Department of History
The study of history demands critical analysis, familiarity with a wide range of research methods, rigorous approaches to complexity, and expert communication ability. Highly desirable transferable skills. At Warwick, you will be trained to gather information from a variety of sources, in at least two languages, to evaluate that information and to present it clearly, concisely and to tight deadlines.
Why Study History At Warwick?
One of the largest in the UK, Warwick’s History Department provides a friendly and international environment for undergraduate study, offering teaching on an unparalleled range of topics (e.g, the
history of fashion, Indian nationalism, Florence and Venice in the Renaissance, contemporary Americas, British culture and the Great War).
We are consistently ranked by national newspapers as one of the very best departments in the UK.
We have a strong international reputation, and achieved a 91% satisfaction rating in the 2011 National Student Survey.
We were rated equal-second nationally in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
Our research areas include race, ethnicity and slavery; popular and political protest; history of religion; gender and family history; eighteenth-century studies; histories of technology and medicine; cultures and practices of health; global history; visual and material culture, and the interface between history and literature.
Student Profile: Jakob Seger,
4th year, History
'I had always wanted to study history and I fell in love with Warwick when I came to visit on an open day. My first year was the wonderful exploration of my new-found independence that occasionally caused a struggle to stay on top of my work. Luckily, the tutors were always happy to help, which made me feel as though I was not just any old fresher, but an individual, in whom they were taking a personal interest and whom they sincerely wished to succeed.
I am now in my final year at Warwick, not quite sure how time went by this quickly! I take solace from the knowledge that I have made the absolute most of my time here'.
Our expertise covers Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and North America, Britain, continental Europe, and Asia, particularly South Asia and China.
Students are taught directly throughout their degrees by researchers who are at the cutting-edge of the field.
You may also take modules in other departments including English, History of Art, Economics, Politics and Philosophy.
Early Modern and Renaissance History students spend a term in Venice, taught by Warwick tutors at the University’s permanent base there, the Palazzo Pesaro Papafava.
How Will I Be Taught?
Teaching is delivered via lectures, seminars and tutorials, alongside web forums, podcasts, workshops, presentations, film analysis, group work and field trips. Core modules usually have two lectures and one hourly seminar per week. Optional modules normally entail one lecture per week and weekly or fortnightly seminars. Seminar groups are small, providing a valuable opportunity for students and lecturers to work closely together. Many modules focus on well-established themes in political, religious, cultural or social history. Others explore topics far removed from the usual A level syllabus. In year one, all single honours students study a language chosen from a growing range of options. Third year study is weighted heavily towards seminar instruction, reflecting final year students’ enhanced skills and includes an individually supervised 9000 word dissertation.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Formative feedback is integral in each year, and students submit regular developmental assignments along with assessed essays and end-of-year exams.
What Opportunities Are There To Study Abroad?
Renaissance and early modern history students spend the autumn term of their final year studying with Warwick tutors in Venice, and a number of students take part in our exchange programmes, spending a year at universities in Europe or North America.
What Careers Can A Warwick Degree In History Lead To?
The range of transferable skills gained studying History make graduates very competitive in the job market, particularly in areas such as law, finance, journalism/media, marketing, public relations, government, teaching, and the heritage industry. Many graduates choose to continue their academic studies at MA and PhD level. For further information on graduate careers, please visit: www.warwick.ac.uk/go/history/undergraduate/admissions/virtualopendayhistory/life
Degrees
History (Renaissance/Modern and Modern) V100 BA/Hist*
History and Politics VL12 BA/HiPol
History and Sociology VL13 BA/HiSoc
History, Literature and Cultures of the Americas T704 BA/CAS4 (see Comparative American Studies)
French and History RV11 BA/FrHi (see French)
* NB. Applicants for History do not need to indicate a preference for one of the two streams on offer. The choice of stream is made when students arrive at Warwick.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Gap Year: Applications for deferred entry are welcomed.
Interviews: We interview in only a few, special cases.
Open Days: All offers accompanied by an invitation to attend a Departmental Open Day in February, March or April.
Admissions: +44 (0)24 7652 3723
Email: ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk
