History: Undergraduate Study 2016

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For general undergraduate

enquiries contact:

The Enquiry Centre


t: +44 (0)115 951 5559
e: [email protected]
w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/faqs

History
Undergraduate study 2016
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Contents

Welcome to the
Department of History

3 Welcome
4 Why study history at Nottingham?
6 Degree courses
22 How will I study?
24 How will I be assessed?
26 Study abroad
28 Career and employment prospects
31 Postgraduate opportunities
32 Student profile
34 Your student experience
38 Applying for a place
41 Frequently asked questions
42 Visiting and contacting us

The Department of History is a vibrant


research community committed to scholarship
of international quality. Located on University
Park Campus at Lenton Grove, in what was
once a Georgian manor, our department
boasts a friendly and inclusive atmosphere
that fosters interaction between students and
staff. Our outstanding reputation for innovation
in teaching has helped make us one of the
leading centres for the study of history in
the UK.

Front cover image:


Students on University Park, a 330-acre campus which is home to the Department of History, as well as libraries,
the Students Union, halls of residence, cafes, shops, a sports centre and many other facilities.

Underpinning our teaching and learning


philosophy is a strong commitment to active
learning. We emphasise that effective learning
in history comes not from receiving information
and ideas from teachers, but from your own
enquiries, critical thinking, and reection on
historical sources and on the way we learn. You
will therefore be encouraged to become an
independent learner and thinker, while receiving
guidance from expert tutors. Our innovative
research-led approach to teaching will not only
make your experience an exciting and challenging
one, it will also provide you with the skills you
need for a rewarding and successful career.

This brochure is designed to answer some of


the questions you might have on what and how
we teach, what we look for in an applicant, what
its like to be a student at Nottingham, and what
you can do with a history degree. If we have not
answered your questions, please contact us using
the details on page 42 or visit our departmental
website: www.nottingham.ac.uk/history
I wish you every success in your studies and
applications, and look forward to welcoming you
to the department.
Dr Ross Balzaretti
Head of the Department of History
UoNHumanities
@UoNHumanities
Dont forget to watch our videos and hear from
staff and students in the Faculty of Arts:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/watch-artsfaculty

Students in the Djanogly Art Gallery


on University Park Campus.
2

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Why study history at


Nottingham?

Excellent career prospects

Our degrees are designed to enrich your


understanding of the past, and therefore the
present. We emphasise the multiplicity of human
societies and values by introducing you to the
history of a range of countries across a broad
span of time. This is enhanced by exciting study
abroad opportunities in countries including
Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands,
Ireland, Canada, the United States of America
and South Korea.

Academic excellence

A commitment to academic excellence drives


everything we do, and has earned us international
recognition. It is evident in our teaching and
research. In the latest independent review
of teaching quality carried out by the Quality
Assurance Agency, Nottingham was awarded
the highest possible rating. In the latest Research
Excellence Framework, 98% of the Department
of Historys submitted research publications were
evaluated as worthy of international recognition
in terms of originality, significance and rigour. A
remarkable one third of these were assessed as
world leading in quality.

Were proud that the department scored 88%


for overall satisfaction in the National Student
Survey 2014.

Library and computing services


The main library for history is the Hallward Library,
located at a central site on University Park
Campus. To find out about the wide range of
facilities and resources on offer go to
www.nottingham.ac.uk/library/hallward
Manuscripts and Special Collections archive
A place of specific relevance to history students is
the Manuscripts and Special Collections archive,
which holds an impressive range of printed and
manuscript material. These provide an opportunity
to use rare primary sources in your studies.
Dedicated, expert staff are on hand to offer
guidance and support: www.nottingham.ac.uk/
manuscriptsandspecialcollections
The Digital Humanities Centre
The Digital Humanities Centre (DHC) is a
facility for research and learning located in the
Humanities Building. It provides an innovative
workspace in which staff and students can
explore, create and work on digital media to
produce cutting-edge research.

An outstanding learning environment

Available equipment includes A3/A4 and slide


scanners, a copystand and camera, a video
camera, graphics tabs and graphic software
including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and
Illustrator, AutoCAD, Final Cut Pro and 3dS MAX.
The centre houses a collection of more than
80,000 humanities slides. For more information
and links to the DHC Facebook and Twitter pages
visit the webpage at www.nottingham.ac.uk/
humanities/digital

History at Nottingham emphasises student


involvement in learning, face-to-face study with
international experts and award-winning lecturers,
innovation in teaching and research, and the full
development of each student through one-to-one
supervised work on topics of your choice. By
combining traditional with innovative teaching and
learning methods, our degrees will foster your

Student satisfaction

Facilities and resources

Research-led teaching

All our staff are active researchers as well as


lecturers. You will be taught by experts in their
eld who will introduce you to the different
approaches and methods they use to evaluate and
interpret the past. By drawing on our research, we
aim to keep our teaching lively and relevant.

ability to integrate your learning connecting


academic study, reective self-awareness and
experiential learning that takes place both inside and
outside the curriculum. This approach will enhance
your academic performance and employability and
give you the condence to engage successfully with
the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

The historical and personal skills you will acquire


on a Nottingham history degree are versatile and
transferable and will prepare you for a wide range
of professions. Our students consistently graduate
with strong results and have established an
excellent track record of postgraduate study and
graduate employment. For more information about
career opportunities, please see page 28.

Students catch up on University Park, a


beautiful green campus with period buildings
and a large boating lake.
5

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Degree courses

Degree title

UCAS
code

Duration A levels

IB

Places

Joint and combined honours run by the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies

Degree title

UCAS
code

Duration

A levels

IB

TV71

3 or 4
years*

BA French and
History^

RV11

4 years** ABB; including


B in history, plus
B in French, if
applicable***

32; 5 in history at Higher Level;


5 in French at Higher Level
or 6 at Standard Level (B
Programme), if applicable***

BA German and
History^

RV21

4 years** ABB; including


B in history, plus
B in German, if
applicable***

32; 5 in history at Higher Level;


5 in German at Higher Level
or 6 at Standard Level (B
Programme), if applicable***

BA Hispanic Studies VR14


and History^

4 years** ABB; including


B in history, plus
B in Spanish, if
applicable***

32; 5 in history at Higher Level;


5 in Spanish at Higher Level
or 6 at Standard Level (B
33
Programme), if applicable***

BA Russian and
History^

VRB7

4 years** ABB; including


B in history, plus
B in Russian, if
applicable***

32; 5 in history at Higher Level;


5 in Russian at Higher Level
or 6 at Standard Level (B
Programme), if applicable***

BA History and East


European Cultural
Studies

VRD7

3 years

BA Modern
European Studies

R906

4 years** ABB; including B


in your post-A level
languages, where
applicable***

Places

Single honours
BA History

BA American
Studies and History

V100

3 years

36; 6 in history
AAA; usually
including A in history at Higher Level

160

BA History with Contemporary V1T1


Chinese Studies

3 years

ABB; usually
32; 6 in history
including A in history at Higher Level

Major/minor honours

Joint and combined honours where history is the lead department


BA Ancient History and
History

V117

3 years

34; 6 in history
AAB; usually
including A in history at Higher Level

20

BA Archaeology and History

VV14

3 years

32; 6 in history
ABB; usually
including A in history at Higher Level

BA History and History of Art VV31

3 years

34; 6 in history
AAB; usually
including A in history at Higher Level

BA History and Politics

3 years

36; 6 in history
AAA; usually
including A in history at Higher Level

30

VL12

ABB; including
history

ABB; including
history

32; 5 in history at Higher Level 20

32; 5 in history at Higher Level

15
32; 5 at Higher Level or 6 at
Standard Level (B programme)
in your post-IB level languages,
where applicable***

Joint and combined honours run by the School of English

I picked Nottingham because I absolutely


loved the University. I loved that it was a
campus university but really close to the city
centre, so you get the best of both. Theres just
so much going on here, and its so much fun.

BA English and
History

QV31

3 years

AAA-AAB;
including A in
English and
history, plus four
GCSEs at grade
A, including
English

36-34; 6 in English and


history at Higher Level

16

^ Language available from beginners level or post-A level.


* A year of international study is optional.
** Includes one year abroad.
*** No foreign language qualification is required for a beginners pathway.
Please note that we accept ancient history A level as an alternative to history for all degree programmes.

Emily Zinkin
BA Ancient History and History

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

The best thing about my course is the variety


it gives me, and it means you can really make
every year at university very different.
Modular degrees

Almost all undergraduate degree programmes


at the University are modular, which means you
undertake modules of study which are usually
assessed at the end of each semester. Under the
modular system, you will normally be required
to take modules totalling 60 credits in each
semester.
To graduate with a degree from The University of
Nottingham you must take 360 credits of modules
120 in each year of study. Each module is
usually worth 10 or 20 credits the higher the
number of credits, the greater the amount of work
on the module. The first year is a qualifying year,
which means your degree classification will be
determined by the work completed in your second
and final years.

Single honours degrees

In your three years at Nottingham you will take


a combination of compulsory and optional
modules, mainly from those offered by the
Department of History, but also with a choice
of subsidiary modules from outside the
department, particularly in your first and second
years. For example, you may choose to take
modules in archaeology, classics, philosophy or
law, or even physics. Alternatively, you might wish
to continue studying a language learned at school
or college, or begin an entirely new language. A
full list of subsidiary modules will be available at
registration each year. To ensure a wide student
choice, some historical modules offered by
historians attached to other departments, such as
American and Canadian studies and classics, are
classed as history modules.

Joint and combined honours degrees

Sarah Horner
BA French and History

We offer a wide range of joint and combined


honours courses to suit those with specialised or
complementary interests. Some of these courses
are administered by the Department of History,
some by the School of Cultures, Languages and
Area Studies and some by the School of English.
As a joint honours student, you will divide your
time between two subjects; as a combined
honours student, you may even spend time
between several subjects. Either way, you will
gain a knowledge and understanding of a wider
historical and cultural context. In your final year,
you may have the opportunity to specialise in
one subject.

If you are considering applying for a joint honours


course, you should also look for information
from the other school or department involved
on our online prospectus:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy

Dissertation

All single honours history students research and


write a dissertation in their final year. Some joint
honours students replace one of their scheduled
modules with a dissertation on a subject that
particularly interests them, or carry out further
work on a topic introduced in a module theyve
studied previously; others write on a topic agreed
after discussion with tutors. The dissertation
option is particularly good if you plan to undertake
postgraduate study, as it will give you experience
of the self-motivation and discipline required to
carry out a relatively large research project. If there
is something youve always wanted to write about,
it might end up being your dissertation topic.

Sarah is reading outside the Trent


Building on University Park Campus.
8

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department
School
of Law
of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/law
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Single honours
BA History

Our single honours degree allows you to study


periods from 500 CE to the present, across a
wide geographical area. It is carefully structured
to help you develop the skills to write and debate
history. Throughout your degree, you will build
on these skills as you analyse a body of material
about an area of your choice, write a dissertation,
and work with primary sources to create a detailed
study of a particular topic.
Year one
The history core module is Learning History, a skill
and methodology-based module. The emphasis is
on reflecting on the nature of history as a discipline,
and on developing the skills required for the writing
and debating of history. You will also take survey
modules on European history from late antiquity
to the present, and subsidiary modules from other
schools, which can (but need not be) history-related.
Year two
The core element in year two is provided by the
compulsory module The Contemporary World
since 1945. The focus of this course is not just on
global developments (political, economic, social,
cultural, environmental and demographic), but also
on exploring key historical debates concerning the
immediate origins of the world in which we now
live. In addition, you will be able to choose from
a wide menu of modules ranging from medieval,
early-modern and modern history, dealing with
particular countries or regions from around the
world. This will be supplemented by a long list of
cross-listed modules offered by historians in
other departments from which you may also
select options. You may also continue to take
non-history-related modules should you wish.
You will also attend a non-assessed weekly lecture
module throughout the year called Doing History.
This builds on the first-year core module Learning
History and aims to develop your awareness of the
craft of the historian, developing essential skills to
10

Typical modules

get the most out of your second-year options and


enabling you to determine what sort of historian
you are. It also operates as a bridge to your third
and final year, permitting you to make informed
decisions about your choice of Special Subject,
third-year options, and dissertation.
Year three
You will take a Special Subject, which focuses on a
specialised area of history and tests your analysis of
primary sources. These skills are further developed
in a 10,000-word dissertation based on an individual
research project. To balance this intensive study, you
will take two optional modules devoted to particular
themes or periods to broaden your horizons. Current
Special Subjects include*:
After the Golden Age: The West in the 1970s
and 1980s
Britain in the Age of the French Revolution:
1789-1803
British Culture in the Age of Mass Production,
1920-1960
Crime, Morality and Law in Modern Britain
European Politics and Society, 1848-1914
Faith and Fire: Popular Religion in Late Medieval
England
From Gunpowder Plot to Spanish Match: The
Reign of James I
Italy at War, 1935-1945
July Crisis: The Outbreak and Origins of the
Great War
Russia in Revolution, 1905-1921
Suez and the End of Empire
The 1960s and the West, 1958-1974
The Black Death
The British Slave Trade and Abolition
The Collapse of the Weimar Republic
The Reign of Richard II
The Victorians in Italy
World wasting itself in blood: Europe and the
Thirty Years War

Year one

Year two

Year three

Core modules:
From Reformation to
Revolution: An Introduction to
Early Modern History
Introduction to the Medieval
World, 500-1500
Learning History
Roads to Modernity: An
Introduction to Modern History,
1789-1945

Core module:
The Contemporary World
since 1945

Core modules:
Dissertation
Special Subject

Optional modules:
You will take two 20 credit
modules from outside the
department, from subjects as
diverse as, for example: classics,
economics, English literature,
languages, law, physics or
sociology.

Optional modules include:


A Protestant Nation: Religion,
Politics and Culture in England
1558-1640
British Foreign Policy and the
Origins of the World Wars
Central European History,
1848-1914
Communities, Crime and
Punishment in England, 15001800
Cultural Histories of Urban
Modernity, 1840-1900
De-industrialisation
Environmental History: Nature
and the Western World, 18002000
European Fascisms, 1900-1945
From East India Company to
West India Failure: The First
British Empire
From Tsar to Emperor
Germany in the Age of Extremes
Heroes and Villains in the Middle
Ages
Kingship in Crisis
Liberating Africa: Decolonisation,
Development and the Cold War
1919-1994
Medieval Apocalyptic Thought
Plague, Famine and Flood
Race, Rights and Propaganda
Socialism in an Age of
Affluence: The Labour Party
Soviet State and Society
The Crusaders
The Second World War and
Social Change
The Venetian Republic, c.14501575
Tokugawa World, 1600-1868

Optional modules include:


Alternatives to War: The British
Peace Movement, 1870-1945
Britain on Film
France 1940-1944 and
Beyond
From Racial State to
Reconstruction: Women
and Gender Relations in
Germany, 1939-1945
From Serf to Proletarian: The
Russian Peasantry, 1825-1932
Life During Wartime: Crisis,
Decline and Transformation in
1970s America
Samurai Revolution:
Reinventing Japan,
1853-1978
The Landscape History of
Liguria
Cross-listed history year-three
modules offered by other
departments:
China from the Revolution to
the Socialist Era
Engaging Asia: The United
States, India and Pakistan,
1942-1992
Hearing Cultures
Latino Culture
Prohibition America
Religion in Nineteenth-Century
Britain
US Labor History

For more detailed module information, please visit the individual course listings at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy

* These are based on the research interests of our staff and are not
available every year.

11

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Major/minor honours

BA History with Contemporary


Chinese Studies

This course offers the opportunity to combine a


broad history degree with an in-depth study of
contemporary China, one of the worlds most
rapidly changing countries. Most students will
devote three-quarters of their time to history and
the rest to Chinese studies. In history, you will
develop the skills to write and debate history and
undertake an independent analysis of a body
of materials about a subject of your choice. In
contemporary Chinese studies, you will have the
option to learn Mandarin to degree level and to
undertake either an intensive three-week field
course in China or spend a semester at our
campus there.
Year one
The history core module is Learning History,
a skill and methodology-based module. The
emphasis is on reflecting on the nature of
history as a discipline and to develop the skills
required for the writing and debating of history.
Your other compulsory module is Introduction
to Contemporary China. You will be able to
choose your remaining modules from a range of
history and Chinese studies options. We would
encourage you to take Mandarin as one of your
options, but this is up to you.
Year two
The core element in year two is provided by
the compulsory module the Contemporary
World since 1945. The focus of this module is
not just on global developments (political and
economic, social and cultural, environmental and
demographic), but also on exploring key historical
debates concerning the immediate origins of the
world in which we now live.

12

In addition, you will be able to select from a wide


menu of historical modules covering a broad
chronological and thematic range, as well as
numerous options from Chinese studies. The
Chinese studies options include a three-week
field trip to China.
You will also attend a non-assessed weekly
lecture module throughout the year called
Doing History. This builds on the first-year core
module Learning History and aims to develop
your awareness of the craft of the historian,
developing essential skills to get the most out of
your second-year options and enabling you to
determine what sort of historian you are. It also
operates as a bridge to your third and final year,
permitting you to make informed decisions about
your choice of Special Subject, third-year options,
and dissertation.
Year three
In history, your Special Subject (a year-long,
research-based seminar) and dissertation (10,000
words) are compulsory. In addition, you will also
take a number of optional modules in Chinese
studies. As in year two, the Chinese studies
options available include modules on aspects of
Chinas contemporary society, economy, politics,
environment, culture and media.
Examples of typical modules for the history
element of your degree are given in the table for
single honours on page 11.
For information on the contemporary Chinese
studies element of your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/chinese

Joint and combined honours

The following joint and combined honours


courses are run by the Department of History.
Examples of typical modules are given in the
table for single honours on page 11.

In ancient history, an extended course study


prepares you for third-year dissertation work, and
you are able to pick from a wider range of optional
modules, including further language work.

BA Ancient History and History

You will also attend a non-assessed weekly


lecture module throughout the year called
Doing History. This builds on the first-year
core module Learning History and aims to
develop your awareness of the craft of the
historian, developing essential skills to get
the most out of your second-year options and
enabling you to determine what sort of historian
you are. It also operates as a bridge to your third
and final year, permitting you to make informed
decisions about your choice of Special Subject,
third-year options, and dissertation.

Combining modules in history and ancient history,


this joint honours course enables you to take a
wider view of societys development. You will
look at the ancient, medieval and modern worlds,
learn to think critically about them and discover
the challenges and rewards of studying different
historical periods.
Year one
For ancient history, you will study two core
modules introducing the history and culture of
Greece and Rome, and an in-depth module on
one topic (eg Alexander). Beginners language or
classics and popular culture modules are optional.
In history, you will study our core module, Learning
History, as well as two modules chosen from a
menu of modules outlining the main trends in
European and world history between 500 CE
and 1945.
Year two
The core element in history is provided by the
compulsory module The Contemporary World
since 1945. The focus of this module is not
just on global developments (political and
economic, social and cultural, environmental and
demographic), but also on the exploration of key
historical debates concerning the immediate
origins of the world in which we now live. You will
also choose optional history modules, covering
more specialised topics than those you will have
studied in year one, from a menu that covers a
wide chronological and geographical range.

Year three
In your third year you have the choice of
specialising in history or ancient history, or
splitting your time equally between departments.
You can also choose to write a dissertation in
either history or ancient history. Your history
dissertation will usually be related to your Special
Subject a year-long seminar which involves
analysis of primary source material. Depending on
your choice of focus, you will also study further
optional modules in either history or ancient
history or continue your language work.
Examples of typical modules for the history
element of your degree are given in the table for
single honours on page 11.
For information on the ancient history element
of your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/classics

13

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

BA Archaeology and History

This course is aimed at students who want


to explore the past from different angles. In
archaeology the study of the past through
human remains you will take introductory
modules before studying more scientific
approaches. In history, you will begin with a
general outline of European and world history.
The rest of your history course will be made up
of modules that cover 500 CE to the present.
It is compulsory for you to gain excavation or
other relevant professional experience in the UK
or overseas.
Year one
Year one will lay the foundation for your
study of archaeology with core modules in
archaeological method and the prehistoric and
historic archaeology of Britain up to the industrial
revolution. In history, you will study the core
module, Learning History, as well as two modules
chosen from a menu of medieval, early modern,
and post-1789 survey modules.
Year two
In year two you will study more advanced core
themes in archaeological research and choose
from a wide range of optional modules covering
topics from the Roman Empire to underwater
archaeology. The core element in history
is provided by the compulsory module The
Contemporary World since 1945. The focus of
this module is not just on global developments
(political and economic, social and cultural,
environmental and demographic), but also on
exploring key historical debates concerning
the immediate origins of the world in which
we now live.

14

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

You will also attend a non-assessed weekly


lecture module throughout the year called
Doing History. This builds on the first-year
core module Learning History and aims to
develop your awareness of the craft of the
historian, developing essential skills to get
the most out of your second-year options and
enabling you to determine what sort of historian
you are. It also operates as a bridge to your third
and final year, permitting you to make informed
decisions about your choice of Special Subject,
third-year options, and dissertation.

BA History and History of Art

Year three
In year three you will have the option of writing
a dissertation in either history or archaeology.
In history, your dissertation would be linked to
your Special Subject, a year-long, in-depth and
research-based seminar that all students must
take. You will also have the option of studying
a selection of advanced optional modules in
history or archaeology.

Year one
The history core module is Learning History, a skill
and methodology-based module. The emphasis
is on reflecting on the nature of history as a
discipline and developing the skills required for
the writing and debating of history. In history of
art, you will take two core modules, Introduction to
Art History I and II. These modules are concerned
with key issues and methods relating to the study
of art history and the interpretation of artworks,
drawing upon examples from the Renaissance to
the present day.

Examples of typical modules for the history


element of your degree are given in the table for
single honours on page 11.
For information on the archaeology element of
your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/archaeology

This degree will broaden your intellectual horizons


and teach you to think critically about art, the
media, and the past. In history, you will explore
aspects of the past from 500 CE to the present
and from countries around the world. In history of
art, introductory modules in your first year will give
you a solid grounding in the basic skills required
for the study of art history. The flexible structure of
the degree and wide choice of topics will enable
you to either specialise or maintain a breadth of
interests as you progress through the course.

Year two
The core element in year two is provided by
the compulsory module the Contemporary
World since 1945. The focus of this module is
not just on global developments (political and
economic, social and cultural, environmental and
demographic), but also on exploring key historical
debates concerning the immediate origins of the
world in which we now live.

This module sits alongside other more specific


optional modules in both history and history
of art, covering a wide chronological and
geographical range.
You will also attend a non-assessed weekly
lecture module throughout the year called
Doing History. This builds on the first-year
core module Learning History and aims to
develop your awareness of the craft of the
historian, developing essential skills to get
the most out of your second-year options and
enabling you to determine what sort of historian
you are. It also operates as a bridge to your third
and final year, permitting you to make informed
decisions about your choice of Special Subject,
third-year options, and dissertation.
Year three
In history, you will select a Special Subject and
one optional module. The Special Subject is a
year-long, in-depth and research-based seminar
that all history students must take. In history of art
you will have the option to complete a dissertation,
providing an opportunity for extended independent
study under the supervision of an expert tutor,
and you can take a combination of further
optional modules.
Examples of typical modules for the history
element of your degree are given in the table for
single honours on page 11.
For information on the history of art element of
your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history-of-art

15

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

BA History and Politics

This degree is aimed at students who are


particularly interested in modern history and
contemporary political issues. Through a wide
range of history modules you will develop
the skills to write and debate history and to
use primary sources. In politics you will learn
to compare and contrast different political
institutions, systems and behaviours, and gain
a thorough understanding of the history of
political ideas.
Year one
The history core module is Learning History, a
skill and methodology-based module. The
emphasis is on reflecting on the nature of history
as a discipline and developing the skills required
for the writing and debating of history. You will
also take further survey modules in European
history. In politics, you will take modules in
contemporary political theory, comparative
politics and international relations. You will learn
to compare and contrast political institutions
and behaviour in liberal democracies and gain
a thorough understanding of the history of
political ideas.
Year two
The core element in year two is provided by a
compulsory module specifically designed to
ensure the intellectual coherence of this degree,
History and Politics: A Problem or Solution?
This module helps students to reflect on the
complementary nature of the two disciplines as
well as on ways in which they may be considered
distinct from one another with regards to their
methods of research and analysis.

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

This module sits alongside other more specific


optional modules, covering an extremely wide
chronological and geographical range. In
politics your options must be chosen from three
designated core areas, namely political theory,
comparative politics and international relations.
You will also attend a non-assessed weekly
lecture module throughout the year called
Doing History. This builds on the first-year core
module Learning History and aims to develop
your awareness of the craft of the historian,
developing essential skills to get the most out of
your second-year options and enabling you to
determine what sort of historian you are. It also
operates as a bridge to your third and final year,
permitting you to make informed decisions about
your choice of Special Subject, third-year options,
and dissertation.
Year three
In year three you will write a 10,000-word
dissertation on a topic of your choice in either
history or politics. In history, your dissertation
will normally be linked to your Special Subject,
a year-long, in-depth, research-based seminar
which you can choose from a wide selection of
topics. You will also take further politics options.
Examples of typical modules for the history
element of your degree are given in the table for
single honours on page 11.
For information on the politics element of your
degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/politics

History student Anthony is viewing historical


books in the Department of History.
16

17

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

The following joint and combined honours


courses are run by the School of Cultures,
Languages and Area Studies. Examples of
typical modules for the history element of your
degree are given in the table on page 11.

BA American Studies and History

This course gives you the opportunity to examine


key periods, debates and ideas within American
history and world history. In American studies, you
will examine issues surrounding American foreign
policy, war, political protest, slavery, the penal
system and the US presidency, among many other
topics. You will also have the choice of taking
modules that cover American literature and cultural
studies, including film, television and popular
music. The history side is broad, both in chronology
(spanning from 500 CE to the present) and in
areas covered, allowing you to focus on the periods
of history that interest you most.
At the beginning of year two, you may apply to
transfer to a four-year degree course with a year
abroad, depending on availability of places and
academic performance. As a graduate, you will
have an in-depth and wide-ranging knowledge
of key periods, movements and developments
within American and international history, and will
be highly proficient in research, essay-writing and
presentation skills.
For information on the American studies element
of your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/american

BA French and History

This course is open to beginners in French as


well as post-A level students of French and allows
students to combine degree-level language study
with the study of history. Absolute beginners,
GCSE, AS or A level students in French are warmly
invited to apply. Beginners follow an intensive
language course designed to take them to degree
level within four years.
Post-A level students take language modules at
the appropriate level and the two distinct pathways
converge in the final year, where both groups take
the same core French language module and thus
graduate at the same level. You will combine your
studies in French language, literature and culture
with a wide range of modules in history, normally
devoting half your time to each discipline.
18

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Alongside core French language modules and


a core Introduction to French and Francophone
Studies module, you may select optional modules
in a variety of topics including the history and
literature of all periods, French linguistics, politics,
culture and film. Your third year will be spent
abroad in France or a French-speaking country,
either as an English language assistant or on an
approved study or work scheme.
For information on the French element of your
degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/french

BA German and History

This course is open to beginners in German


as well as post-A level students of German
and allows students to combine degree-level
language study with the study of history. Absolute
beginners, GCSE, AS or A level students in
German are warmly invited to apply. Beginners
follow an intensive language course designed to
take them to degree level within four years. Post-A
level students take language modules at the
appropriate level and the two distinct pathways
converge in the final year of the degree, where
both groups take the same core German language
module and thus graduate at the same level.
You will combine your studies in German
language, literature, history, linguistics and culture
with a wide range of modules in history, normally
dividing your time equally between the two
disciplines. In history, project work is introduced
in the first year and developed through to the
final year when you will undertake a year-long
Special Subject study based on primary sources.
In both subjects, you will have the same choice
of modules as single honours students. Your
third year will be spent in Germany or Austria,
on a programme of studies in a higher education
institution, as an assistant in a school, or on a
work placement. By the end of the course, you
will have a broad knowledge of German history
and culture, and will have acquired a high level
of expertise in written and spoken German. Your
international experience will demonstrate to
employers that you are adaptable, flexible and able
to cope in challenging situations.
For information on the German element of your
degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/german

BA Hispanic Studies and History

This course is open to beginners in Spanish


as well as post-A level students of Spanish
and allows students to combine degree-level
language study with the study of history. Absolute
beginners, GCSE, AS or A level students in
Spanish are warmly invited to apply. Beginners
follow an intensive language course designed
to take them to degree level within four years.
Post-A level students take language modules
at the appropriate level and take beginners
Portuguese alongside advanced Spanish. The
two distinct pathways in Spanish converge in the
final year of the degree, where both groups take
the same core Spanish language module and
thus graduate at the same level in Spanish.
In addition to language work, you will study
aspects of the history, culture, cinema, and
literature of Spain and Spanish America. Post-A
level students of Spanish may choose to continue
with Portuguese beyond the first year and study
aspects of the histories, cultures and literatures
of the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) world,
including Brazil, Lusophone Africa and Portugal.
The history core module in year one is Learning
History, a skill and methodology-based module
to help reflection on the nature of history as a
discipline and develop skills required for the
writing and debating of history. The core element
in history in year two is provided by the module,
The Contemporary World since 1945, which
explores key historical debates concerning the
immediate origins of the world in which we now
live. In addition, you will be able to select more
specific optional modules from an extensive
menu, covering a wide chronological and
geographical range.
The third year is usually spent in Spain or Spanish
America or, if you choose to pursue Portuguese,
you will also spend time in Portugal or Brazil.
Depending on the countries where you spend your
third year, you may study at one of our exchange
universities, work as an assistant in a school, or as
an intern.
For information on the Hispanic studies and
Spanish element of your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/splas

BA Russian and History

This course is open to beginners in Russian as


well as post-A level students of Russian and allows
students to combine degree-level language study
with the study of history. Absolute beginners,
GCSE, AS or A level students in Russian are
warmly invited to apply. Beginners follow an
intensive language course designed to take them
to degree level within four years. Post-A level
students take language modules at the appropriate
level and the two distinct pathways converge in the
final year of the degree, where both groups take
the same core Russian language module and thus
graduate at the same level.
You will combine your studies in Russian
language and culture with the study of
international history, acquiring the skills for writing
and debating history. In Russian, as well as
taking core language modules, you will choose
from a wide range of options in Russian culture,
history, cinema, linguistics and literature, as well
as topics in comparative East European studies.
You will also have the chance to study a second
Slavonic language (Serbian/Croatian or Slovene).
All students of Russian are offered a place on a
subsidised language course in Russia during the
first summer vacation.
The year abroad is spent in Russia where you
will study at a university or language school and
may gain some work experience in the voluntary
sector, including English language teaching.
We are currently placing students in Moscow,
Petrozavodsk, Rostov-on-Don and Vladimir.
For information on the Russian element of your
degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/slavonic

BA History and East European


Cultural Studies

This degree is aimed at students who wish to


combine their interests in history with a focus
on Eastern Europe, and in particular the vibrant
and dynamic cultures of Russia and Southeast
Europe. In history you will be able to choose
from an extensive range of modules, including
options in Russian and Eastern European history.
In the East European cultural studies part of your
degree you will study the societies, histories,
politics and cultures of the territory of Eastern
19

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Europe and Russia from the Byzantine period to


the 21st century, beginning with modules that
approach study of these cultures at introductory
level, and specialising as your studies progress.
Optional modules include topics in the literature,
cinema, popular culture and history of Russia and
Southeast Europe, with a particular focus on the
region that was formerly Yugoslavia. If you wish,
you may study a Slavonic language: Russian,
Serbian/Croatian or Slovene are all offered from
beginners level.
By the end of your course you will have acquired
a breadth of knowledge across the periods of
history you have chosen to study, as well as
a thorough grounding in the techniques and
theories used by historians. You will also offer
specialist knowledge of the histories and cultures
of Russia and Southeast Europe, which are
increasingly important contexts for international
diplomacy, politics and business. Your
transferable skills will include the ability to plan
and carry out research, to analyse texts and other
information critically and to communicate and
present ideas effectively. You may also be able to
offer expertise in a less widely taught language.
For information on the Eastern European cultural
studies element of your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/slavonic

BA Modern European Studies

BA Modern European Studies is available in


three different branches: modern history and
two modern languages; politics and two modern
languages; or modern history, politics and one
modern language. All three components have
equal weighting in the degree.
Languages offered for this degree are: French
(post-A level only); German, Russian (beginners
or post-A level), Spanish; and Portuguese,
Slovene, Serbian/Croatian or Dutch (all
beginners only). You cannot take two languages
from beginners level and you must ensure you
indicate which branch you wish to follow on your
UCAS form.

20

In addition to core language modules, you will


select from a range of optional modules relating
to the history, culture, politics, literature, film or
linguistics of the languages you are studying. You
will also select modules from a wide range of
historical and/or political topics.

Students outside Ancaster Hall, one of 12 halls


of residence on University Park Campus.

On graduation you will have achieved a good


command of the language(s) you have studied
and will be able to use these in social and
professional situations. You will also have
acquired an understanding of European and
world history and politics and will have developed
sophisticated analytical skills.
Your year abroad will demonstrate to potential
employers that you are adaptable and
independent. Your third year is spent abroad in a
country or countries where your chosen language
or languages are spoken.
For information on the modern European studies
element of your degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/clas
The remaining joint and combined honours
course is run by the School of English.
Examples of typical modules for the history
element of your degree are given in the table
for single honours on page 11.

BA English and History

This course combines the study of history with the


opportunity to study English language, literature
and drama from old English to the present day,
while developing the skills required for the writing
and debating of history. In history the core module
in the second year is The Contemporary World
since 1945 which considers key historiographical
debates about the world in which we now live.
For information on the English element of your
degree, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/english

21

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

How will I study?

Your week

Our courses are delivered through lectures,


seminars, tutorials and one-to-one supervision
for your dissertation. The aim is to stimulate
your curiosity and provide you with essential
information by means of lectures in the first
instance, so as to establish a solid grounding
in the core of the subject. Certain topics and
areas are then considered in more detail in
seminars.

Lectures

Lectures are the most formal type of instruction


and are valuable in that they:
present information which is not readily
available in books
can give you an opportunity to hear a
specialist develop a significant (perhaps as yet
unpublished) argument
show visual material for example, slides, CDs,
PowerPoint images and DVDs or video clips

Seminars

In seminars you will be taught with a group of


fellow students, with discussion focusing on
a text or topic youve previously prepared, in
an atmosphere that is friendly and informal.
The purpose of the seminar is to provide an
opportunity to try out new ideas and to think
through difficulties with the support of fellow
learners. Students often establish friendships
through seminar groups, as well as learning
more about other peoples ideas.
Most modules combine lecture and seminar
instruction, so you will have a chance to discuss
and question the material presented in lectures.

Your typical weeks work will feel strange at first


after school or college since there are fewer
timetabled teaching hours. Each week in the first
year you can expect to attend about 12-14 hours
of lectures and seminars.
For the rest of the time you will be working
independently, doing the necessary reading
in preparation for seminars, writing essays or
working on seminar presentations. In addition, you
will be able to speak to your personal tutor or any
other member of academic staff during their office
hours to further guide you in your studies.
In your first year as a single honours student
you would be expected to attend one hour of
a Learning History lecture, as well as a one-hour
skills session, and a one-hour seminar per week.
You would also attend three hours of lectures
for the three core modules, as well as a one-hour
seminar for each of these. In addition, you would
attend classes in each semester for your
non-history subsidiaries these would amount
to at least three hours a week.

In your second year you would attend six hours


of lectures or larger group classes a week (two
hours for each option or core module) as well as
an hour of seminars for each, or a two-hour
seminar every fortnight (ie a total of nine hours a
week in class). In addition, you will attend our
Doing History module for one hour a week, which
supports all of our second-year modules.
In your final year you would spend four hours a
week in your Special Subject seminar, and have an
hour per week in lectures preparing you for your
dissertation. In addition you would spend three
hours per week in an optional seminar, as well as
attending a related one-hour lecture. You would
also receive individual dissertation supervisions.

Key Information Sets

Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable sets of


information about full or part-time undergraduate
courses and are designed to meet the information
needs of prospective students. All KIS data is
published on the Unistats website:
www.unistats.com
For Nottinghams KIS data, please see
individual course entries at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy

Students make use of the computers in the


Hallward Library on University Park Campus.
22

23

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

How will I be assessed?

Our degree programmes are modular, which


means you undertake modules of study, some
of which last for a semester, and some of
which last for the whole academic year.

The teaching year

The teaching year is divided into two semesters.


Each one has 11 weeks of teaching, plus another
two or three weeks for examinations. The second
semester follows the same pattern, but there are
an additional two weeks at the end to complete
the assessment process and to enable returning
students to discuss their results with tutors and
begin to plan the next sessions work.
Although the teaching year is divided into two
semesters for organisational purposes, this is
fitted into the traditional pattern of three terms
one before Christmas; one between Christmas
and Easter; and one after Easter.

Studying outside the Department of History


at Lenton Grove on University Park Campus.

Assessment methods

Assessment for your degree is based on a


combination of coursework; including essays,
posters, presentations, primary source analysis
and examinations. The precise assessment varies
from one module to another, although all entail the
same amount of work.
Where a module lasts for one semester,
assessment is undertaken during that semester.
Where a module fills two semesters, assessment
takes place across both, but any exams will take
place at the end of the second semester.

Your final degree classification

Your second year counts for 40% of your final


degree; your third year for 60%. The first year is a
qualifying year, which means you must pass this
year to progress to the second year, but your mark
will not contribute to your degree classification.

I have been bitten by the research-bug!


Studying history as an undergraduate
and postgraduate here at Nottingham has
only whetted my appetite to study further.
History graduate and PhD candidate
24

25

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Study abroad

As a University of Nottingham student, you


will be able to apply for a variety of study
abroad options. Whether studying at a
partner institution or undertaking a work
experience placement, spending time aboard
is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your
horizons, experience different cultures, meet
new people and develop skills that will prove
invaluable in the future and also look good on
your CV. As well as exchange opportunities at
our campuses in China and Malaysia, we have
developed links with more than 300 partner
universities in over 40 countries.

Universitas 21 (University-wide
programme)

The Universitas 21 (U21) programme is


a competitive scheme that offers full-time
undergraduate students the opportunity to
study at one of our 34 University-wide partner
universities for one semester or one
academic year as part of their Nottingham
degree. Applicants are required to have
attained a 60% average in their first year in
order to be considered.

Below are examples of some of the partner


institutions you could apply to under the
U21 scheme:
University of Adelaide, Australia
University of Sydney, Australia
University of Western Australia, Perth
Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
McGill University, Montreal, Canada
University of British Columbia,
Vancouver, Canada
University of Toronto, Canada
University of Auckland, New Zealand
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Bucknell University, Pennsylvania, USA
University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
University of South Florida, USA
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA

Summer schools

The University also offers the chance to apply to


study abroad at overseas summer schools. As
these programmes are offered during holiday
periods, you can study whatever is of interest to
you, but credits and grades cannot be transferred
back to Nottingham.
Further information on studying abroad, including
fact sheets on the opportunities available for each
department, can be found at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/
internationalstudents/exchanges

Dedicated support

If you do decide to apply to study abroad, the


Universitys International Office will offer support
from the application stage right through to your
return to the UK, with advice on everything from
immigration to possible sources of financial
support. Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/studyabroad

The CN Tower dominates the Toronto skyline.


26

27

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Career and employment


prospects
The University of Nottingham is consistently
named as one of the most targeted
universities by Britains leading graduate
employers*. The skills that you acquire on a
Nottingham history degree are versatile,
wide-ranging and transferable, and will prepare
you for a wide range of professions.
Employment mobility and the changing demands
of the employment market mean that you will need
to be exible and possibly change careers within
your lifetime. Even if you remain within a given eld
of employment, you will need to renew your skills,
develop the capacity to learn and adapt, be able
to acquire new knowledge, and think critically and
constructively about knowledge. A history degree
will equip you with these skills as well as a set of
valuable tools with which to build your career.

Graduate career destinations

History graduates from Nottingham have an


excellent track record of postgraduate study and
employment, and can be found pursuing careers
in a variety of areas including:
business and nance
government and administration
journalism and publishing
law
management and consultancy
museums, archives and libraries
non-governmental organisations
police and armed forces
public relations and marketing
teaching and research

Average starting salary

In 2014, 95% of first-degree graduates in the


department who were available for employment
had secured work or further study within six
months of graduation. The average starting salary
was 22,221 with the highest being 40,000.**

28

Graduation days are a chance for


students to celebrate their success
with family, friends and University staff.

Recent graduates

Joshua Clinch trainee solicitor, Norton Rose


Fulbright LLP; Alexander Fagelson Campaign
Manager, Sainsburys; Robbie Rudge doctoral
student, The University of Nottingham.

The Universitys Careers and


Employability Service

Our Careers and Employability Service, which


is based on University Park Campus, offers an
extensive range of careers-oriented services,
including CV-writing sessions, interview advice,
presentations by major employers and general
career advice. As a University of Nottingham
graduate, you will receive lifelong support from
the service. This means that you can ask a careers
adviser to look over your job application in person,
by email or Skype, and you can also access
a database of graduate vacancies. For more
information see www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers

The Nottingham Advantage Award

The Universitys Advantage Award is a programme


of activities developed to recognise and reward
extracurricular responsibilities. It allows you to
gain recognition for participating in a wide range
of activities accredited by the University and
delivered by top graduate employers, professional
services and members of staff of the University. It
also shows employers that you have gone above
and beyond your degree and gained valuable
transferable skills. For further information, please
visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/advantage

Data sources:
* The Graduate Market in 2013, 2014 and 2015, High Fliers
Research.
** Known destinations of full-time home and EU first-degree
graduates, 2013/14.

29

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

A student reading on the lawn behind


the Department of History at Lenton
Grove, University Park Campus.

Postgraduate opportunities

Many of our students undertake further


studies after graduating from their
undergraduate degree.

Research opportunities

Taught masters

With a rapidly growing research degree


community of over 50 students researching
a wide range of subject areas Nottingham
has established itself as a major centre for
postgraduate research. This is underlined by
the remarkable fact that in 2015 the
Department of History secured funding for
as many as 12 of its PhD applicants including
eight AHRC studentships.

MA History
This course will help you to develop the
sophisticated analytical skills to understand the
past in a more nuanced way. You will be taught
in small groups in a stimulating environment and
have the opportunity to choose from a wide range
of fascinating and challenging history modules,
which are unavailable at undergraduate level.

For those seeking even more specialised study,


we also run a vibrant PhD programme.

The Department of History has a thriving research


community which includes both staff and research
students, and will offer you many opportunities
to develop your skills and widen your intellectual
horizons. There are opportunities to participate
in multi-disciplinary research and contribute to
research seminars.
Research opportunities available in the
department are:
History (MRes)
History (MPhil)
History (PhD)
Find out more about postgraduate study at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history/
prospective/postgraduate

30
29

31

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

The history course here is wonderful. You can


choose from many different topics and there are
so many specialists in different areas. Im studying
the Druids and what they may or may not have
believed, which Im finding fascinating.
Maddie Chambers, BA Ancient History and History
Find out more about Maddies experience at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/
maddiechambers
Maddie is doing some independent research in the History
Building on University Park Campus.

32

Scan the code


to watch this
video on your
smartphone.

33

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Your student experience

Youve read lots about the degree programme


youre interested in, now its time to explore
life outside the lecture theatre. Theres so
much for you to get involved in and explore
at the University and around the city. We are
proud to be one of the leading universities
for student experience in the UK*, which will
ensure that you have a university experience
youll never forget.

Nottingham, accept your offer of accommodation


by the deadline given in your offer letter, and have
an unconditional status no later than 31 August
in the year you intend to begin your studies. If you
are a new, full-time undergraduate student who
is classified as international for fee purposes,
this guarantee applies for three years**. For more
information, including a breakdown of pricing, see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation

Your University of Nottingham


at home and around the world

Your support network

We are proud of our stunning campuses and are


continually investing in our grounds, buildings
and amenities to ensure that you only have the
best surroundings in which to live and study. Our
main UK campuses have a mix of state-of-the-art
facilities, including sports centres, places to eat
and excellent learning facilities on every campus.
Weve made getting from campus to campus as
easy as possible and students can benefit from our
free inter-campus Hopper Bus, so youre never far
away from the striking architecture and innovative
technology of Jubilee Campus, the rolling parkland
and period buildings at University Park, or the
cutting-edge features of Sutton Bonington.
The University of Nottingham is Britains global
university with campuses in the UK, China and
Malaysia. We also have links with more than 300
universities in over 40 countries, adding a truly
global flavour to your degree and giving you the
chance to explore the world. Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/campuses

Your new home from home

At Nottingham we offer a range of different


accommodation options, rooms are available as
single or shared, en suite or shared bathroom,
all the way through to studio flats, and vary
from self-catered to fully catered (19 meals per
week). We also offer a guarantee of University
accommodation for one year to all new full-time
undergraduate students, subject to the following
conditions: you firmly accept your course place at

Take a look at our accommodation


video for a taster of what to expect
at Nottingham:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/yourhome
34

Our halls of residence are great


places to catch up with friends.

Throughout your university journey there will be


numerous people on hand to support you, including
tutors and dedicated staff who will be able to advise
you on various aspects of life as a student. We
have Student Services Centres on all three of our
UK campuses, which provide a range of support,
information and specialist services to enhance your
student experience. This support includes:
Academic Support provides practical advice
on areas of academic study; the service also
provides specialist academic support for
students with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other
specific learning difficulties
Disability Support coordinates support and
access arrangements for students with a
disability or long-term medical condition
Financial Support provides information on the
sources of finance available from government
agencies and the University itself, and gives
advice about financial matters
Student Services also advise on issues
ranging from childcare, counselling and health to
international student support, chaplaincy and
faith support, as well as offering advice on
paying your tuition and accommodation fees
Whatever you may need support with, they will
either be able to help or point you in the direction
of someone who can. Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices
* Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, 2015.
** Providing you submit your returners application in line with the
requirements of the accommodation providers.

Nottingham is traditionally one of the most popular universities


for undergraduates.
The Guardian University Guide 2014
35

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Students relaxing at Broadway


Cinema in Nottingham city centre.

Getting involved in your


Students Union

As soon as you start at The University of


Nottingham, you are automatically enrolled as
a member of our Students Union, which is
considered to be one of the best in the country.
There are hundreds of activities that you could be
part of, providing you with the perfect opportunity
to take up a new hobby or pursue existing
interests. Choose from over 200 student-run
societies, covering all interests and abilities, as
well as local and national volunteering projects, to
which you can commit as much or as little time as
you wish.
Our Students Union is home to a number of
award-winning student-run media groups, which
give you the chance to gain practical work
experience both behind the scenes or centre
stage as a presenter, actor or journalist. The
Nottingham New Theatre, Impact magazine,
Nottingham Student Television (NSTV) and
University Radio Nottingham (URN) have all been
recognised as the best in their field, winning a
clutch of awards for outstanding achievements.
However you decide to become involved in the
Union, you can be sure you will make new friends
and learn new skills, all while having a lot of fun!
Find out more: www.su.nottingham.ac.uk

Sports

We offer sport at all levels and an excellent


all-inclusive student membership offer, so whether
you enjoy sport as a hobby or are an elite athlete
we will have just what you need. We have over
70 sports clubs, which means we have the
2nd highest number of sports clubs of any UK
university. If youre not interested in joining a team
but want to stay fit, we have sports centres on all
of our main UK campuses. Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/sport

36

Exploring your new city

With Nottingham city centre just a 10-minute


bus ride away from University Park Campus, our
students are always close to the action. Buses run
through campus regularly and many run late-night
services too, which is handy if youre a night owl.
For music lovers, you can take your pick from the
world-famous Rock City, Capital FM Arena or one
of the smaller gig venues for a more intimate live
show. Nottingham is rich in performance venues,
with comedy clubs and theatres catering for lovers
of drama, musicals, ballet and panto. We are very
proud of our sporting heritage, and with football
clubs Nottingham Forest and Notts County in the
city, as well as Trent Bridge cricket ground and
the National Ice Centre on your doorstep, you
might just become a sports fan if youre not
one already.
History and culture can be found in all corners
of the city, with Nottingham Castle, Nottingham
Contemporary arts centre, the Galleries of
Justice Museum, Nottingham Lakeside Arts (the
Universitys public arts centre located on our
University Park Campus), arthouse cinemas and
three of the worlds oldest pubs all providing
points of interest. If you enjoy shopping,
Nottingham is perfect for you; independent
boutiques and vintage shops in the bohemian area
of Hockley mix with high street names in our large
shopping centres to make Nottingham a veritable
shopping haven.
Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/nottinghamlife
Download our city guide:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/cityguide

37

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Applying for a place

We are looking for students who have


the ability and motivation to benefit from
our courses, and who will make a valued
contribution to the department and the
University. Candidates for full-time admission
are considered on the basis of their
Universities and Colleges Admissions
Service (UCAS) form. For more information on
how to make your application stand out, have
a look at our online prospectus:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying

Entry numbers

Alternative qualifications

For details of how many students the department


plans to admit on to each course, please see the
table on page 6.

In this brochure you will find our A level entry


requirements but we accept a much broader
range of qualifications.

The selection procedure

Application process

This is the section of your UCAS form that tells us


the most about you, and you should make the best
use of it. Be as specific and detailed as you can
we would like to see that you are a student who
can work hard, is self-motivated and can make the
best possible use of the opportunities this course
might have to offer you.

These include:
Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC/NA
BTEC Extended Diploma
Cambridge Pre-U
International Baccalaureate
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Advanced Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate

All applications for an undergraduate place to


study at The University of Nottingham (including
applications by overseas students) must be
made through UCAS. Applications should be
made online at www.ucas.com. Candidates
will be notified of decisions through UCAS
Track at track.ucas.com

Applying with achieved


A level grades

If you apply to us having already completed your


A levels, your application will be considered in
exactly the same way as those from candidates
with predicted grades. Please tell us something
about your gap-year activities in your UCAS
personal statement.

38

The department looks not only for academic


excellence but also for enthusiasm for the
disciplines that you wish to study.

Your personal statement

Required subjects

All A level subjects in the arts, humanities, science


and social sciences are regarded as acceptable,
but you are normally required to have studied
either history or ancient history.

This list is not exhaustive; we will consider


applicants with other qualifications on an
individual basis. The entry requirements for
alternative qualifications can be quite specific;
for example you may need to take certain modules
and achieve a specified grade in those modules.
Please contact us to discuss the transferability
of your qualification.

Flexible admissions policy

In recognition of our applicants varied experience


and educational pathways, we employ a flexible
admissions policy. If we consider that your
situation has adversely affected your achievement,
then we will take this into account when assessing
your academic potential. If you wish to mention
information about your experiences in your
personal statement, then you should ask the
teacher or tutor writing your reference to confirm
what you have written. We may ask for further
evidence and may consider a range of factors. For
more information, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/admissionspolicies

Mature applicants

We encourage applications from mature students


(which means all those aged 21 or over when the
course begins). You should apply in the normal
way through UCAS (unless you want to study
part-time, in which case you should apply directly
to the department). While we accept a range
of qualifications, you should check our specific
requirements on UCAS course profiles. If in doubt,
please contact the admissions tutor, who will be
happy to answer any specific queries you have
about applying as a mature student. Please email
your queries to [email protected]
We normally invite mature applicants in whom
we are interested to come for an interview, where
we will look for evidence of your ability to study at
a high academic level and of commitment to
the subject.
For more information about being a mature
student, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/mature

Part-time study

The department offers the opportunity to study


part-time. Applicants should note, however, that
teaching for the part-time degree takes place
during normal hours; there is no provision for
teaching in the evening, at weekends or during
vacations. Part-time students normally follow
exactly half the course of full-time students each
year, and therefore complete their degree within
six years. Entry requirements are the same as
those for full-time students on the relevant degree
course (with the same exceptions for mature
students). If youre interested in studying part-time
with us, please contact the department using
the details on page 42 rather than applying
through UCAS.

39

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Frequently asked questions


International applicants

We welcome applications from international


students and have students from many parts of
the world studying with us at undergraduate and
postgraduate level. All international candidates
for undergraduate courses should apply through
UCAS. The Universitys International Office offers
guidance and advice on matters such as visa
and immigration regulations, working and living
in the UK, entry requirements and preparing
for coming to Nottingham and arranges a
Welcome Programme for new international
students each September. If you would like to
visit the University and are unable to attend an
open day, the International Office will be happy
to arrange an individual visit for you. For further
information please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/
studywithus/international-applicants

International Baccalaureate

UK applicants presenting qualifications in the


International Baccalaureate must attain a total
of at least 36 points (for single honours history).
Applicants presenting other qualifications
such as the European, French or International
Baccalaureate and the German Abitur, will be
considered on a standard equivalent to the UK
A level grades.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element).


For more information and a list of the alternative
English language requirements we accept,
please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/
alternativerequirements
For tips and advice at every step of your
application journey, visit our undergraduate
applicants area:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugapplicants

40
35

Preparing to study in English


academic English preparation
and support

The University of Nottingham Centre for English


Language Education (CELE) offers high-quality
academic English and study skills (presessional)
programmes to prepare you to study your degree
in English. Our programmes are designed to
give international students excellent preparation
for their academic studies and are taught by
experienced, professional tutors.
CELE provides a range of programmes
throughout the year, including five-week
subject-specific courses (in some subjects) and
a four-week course in September for students
with unconditional offers, with a focus on
academic study skills.
You can continue to benefit from academic
English support with free classes and one-to-one
consultations throughout your study (insessional
programmes). For more information about CELE,
please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele

Deferred entry

Applicants who wish to defer their entry by a


year will not be at a disadvantage. Please tell us
something about your plans for your gap year in
your UCAS personal statement.

How much are the fees?


Like many universities in England, Nottingham
charges full-time UK and EU students an annual
tuition fee of 9,000. However, you will not have
to pay your fees while studying the government
will lend eligible students the money, which you
will start to pay back once you have left university
and are earning at least 21,000. For more
information, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees
Fees for students from outside the EU vary from
subject to subject. For more information, please
see the New international students section on
www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees
What bursaries are available?
Although bursary figures for 2016/17 are yet to
be finalised, the University will continue to offer a
generous package of bursary support to students
from lower income households. These are in
addition to any support you may receive from the
government. For more information please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/financialsupport or take
a look at the funding tab on the relevant course
entry in our online prospectus:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy
If you are an international applicant (outside of the
EU), please see the New international students
section on www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees

What support is available for


students with children?
There are a range of services provided to support
students with children, including a University day
nursery, a playscheme and playcentre day care.
There is also a scheme to help students fund
childcare. For more information, see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/child-care
What support do you offer for students with
a disability or dyslexia?
The department, like the University, is committed
to promoting access for students who have
dyslexia, a long-term medical condition, or other
disability. Services provided by the University
aim to enable students to fulfil the inherent
requirements of the course as independently as
possible. Students who have a disability, specific
learning difficulty or long-term medical condition
can contact the disability liaison officer in the
School of Humanities to ensure that support
is available from the start of the degree. The
Universitys Disability Statement, which lists
services, facilities and opportunities available
throughout the University can be viewed at
www.nottingham.ac.uk/disability
Visit our website for more frequently asked
questions: www.nottingham.ac.uk/faqs

Equal opportunities policy

The University aims to create the conditions


whereby students and staff are treated solely on
the basis of their merits, abilities and potential,
regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality,
ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic
background, disability, religious or political beliefs,
trade union membership, family circumstances,
sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

41

Department of History
www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Visiting and contacting us


Open days

Other visits

Mini open days

Admissions Team
Department of History
The University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
t: +44 (0)115 951 5843
e: [email protected]
w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

If youre considering applying to The University of


Nottingham we recommend that you try to attend
one of the University-wide open days, which are
held in June and September each year and attract
around 30,000 visitors. Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays

Mini open days are much smaller than the main


open days but offer the same opportunities to
attend various talks and tours as well as speak to
current students and academics. Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/miniopendays
or call +44 (0)115 951 5559.

Virtual open day

If you cant attend one of our open days in person,


or would like to explore our campuses before
visiting, take a look at our virtual open day:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/virtualnottingham

UCAS visit days

Once youve been offered a place at Nottingham,


you may be invited to attend a UCAS visit
day, which is an opportunity for you to visit the
department and to find out more about your
chosen course. You will also be given a short tour
of the campus by current students.

This publication is available


in alternative formats.
t: +44 (0)115 951 5559

If you wish to make an informal visit to the University


prior to applying here, you are welcome to do so,
but you should contact us in advance if you wish to
visit the school or speak to an admissions tutor, and
we will do our best to oblige.

Contact us

For international student enquiries,


please contact:
The International Office
t: +44 (0)115 951 5247
f: +44 (0)115 951 5155
e: [email protected]
w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/international
You can also connect with fellow applicants and
current students on our applicants Facebook and
Twitter pages:
UoNApplicants
@UoNApplicants

42

You L ve
#STUDYWHATYOULOVE

The University of Nottingham has made every effort to ensure that


the information in this brochure was accurate when published.
Please note, however, that the nature of the content means that it
is subject to change from time to time, and you should therefore
consider the information to be guiding rather than definitive. You
should check the Universitys website for any updates before you
decide to accept a place on a course.
The University of Nottingham 2015.
All rights reserved.

Study What

Printed May 2015.

Arts and
Humanities

Your passion can


be your success.
Study what you love.
Our creative responses help make
us unique. Learn about the lives
of others, their thought processes
and their influences and explore
your own reactions. Well help you
turn an inspiring degree into an
inspiring career.
Find out more:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/
studywhatyoulove
43

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