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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
History and English and American Literature 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: QV31
- Location: Canterbury
- Honours: Joint
- Mode of study: Part-time, Full-time
- Duration: 3 years
- Start: 2013
- Year in industry: No
- Year abroad: No
- 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
English and American Literature
Modules are taught by weekly seminars. Core modules include a weekly lecture, plus individual supervision is offered for the Long Essay. Assessment at Stage 1 is by a mixture of coursework and examination. Some modules may include an optional practical element.
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
English and American Literature
Throughout your studies, you learn to think critically and to work independently; your communication skills improve and you learn to express your opinions passionately and persuasively, both in writing and orally. These key transferable skills are essential for graduates as they move into the employment market.
Our graduates have gone into: journalism, broadcasting and media, publishing, writing and teaching; more general areas such as banking, marketing analysis and project management; or on to further study for postgraduate qualifications.
For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability
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
For applicants taking the Kent IFP, passing with an average of 60%, including 60% in the literature module, is a requirement for entry onto the first year of these degree programmes.
Offer levels
ABB from 3 A levels, IB Diploma 33 points overall or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher Level.
Required subjects
English Literature or English Language and Literature grade B and History/Archaeology/Classical Studies 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