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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
French and History BA (Hons)
This is a part-time, full-time joint honours programme within the History subject area.
Key facts
- Subject area: History
- Award: BA (Hons)
- Code: RV11
- Location: Canterbury
- Honours: Joint
- Mode of study: Part-time, Full-time
- Duration: 4 years
- Start: 2013
- Year in industry: No
- Year abroad: Yes
- Institution(s): University of Kent
Overview
Any study of history engages a natural human curiosity about the past. History is an exciting and diverse subject, which is reflected in the flexibility and breadth of the BA in History offered at Kent.
The School of History has established itself as one of the leading History departments in the country, recognised for its research excellence, flexible programmes and quality teaching. You are taught by passionate academics, active researchers and recognised experts. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, the School of History was ranked second nationally and, over the past five years, has consistently scored over 90% for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.
Our course is carefully crafted to allow undergraduates to tailor their degree to their own interests, with more than 70 undergraduate history modules to choose from, covering topics from the crusades to the Cold War; from the impact of science on 19th century culture to the totalitarian regimes of Stalin's Russia and Hitler's Third Reich.
At Kent, you will join a large and thriving student body, benefiting from a strong tradition of student-led activities through the History Society. Alongside the extensive resources of the University library, you have the unrivalled privilege of access to the rare books and priceless manuscripts of Canterbury Cathedral. Opportunities are also available for work experience or a year studying in Europe.
Subject leaflets
As this is a joint honours programme, you may find it useful to read both of the following subject leaflets for more information:
Modules
As this is a joint honours subject, please see both subject leaflets below for more details about the modules you may take:
Please contact us if you have any queries (Contacts are listed under the 'Further information' tab).
Teaching and assessment
French
Compulsory language modules typically involve three to four hours of classes per week, including one hour of small group work with a native speaker. We also make extensive use of computer-assisted language learning packages and audio and video materials. Culture and literature modules typically involve a weekly two-hour seminar plus essay supervision. We employ seven French language lectors to help students improve their fluency.
At Stage 1, assessment is based 100% on coursework (essays, class participation) in the first half of the year, and a 50:50 combination of coursework and examination in the second half of the year. For Stages 2 and 3, depending on the modules you select, assessment varies from 100% coursework (extended essays or dissertation), to a combination of examination and coursework, in the ratio 60:40 or 50:50. Credits from your year abroad count towards your final degree.
History
Teaching is by a combination of lectures, providing a broad overview, and seminars, which focus on discussing particular issues and are led by student presentations. Lectures and seminars use a variety of materials, including original documents, films and documentaries, illuminated manuscripts, slide and PowerPoint demonstrations.
The School of History uses a mixture of assessment patterns. The standard formats are 100% coursework or 60% examination and 40% coursework.
Careers
French
The ability to speak a European language other than English is a key asset in the global employment market, and many employers view a graduate with overseas experience as more employable. Through your studies, you also acquire many of the transferable skills considered essential by graduate employers. These include the ability to work independently and as part of a team, the confidence to offer creative solutions when faced with challenges and the ability to express your ideas with clarity and passion.
Our students go into areas such as international banking, diplomacy, publishing, journalism, international product management, interpreting and translating, European media, law or accountancy, and language teaching. Some go on to postgraduate study in fields as varied as international journalism, visual studies and translation.
History
Historians develop excellent skills of analysis, frequently assessing multiple and often conflicting sources before condensing opinions into concise, well-structured prose. Graduates are able to demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work independently, demonstrating to potential employers that they respond positively to various challenges and that they can work to tight schedules and manage heavy workloads.
Many graduates find employment in fields such as journalism and the media, management and administration, local and national civil services, the museums and heritage sector, commerce and banking, teaching and research, and the law.
In a report first published in 2005*, Professor David Nicholls stated: In recent years, history graduates have become celebrated lawyers, press barons, well-known television and newspaper journalists, famous comedians and entertainers, awardwinning authors, heads of advisory bodies and charities, directors of major museums, top diplomats and civil servants, chief constables, high-ranking officers in the armed forces and business millionaires. In a recent follow-up to the report, Professor Nicholls concluded that, despite the increasingly competitive job market, History graduates continue to excel.
For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability
*The Employability of History Students by Professor David
Nicholls, The Academy of Higher Education
Entry requirements
Passing the Kent IFP with an overall average of 60% guarantees you entry onto the first year of this degree programme.
Offer levels
ABB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points inc 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English, or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher inc 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English.
Required subjects
French grade B/GCSE French grade B/aptitude for modern languages and History/Archaeology/Classical Civilisation grade B where taken or GCSE History grade B.
Further information
School
Enquiries:
T: +44 (0)1227 827272
Key Information Sets
The Key Information Set (KIS) data (right) is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme. Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.
If you have any queries about a particular programme, please contact information@kent.ac.uk