Introduction
Overview
If you really want to understand the modern world, it’s essential to unlock the patterns of the past. History courses can help you do exactly that – and here at the University of Stirling, we take an innovative approach to guiding you through the major events and periods that have shaped us all.
Our History degree will equip you with a wide range of intellectual and personal skills. You’ll gain an awareness of how different societies across the world have changed over time, by exploring areas such as Scottish, British, European, American and African history. You’ll also engage with different types of history, including political, social, cultural, gender, computer and environmental.
History lecturers and staff at Stirling are leaders in their field. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, 98% of our research in history was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. That expertise and passion feeds into every aspect of your course to ensure you reach your final year of study functioning as a fully-fledged historian in your own right. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the freedom to not only focus in on specialty areas of history that interest you most, but also to combine your studies with one of 16 other subjects that broaden your professional possibilities – from journalism to teaching, politics and sociology.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 98% of our research in history was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2014)
#2 More than 95% of all undergraduates were in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020, HESA)
#3 Study History in conjunction with one of 16 other courses to refine your future possibilities
Course details
In Semesters 1–3, students will take History, plus two other subjects. Semesters 4–6 will offer you the opportunity to study two or three modules per semester from a varied list of topics, including: Environmental; Computing; Social; Political; African; European; American; British and Scottish.
In Semesters 7–8, you'll choose a special subject that involves the use of printed documentary collections and other source material. Students enjoy a choice of eight or nine topics, including Revolutionary America or Immigration to Britain, 1800–1971.
To complete the course, students will also write a supervised dissertation of between 12,000 and 14,000 words on a research topic of their choice.
Teaching
You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and field trips. You’ll also learn from guest lecturers, who bring their specialist knowledge directly to you from a range of different fields.
Assessment
Throughout your studies in History, you’ll be assessed based on a combination of exams and coursework. Coursework may include essays, reports, oral presentations and other elements. You’ll also write a supervised dissertation of between 12,000 – 14,000 words on a research topic of your choice.
Study abroad
As a University of Stirling student, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Find out more about studying abroad.
Contact
Dr James Smyth, Course Director
+44 (0) 1786 467961 j.j.smyth@stir.ac.uk
Fees - 2021/22
Overseas students (non-EU): £ £15,100
Scottish students: £ 1,820
Students from the rest of the UK: £9,250
EU Students: £15,100*
*For EU students starting studies in academic year 2021/22, we will award an automatic scholarship of up to £30k over the duration of your course. This is subject to eligibility criteria