Course introduction
History remains among the most fascinating and best-loved of the arts and social science disciplines, and Westminster’s BA History offers you an exceptional and distinctive programme, making the most of our unique West End location. The course is modern and UK-focused, but as Britain was shaped by her relationship with Europe, the empire and the wider world, there are many opportunities to study European, American and imperial history as well. A distinctive element of the degree is its focus on the extraordinary history of London.
You'll learn inside and outside the classroom, on stimulating modules in political, diplomatic, military and social history, many of which are unique to Westminster. You’ll explore the streets of the capital on field walks and trips to repositories, museums and libraries. You'll learn how to conduct your own research in London's unique archives, and will graduate as a well-trained and experienced historian, ready to launch yourself into the world of work, research or further study. You'll make great new friends, with staff and students from around the world.
Course contentYear 1 (Credit Level 4)
There are two core modules on modern British socio-economic and political history and on British foreign policy since 1815. Option modules include:
The French Revolution * Victorian London * London since 1960 * C19th America * London’s liquor trade * the London Blitz.
Year 2 and year 3 (Credit Levels 5 and 6)
There are two core modules on twentieth-century British political history and twentieth-century Europe. There is a core research methods module, to help you choose your dissertation topic. The dissertation is the only core module in year three. There is a wide variety of option modules, including:
The New Imperialism * Modern Ireland * the Cinema as a Source for Historians * the Russian Revolution * the Spanish Civil War * London and its Museums * Jack the Ripper * the American Wild West * America and the Vietnam War * British Defence Policy * Britain between the Wars * Fascism * England since 1945 * Britain and the Great War * The Troubles * Women’s History * the Cold War * Origins of World War II * Cultural History of World War II * History of the EU * Decolonisation * Race and Politics in the USA.
Length of Course: Three years, full-time; five-years part-time
UCAS Code V100
Location: Central London (Regent)
More information: www.westminster.ac.uk/history
Westminster’s award-winning lecturers are actively engaged in researching and writing history and research underpins much of our teaching. We encourage students into a community of scholars, through teaching which enthuses and inspires them. We use a range of assessment methods to help you learn and to equip you with the skills required in today’s competitive job market: research, evaluative and analytical skills, time-management and communication skills, numerical and ICT skills, the ability to work alone, and the ability to work with others, to present yourself and your ideas in a variety of formats to different audiences. Assessments include essays and exams, presentations, book reviews, portfolio preparation and mini-projects. You can take a credit-bearing internship in an archive, library or museum. Previous interns have had placements in the Imperial War Museum, the House of Lords Records Office, the London Metropolitan Archive and many other London institutions. You also have the opportunity to take a semester abroad, in the United States or Australia.
Course feesIn 2010/11 the fee for UK/EU students studying their first degree, full-time is normally £3,290. For international students it is normally £10,125. However exemptions do apply. We may be able to support you though with a scholarship or a bursary. Please visit our fees and funding page for more information.
Entry requirementsA Levels BB/BBC
International Baccalaureate 28 points
BTEC National Diploma
DDM only if also have an A level grade B in humanities related subject
Associated CareersHistorians have a wide range of research, analytical, and evaluative skills. They know how to work on their own, to manage their own time, to work collaboratively, to synthesize a mass of data, to work to a brief, and to argue a case. As such, they are highly sought after by employers in the media, in education, the Civil Service and in all sectors of industry.