentwork/
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
