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Why study history?

History is one of the more prominent subjects in the humanities and yet it isn’t always that well understood. We take a look at what it’s like to study history, why we study it and where a qualification in history could lead you..

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Why do we study history? There are multitude of complex reasons and motivations for the study of history. However, what is certain is that a history degree continues to catch the attention of international students. 

 

Whether you wish to have a better understanding of modern geo-political relations or wish to understand how certain events in the past have shaped contemporary society, studying history can help. We’re here to answer your questions on the importance of studying history, what you’ll learn in a history qualification and what you can do with a history degree.

 

What is history?

 

Let’s start by investigating exactly what history and its associated academic discipline is. At its heart history is the investigation, analysis, critique and interpretation of what has happened in the past. Part of the study of history is trying to understand what motivated people to make certain decisions and how certain societies were set on a particular trajectory.

 

As a discipline, history allows you to explore particular time periods, cultures, societies, locations and topics or have a much more global overview. You’ll get a sense of how past events can echo over centuries and still influence the way we think about certain issues or represent aspects of our culture. Some of the top reasons to study history include:

 

  • The development of key and transferable skills for the future such as critical thinking, argumentation, logic, analysis and communication.

  • The development of independence and the nurturing of specific areas of inquiry.

  • A diverse and often multidisciplinary curriculum.

  • The development of cultural understanding and awareness

  • Understanding the contemporary world and being able to identify trends, behaviour and possible developments.

 

How long does a history degree take to complete?

 

One of the questions you’re probably thinking about is how long a degree in history usually takes. You will most likely major in history as part of a Bachelor of Arts qualification and therefore will spend on average three to four years completing a degree in history. Remember that you do have an honour’s, master’s and doctoral degree avenue open to you if you choose to pursue a postgraduate route in the subject. 

 

A master’s degree in history will take a year of your time to complete full-time, or two years part-time. For a PhD in history you will be looking at about three to four years full-time and about six years part-time.

 

Explore some of the places you could study history in the UK:

 

 

What are the entry requirements for a history degree?

 

If you have an interest in the study of history and are thinking about lodging an application, take time to verify what the entry requirements for your course are. Generally, to gain admission to a history degree as an international students you will need:

 

  • A good academic record, B average or above.

  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5, but can be as high as 7.0, with no section score below 6.5.

  • A minimum of a B grade for English for GCSE English / C grade for A-level English / or equivalent.

  • International baccalaureate English minimum of 6 to 7 (SL) / Internationalbaccalaureate English literature and language 5 to 6 (SL).

  • 3.00 to 3.25 GPA / SAT above 1290 (650 or above for three subject tests).

 

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, especially the English language requirements you can undertake a pre-sessional English course or sit for the IELTS Academic test.

 

Check out some of the top institutions for history in Canada:

 

What will I study in a history degree?

 

The curriculum for a history degree will not be exactly the same at every institution and you’ll likely have combination of core compulsory modules and then some elective modules. Remember that history is generally taken in combination with another major subject from within the arts and humanities discipline. You may be interested in pursuing something closely aligned such as anthropology or politics, or you could study a language or linguistics.

 

Some of the modules that you could come across when pursuing a history degree include:

 

  • Historical methodology

  • The modern world

  • European and world history

  • Classical civilisation

  • Mediaeval history

  • American history

  • Chinese history

  • Imperialism, colonialism and slavery

  • War, politics and society

  • Specific historical movements and periods (e.g. the civil rights movement / French revolution)

  • Historical literature and art

  • History of subjects (e.g. medicine, engineering, science)

  • Historical identity politics

 

An undergraduate history degree is delivered as a combination of face-to-face lectures and seminars, however there is often a significant amount of independent study and research required of you to meet the requirements for the degree. You’ll sit for exams two to three times a year, submit assignments and essays and you will also probably have to submit a final year thesis or honour’s dissertation.

 

Find out more about where you can study history in Australia:

 

 

What are the postgraduate history degree options?

 

If you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in history and wish to continue studying the subject at a postgraduate level, then you have the option of a master’s degree in history and a doctoral degree in the subject.  A master’s qualification in history can be classed as an MA, MSc or MRes degree depending on the specialisation you choose to undertake.

 

Remember that history at a master’s level requires you to choose a particular topic of interest and specialise.  History courses at this level may be a combination of coursework and research, or can be research only degrees (MRes), where you’ll write a single dissertation for examination. It is also possible to study a history degree online or via distance learning at this level.

 

For a PhD in history you will need to have received a master’s degree in the subject or a related discipline and received a minimum of a B-average for admission. In your doctoral studies you’ll work with a supervisor to develop and fine-tune your ideas in a specialist area of history with the view of making a unique contribution to the field.

 

Explore your options of studying history at a university in New Zealand:

 

 

What can you do with a history degree?

 

Along with the question of what the importance of studying history is, comes another common query. What is it exactly that you can do with a history degree? It’s likely you’ve heard some disparaging remarks about the graduate prospects for history students, however these are particularly misplaced. A history degree equips you with many transferable and highly coveted skills that can see you working in a variety of areas and fields that include:

 

 

In fact, data shows that 85 per cent of history graduates are either employed or in further studies after graduation.


With a better understanding of why we study history and what it’s importance can be, you’ll be able to decide if it’s a subject you may wish to undertake. While you’re here you supplement that knowledge by reading up on the types of bachelor’s degrees there are, the top humanities degrees for international students and what to expect when you study humanities.

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