Overview
If you’re fascinated by history, there’s no better place to study it than Portsmouth, a city that's played a key role in the past of Britain.
On this BA (Hons) History degree course, you’ll explore the past and bring it to life, through practical study. You’ll pick the periods of time that interest you most, both in British and global history, and develop your skills in research and analysis.
After the course, you'll have sought-after qualities you can transfer easily to the workplace in roles that involve analysis, research, communication and teamwork.
What you'll experience
On this History degree course you’ll:
- Tailor your studies to your interests and the periods of history that excite you most
- Have access to primary and secondary historical sources through local organisations and archive subscriptions
- Learn from staff who are members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), the UK's largest research centre of its kind
- Enhance your studies by taking advantage of our close links with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Records Service and the D-Day Museum
- Explore current debates about the past and how it's interpreted, with expert scholars in the field
- Study in a city that has played a major role in the history of Britain
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
There's an emphasis on learning the skills to conduct your own research, follow your own initiative, and confidently present your ideas.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through a variety of formats. The emphasis is on giving you a range of ways to demonstrate what you’ve learned and how your thinking has developed.
Your history degree with us is weighted more towards coursework than traditional exams. Assessment types include:
- blogs
- essays
- project reports
- group presentations
- individual presentations
- in-class contributions
- a dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so that you can continue to develop and improve
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 8% by written exams, 10% by practical exams and 82% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 22% by practical exams and 78% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 24% by practical exams and 76% by coursework
Careers and opportunities
When you complete the course, you'll have the ability to analyse and manage large amounts of information, communicate effectively, carry out research in a group or independently, and write in a concise and informative way. This is why employers from every area of industry value history graduates.
What can you do with a History degree?
Your History degree can open doors to further study and academic research. As a historian, you can also put your degree to work in areas such as:
- Teaching
- Archives and information management
- Museums and the heritage sector
- The law
- Publishing and Media
- Corporate governance
What jobs can you do with a History degree?
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- Teacher
- Barrister
- Archivist
- Cultural Development Officer at City Council
- Museum Curator
- Researcher for TV production company
- Development Editor for Publishing House
- Workplace Financial Education Consultant
You could also continue your studies at Master's or PhD level.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies and build your portfolio.
We'll also be available to help, advise and support you for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.
Placement year
After your second year, you can undertake an optional work placement year. This is an exciting opportunity to get invaluable work experience relevant to your intended career path.
The University can provide support and advice to help secure a work placement best suited for you. You can find placements in the UK or beyond, depending on your identified career plans.
History students undertake placements in a variety of areas. Current and recent students have worked in the not-for-profit sector, in museums and heritage sites, in digital content management and with legal firms.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
