History Degrees Online

This four-year BEd (Primary) with honours course, planned with our partner schools, has four strands:
School experience – teach in a different school every year
Primary curriculum studies – learn how to teach, plan and assess all primary-school subjects
Specialist subject – study Humanities in depth
Education studies – explore issues about teaching and learning

Equal Opportunities

All appropriately qualified candidates will be given equal consideration during the selection process. We do not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, colour, disability, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation, or any other irrelevant distinction.

Course highlights

Assessment is primarily by coursework, which often asks you to make links between school and university experiences. There are no end-of-year/semester examinations
School experience will be in a variety of partner schools in the South West and London (urban, city, rural) , with opportunity to teach overseas (currently, USA and Finland)
Rated by Ofsted as a “very good” provider (Grade A)
Teaching is mostly in the form of interactive workshops and seminars
We aim to support student teachers in becoming creative, imaginative, enthusiastic and committed teachers.
We recruit above the national average of men going into teaching.
Career opportunities

The course’s ‘very good’ reputation means most graduates become newly qualified teachers in primary schools around Britain, and beyond. Alternatively, skills gained through the course enable graduates to pursue careers where good organisational, communication and social skills are valued.

Entry requirements

Minimum of 160-240 tariff points*.
GCSE: English, Mathematics and a Science subject at Grade C or above.
A-level/Applied A level: minimum entry requirement is CC or CDD (a C is normally required in the subject specialism). Other combinations and non A-level qualifications considered with pass. Recent observation in a mainstream primary school.
Detailed entry requirements
Extended Entry requirements

You will be required to demonstrate that you:
have the intellectual and academic capabilities needed to meet the required qualified teacher status (QTS) standards
possess the appropriate qualities, attitudes and values expected of a teacher
can read effectively and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in standard English, and
have met the Secretary of State’s requirement for physical and mental fitness to teach.

Prior to starting the course, you will be required to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure check.

Suitability for the BEd programme is judged on a range of factors including ability to communicate and work with other people, enthusiasm for your specialist subject and a real interest in children and learning. At least the equivalent of two weeks experience in schools is essential to enable you to discuss your observations of children and classrooms at interview.Â

History Year 1

You will study the history of Britain and Europe from the 16th century to the end of the 20th century; Colonial America; America in the Age of Enlightenment and Revolution, 1763-1812; the non-European world from 1850
You will attend workshops using the primary source materials and the internet

Media Arts Year 1

You will be introduced to the processes we work with - hands-on practice with an introduction to the critical and conceptual tools needed to become a communicator to develop your own language
 You will be exposed to an exciting work environment - theories and practice can be challenged; ideas flow through workshops and modules
History Year 2

Study includes: culture and society in Europe, 1450-1700; Germany and the Thirty Years War; European Reformation; riot in the 18th century; Britain 1940-1970, history of East Asia; European history in the 20th century
Workshops examine and reconstruct elections
Techniques of the oral and film historian are explored

Media Arts Year 2

Develop your own interests and style and address briefs through particular media forms
You have the opportunity to produce a documentary project using video, photography, sound or digital forms; explore individual projects emerging out of group work or choose to focus on specific approaches and technologies in practice
History Year 3

Modules include: parish life in medieval England; family, sex, and society in Britain 1450-1700; crime in the 18th and 19th centuries; the English reformation; the English revolution 1640-1660, Britain in the 1930s; politics in the reign of George III; history of European integration from 1945; the second World war
Dissertation

Media Arts Year 3

You will produce a substantial portfolio of work to stretch your skills and impress a waiting world with your achievements
You can discover the benefits of working with others in a substantial collaborative project
You have the opportunity to investigate an area of interest and produce a dissertation on your research

The emphasis is on British, American, European and World history from 1450 to the present day. Local and regional history is also included. The political, social, economic, intellectual and cultural nature of these societies is explored.

Media Arts summary

The title Media Arts is the key to understanding the course. The word ‘Media’ relates to the forms of communication: film, video, photography, sound and digital media. The word ‘Arts’ is to emphasise the practice and use of these forms to create, express, challenge, promote and inform. Media Arts is about making and reflecting, visualising ideas and ambitions.

History highlights

Many study visits and field trips, linked to the area of study
All History staff are active researchers with an impressive research and publication record
Friendly, close-knit team of students and staff
Media Arts highlights

The means to develop specific practical skills in photography, video, animation, digital media and sound.
A dynamic interplay of theory and practice.
Collaborative practice: a unique opportunity to put learning into practice and try things out in the real world.
Opportunity to study abroad on our accredited international exchange programme.

History - What the students say

“I have enjoyed studying History tremendously! When I came to the University it was very friendly and pleasant, and the team were very approachable. All of the History course has stood out. It is so diverse and every module has had plus points. As a mature student, I have thought about possibly doing a Post 16/PGCE to teach in further education. I am also considering returning to work in customer services where my degree will be an enhancement to the skills I already have.”

Angela Webb, BA (Hons) History student

Media Arts - What the students say

‘I chose Media Arts because I wanted a contemporary course in a growing industry. I also wanted to be near the sea! I had heard from past students that the course had a good reputation. The collaborative work where you associate with people in the industry is particularly interesting: I worked with Fairport Convention remixing their music. I hope to get a job in the area of new media, in the animation sector.’

Mike Staines, BA (Hons) Media Arts graduate
History - Career opportunities

A range of practical and analytical skills are developed. Recent career destinations include industrial and retail management, consultancy and personnel administration, education, the civil service, libraries, and the travel, tourist and heritage industries. In-depth knowledge of recent affairs is also vital for careers in politics, the media and publishing.

Graduates are also eligible to apply for Knowledge Transfer Partnership positions. These are generally 2-3 year projects and a great opportunity to launch your career by getting involved with business development. Companies looking for that competitive edge work in collaboration with the university, who select a specialist graduate with the right skills and experience.

Year 1
History

You will study the history of Britain and Europe from the 16th century to the end of the 20th century; Colonial America; Europe from 1850; the non-European world from 1850; Britian from 1640.
You will attend workshops using the primary source materials and the internet

Politics

In the context of British and European politics, we begin by asking basic questions like: What is politics? What is power? What is a political system?
We then move on to analyse and describe concepts such as ideology and the state and types of political systems
As you progress, we gradually approach more specialist themes, allowing you to acquire a detailed knowledge of specific concepts and subjects
You will also develop your learning, computing and research skills, so you can fully exploit your knowledge and understanding
Year 2
History

Study includes: culture and society in Europe, 1450-1700; Germany and the Thirty Years War; European Reformation; riot in the 18th century; Britain 1940-1970, history of China; European history in the 20th century
Workshops examine and reconstruct elections
Techniques of the oral and film historian are explored

Politics

In this year we concentrate on the theoretical and methodological concerns of political science while emphasising applicability of skills and knowledge to public policy and comparative politics
Modules include Britain and the EU; the politics of modern liberal democracies; political analysis; the theories of public policy; international political economy; political ideologies, and political strategy
Year two provides a solid basis in mainstream political science, allowing for the development of specialist studies at year three
During this year, there are opportunities for you to take part in exchange programmes with the USA, the Czech Republic or Poland
Year 3
History

Modules include: Women and politics in early modern England; family, sex, and society in Britain 1450-1700; crime in the 18th and 19th centuries; the English reformation; the English revolution 1640-1660, Britain in the 1930s; history of European integration from 1945; the second World War
Dissertation

The emphasis is on British, American, European and Irish history from 1650 to the present day. Local and regional history is also included. The political, social, economic, intellectual and cultural nature of these societies is explored.

Politics summary

Wherever you are, whatever you do, you’re involved in politics and its consequences. This course is about how a country is governed and who rules, who wins and loses in the distribution of scarce resources, the relationship between nations and, ultimately, the prosecution or avoidance of war.

Course highlights

Many study visits and field trips, linked to the area of study

All History staff are active researchers with an impressive research and publication record

Friendly, close-knit team of students and staff

Career opportunities

A range of practical and analytical skills are developed. Recent career destinations include industrial and retail management, consultancy and personnel administration, education, the civil service, libraries and the travel, tourist and heritage industries. In-depth knowledge of recent affairs is also vital for careers in politics, the media and publishing.
Entry requirements

240 points. A level/AS level (one of which should be: History, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Government and Politics, Law or Sociology). Equivalent qualifications may be considered. International Baccalaureate: 26 points (including 3 subjects at higher level and English Language at A2).

History Year 1

You will study the history of Britain and Europe from the 16th century to the end of the 20th century; Colonial America; America in the Age of Enlightenment and Revolution, 1763-1812; the non-European world from 1850
You will attend workshops using the primary source materials and the internet

Media Arts Year 1

You will be introduced to the processes we work with - hands-on practice with an introduction to the critical and conceptual tools needed to become a communicator to develop your own language
 You will be exposed to an exciting work environment - theories and practice can be challenged; ideas flow through workshops and modules
History Year 2

Study includes: culture and society in Europe, 1450-1700; Germany and the Thirty Years War; European Reformation; riot in the 18th century; Britain 1940-1970, history of East Asia; European history in the 20th century
Workshops examine and reconstruct elections
Techniques of the oral and film historian are explored

Media Arts Year 2

Develop your own interests and style and address briefs through particular media forms
You have the opportunity to produce a documentary project using video, photography, sound or digital forms; explore individual projects emerging out of group work or choose to focus on specific approaches and technologies in practice

History Year 3

Modules include: parish life in medieval England; family, sex, and society in Britain 1450-1700; crime in the 18th and 19th centuries; the English reformation; the English revolution 1640-1660, Britain in the 1930s; politics in the reign of George III; history of European integration from 1945; the second World war
Dissertation
Media Arts Year 3

You will produce a substantial portfolio of work to stretch your skills and impress a waiting world with your achievements
You can discover the benefits of working with others in a substantial collaborative project
You have the opportunity to investigate an area of interest and produce a dissertation on your research

The emphasis is on British, American, European and World history from 1450 to the present day. Local and regional history is also included. The political, social, economic, intellectual and cultural nature of these societies is explored.

Media Arts summary

The title Media Arts is the key to understanding the course. The word ‘Media’ relates to the forms of communication: film, video, photography, sound and digital media. The word ‘Arts’ is to emphasise the practice and use of these forms to create, express, challenge, promote and inform. Media Arts is about making and reflecting, visualising ideas and ambitions.

History highlights

Many study visits and field trips, linked to the area of study
All History staff are active researchers with an impressive research and publication record
Friendly, close-knit team of students and staff

Media Arts highlights

The means to develop specific practical skills in photography, video, animation, digital media and sound.
A dynamic interplay of theory and practice.
Collaborative practice: a unique opportunity to put learning into practice and try things out in the real world.
Opportunity to study abroad on our accredited international exchange programme.
History - What the students say

“I have enjoyed studying History tremendously! When I came to the University it was very friendly and pleasant, and the team were very approachable. All of the History course has stood out. It is so diverse and every module has had plus points. As a mature student, I have thought about possibly doing a Post 16/PGCE to teach in further education. I am also considering returning to work in customer services where my degree will be an enhancement to the skills I already have.”

Angela Webb, BA (Hons) History student

Media Arts - What the students say

‘I chose Media Arts because I wanted a contemporary course in a growing industry. I also wanted to be near the sea! I had heard from past students that the course had a good reputation. The collaborative work where you associate with people in the industry is particularly interesting: I worked with Fairport Convention remixing their music. I hope to get a job in the area of new media, in the animation sector.’

Mike Staines, BA (Hons) Media Arts graduate
History - Career opportunities

A range of practical and analytical skills are developed. Recent career destinations include industrial and retail management, consultancy and personnel administration, education, the civil service, libraries, and the travel, tourist and heritage industries. In-depth knowledge of recent affairs is also vital for careers in politics, the media and publishing.

Graduates are also eligible to apply for Knowledge Transfer Partnership positions. These are generally 2-3 year projects and a great opportunity to launch your career by getting involved with business development. Companies looking for that competitive edge work in collaboration with the university, who select a specialist graduate with the right skills and experience.

Year 1
History

You will study the history of Britain and Europe from the 16th century to the end of the 20th century; Colonial America; Europe from 1850; the non-European world from 1850; Britian from 1640.
You will attend workshops using the primary source materials and the internet
International Relations

The modules at year one will introduce students to the concepts and processes of International Relations analysis
The modules include From Sovereignty to Global Governance and International Institutions and Regimes
Students are also strongly advised to study the modules Introduction to International Relations and Contemporary International Relations which provide students with an understanding to major international relations events since 1945

Year 2
History

Study includes: culture and society in Europe, 1450-1700; Germany and the Thirty Years War; European Reformation; riot in the 18th century; Britain 1940-1970, history of China; European history in the 20th century
Workshops examine and reconstruct elections
Techniques of the oral and film historian are explored

International Relations

In year two, minor students develop their knowledge of International Relations acquired at year one by studying modules exploring many important themes of contemporary International Relations
These modules include International Security and North-South International Relations together with the theoretical focus of Imagining the International System

Year 3
History

Modules include: Women and politics in early modern England; family, sex, and society in Britain 1450-1700; crime in the 18th and 19th centuries; the English reformation; the English revolution 1640-1660, Britain in the 1930s; history of European integration from 1945; the second World War
Dissertation

The emphasis is on British, American, European and Irish history from 1650 to the present day. Local and regional history is also included. The political, social, economic, intellectual and cultural nature of these societies is explored.

International Relations summary

International Relations looks at our rapidly changing world in terms of the political, economic and social issues that affect all our lives. You will be introduced to key events and debates in contemporary International Relations and may have the opportunity to study a number of relevant themes and issues.

These may include; International Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, North-South International Relations; International Political Economy, the United Nations, Refugee Studies, Foreign Policy, Theory and area studies such as Africa, Middle East and South East Asia.

View the International Relations web page

Course highlights

Many study visits and field trips, linked to the area of study

All History staff are active researchers with an impressive research and publication record

Friendly, close-knit team of students and staff

Career opportunities

A range of practical and analytical skills are developed. Recent career destinations include industrial and retail management, consultancy and personnel administration, education, the civil service, libraries and the travel, tourist and heritage industries. In-depth knowledge of recent affairs is also vital for careers in politics, the media and publishing.
Entry requirements

240 points. A level/AS level (one of which should be: History, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Government and Politics, Law or Sociology). Equivalent qualifications may be considered.

English Year 1

An introduction to different ways of studying literature through historical and cultural analysis; creative writing; form and genre
Core modules in 17th- and 18th-century literature and culture; creative writing; poetry and critical theory
A core module covering study, research and writing skills for critical and creative practice
The modules in year one act as a foundation for subsequent stages of the degree
You will be introduced to three critical approaches to the study of English literature:

1. Practice of reading and writing
These twin modules focus on the relationship between reading and writing, and on the production of creative writing in workshop settings.

2. Introduction to critical theory
This module introduces you to the various forms of literary criticism including psychoanalytic, Marxist, feminist and post-colonial critical perspectives.

3. Period studies
For example, the 18th century. Here, literary texts are read within their historical and cultural context, offering opportunities for inter-disciplinary work.
You will also take a module, Transition to Higher Education, which equips you with key research and essay writing skills

History Year 1

You will study the history of Britain and Europe from the 16th century to the end of the 20th century; Colonial America; America in the Age of Enlightenment and Revolution, 1763-1812; the non-European world from 1850
You will attend workshops using the primary source materials and the internet
English Year 2

Core modules in Romantic and Victorian literature
Choice of modules allowing for specialisation including interdisciplinary literature, history and culture modules
Study creative writing (including for theatre & film); autobiography and biograph; travel writing; Shakespeare; American literature; Edwardian writing; and modern drama
In the second year you are offered a choice of modules which build upon the approaches studied in your first year and allow you to specialise in your areas of interest
You have opportunities to develop your creative writing if you so wish
You are assessed through coursework
Modules which offer opportunities for creative as well as critical writing include creative writing; autobiography and travel writing; biography and crime documentary; narrative theory and practice; The American South; and Edwardian writing
Other modules include romantic poetry; modern drama; Shakespeare and the Classical example; late Victorian fiction and society; and literature and post-colonialism

History Year 2

Study includes: culture and society in Europe, 1450-1700; Germany and the Thirty Years War; European Reformation; riot in the 18th century; Britain 1940-1970, history of East Asia; European history in the 20th century
Workshops examine and reconstruct elections
Techniques of the oral and film historian are explored

English Year 3

A core module on Modernism (1890-1930)
A wide choice of optional modules including 20th-century and contemporary literature; creative writing; Arthurian literature; critical and cultural theory; the short story and war writing
A critical or creative dissertation with individual supervision on a topic of your own choice
Modules in the third year include criticism and culture: sex, shopping and discipline; Modernism; contemporary poetry; gender and writing; postmodernism; war writing since 1914; Arthurian literature; contemporary Irish drama; and criticism and culture II: literature and psychoanalysis
The dissertation will be on a critical or creative project on a topic of your choice
History Year 3

Modules include: parish life in medieval England; family, sex, and society in Britain 1450-1700; crime in the 18th and 19th centuries; the English reformation; the English revolution 1640-1660, Britain in the 1930s; politics in the reign of George III; history of European integration from 1945; the second World war
Dissertation