Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

·         To equip students with knowledge, understanding and skills in Modern History.

·         To develop an understanding of the value of history both as an area of study and a tool for analysing the contemporary world by fostering critical, creative and independent thinking and a sensitive and disciplined approach to the subject

·         To stimulate students' enthusiasm for history through the deployment of cutting-edge teaching technologies and pedagogies designed to encourage student engagement.

·         To foster, enhance and advance students' personal development through a range of individual and team based learning activities.

·         To develop competence and practical skills which are transferable to a wide range of professions and careers as well as life experiences.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• QAA Subject Benchmarking Statement – History   

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications  

• Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, Careers Education Benchmark Statement

•  University Learning and Teaching Strategy

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1.    the idea of academic disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested; developed within the broader framework of the social sciences and humanities;

2.    the potential applications of concepts within a broader critical framework;

3.    the main methodologies used in the analysis and interpretation of texts, other sources and data;

4.    past societies and historical processes over a chronological and geographical range, encompassing the modern history of Britain, Europe, and the World;

5.    the use of primary evidence in historical argument;

6.    History as an academic discipline, its schools of interpretations, and the variety of methodological approaches and theoretical foundations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

1.    demonstrate knowledge of cultural, political and social difference, through the analysis of the past;

2.    abstract and synthesise information in order to discuss changes in ways of thinking, cultural practices and behaviours over time;

3.    assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and arguments;

4.    critically evaluate and interpret a range of evidence, including texts, oral histories, visual materials other virtual sources and data;

5.    critically assess the construction of history as a political, cultural and social practice;

6.    appreciate the complexities and diversity of past events and mentalities;

7.    show a critical awareness of the problems inherent in historical sources and in interpreting the past.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

1.    locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;

2.    select, combine, and interpret different types of source material;

3.    recognise and critically debate moral and ethical issues underpinning particular debates or enquiries;

4.    deploy bibliographic skills, including accuracy in the citation of sources and the use of proper conventions in the presentation of scholarly work

5.    present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;

6.    undertake independent learning and research.

c. Key transferable skills:

1. undertake problem-solving and decision-making;

2. develop a reasoned argument;

3. solve problems with imagination and creativity;

4. communicate effectively in speech and writing;

5. work individually and in collaboration with others, demonstrating initiative and self-management;

6. use information and communication technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.

4. Programme structure

Candidates following the four-year programme are required to undertake an academic year abroad (Part I) which occurs between Part B and Part C at  a French-, German- or Spanish-speaking university, following an approved course of study leading to the Diploma in International Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI. Candidates may also follow an approved course of study at a foreign university where teaching is in English leading to the Diploma in International Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.

Candidates following the four-year thick sandwich programme are required to spend the third academic year (Part I) EITHER undertaking an approved Assistantship at a school or other approved placement in a French-, German- or Spanish-speaking country, leading to the Diploma in International Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI, OR undertaking an approved placement in the UK or abroad leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI. Participation in study abroad or a placement is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B. 

4.1       Content

Part A – Introductory Modules

Semester 1

(i) COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 50)

(ii) ELECTIVE MODULES (total modular weight 10)

Candidates choose one elective subject group, which must be followed throughout Part A from:

Communications and Media Studies: SSA301

Criminology and Social Policy: SSA201

Economics: ECA001

English: EAA101

French: 10 credit module from a list produced by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on candidates’ previous qualifications

German: 10 credit module from a list produced by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on candidates’ previous qualifications

Geography: GYA004

International Relations: EUA620

Business: BSA505

Mandarin Chinese: EUL401

Politics: EUA620

Social Psychology: SSA102

Sociology: SSA001

Spanish: 10 credit module from a list produced by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on candidates’ previous qualifications

 Semester 2

 (i) COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 50)

(ii) ELECTIVE MODULES (total modular weight 10)

Communication and Media Studies: SSA302

Criminology and Social Policy: SSA202

Economics: ECA001

English: EAA201

French: 10 credit module from a list produced by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on candidates’ previous qualifications

Geography: GYA104

German: 10 credit module from a list produced by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on candidates’ previous qualifications

International Relations: EUA617

Business: BSA506

Mandarin Chinese: EUL422

Politics: EUA607

Social Psychology: SSA101

Sociology: SSA002

Spanish: 10 credit module from a list produced by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on students’ previous qualifications and experience.

Part B – Degree Modules

EITHER – STANDARD ROUTE

Semester 1

(i) COMPULSORY MODULES

 None

(ii) OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 50)

(iii) ELECTIVE MODULES (total modular weight 10)

Candidates must choose 10 credits from one of the subject groups listed in section 4.1, Part A, Semester 1 (ii) of these Programme specifications. Lists of available modules will be published each year by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations. Choices of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications. As a result of options choices, students may not be registered for more than 70 credits or fewer than 50 credits in any one Semester.

Semester 2

(i) COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 10)

(ii) OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 40)

(iii) ELECTIVE MODULES (total modular weight 10)

Candidates must choose 10 credits from one of the subject groups listed in section 4.1, Part A, Semester 1 (ii) of these Programme specifications. Lists of available modules will be published each year by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations. Choices of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications. As a result of options choices, students may not be registered for more than 70 credits or fewer than 50 credits in any one Semester.

OR – INTERNATIONAL SEMESTER ROUTE

Candidates may replace the modules required for Part B Semester Two with an approved course of study taught in English at a foreign University.  In Semester Two, candidates will undertake assessed work equivalent to 60 credits as follows:

(i) COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 10)

Part C – Degree Modules

Semesters 1 and 2

In choosing optional and elective subjects, candidates must ensure that they study a minimum of 50 credits in each Semester, including the Dissertation in History which runs across the year and constitutes 20 credits per semester.

(i) COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 40)

(ii)        OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 60)

Candidates choose a modular weight of 60 over Semesters 1 and 2.

(iii) ELECTIVE MODULES (total modular weight 20)

 Semesters 1 and 2

Candidates must choose 20 credits from one of the subject groups listed in section 4.1, Part A, Semester 1 (ii) of these Programme specifications. Lists of available modules will be published each year by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations. Choices of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.