BA Joint Honours History and Social Anthropology (UCAS Code VL16)
For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838
For course information
School of History and Anthropology
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5101
E: history@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/history
All applicants
There are no specific subject requirements to study History. However, if you plan to study it as a Joint Honours degree you should refer to the subject requirements for the other course.
BA Joint Requirements
For BA Joint Honours the requirements are stated separately under each programme.
For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here
If you are an international student and you do not meet the English Language requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will develop the language skills you need to progress. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses. For a full list click here
Back to topHistory at Queen's spans the period from early Greece and the later Roman Empire to the early Middle Ages and up to the 20th century. Students are encouraged to select from a wide range of modules, in geographical as well as chronological terms, with modules on Continental Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, and on European expansion overseas, as well as on Ireland and Great Britain. Within these areas, there are modules dealing with political developments, religious and economic change, and with social and cultural history, including modules in gender and women's history.
Back to topLevel 1
Modules at Level 1 offer a systematic introduction to the discipline of history, partly by sampling some of the many different approaches that historians take in studying the past, and partly by an exploration of some of the major questions of theory and method with which they are concerned.
Level 2
Modules at Level 2 are generally survey modules seeking to convey a sense of the principal events, trends and developments in a particular country or region over a fairly long time span. Examples include:
Greece and Macedon 404-337 BC
Politics and Society in 20th-Century Ireland
The American South 1865-1980
The Expansion of Medieval Europe 1000-1300
Level 3
Taught modules at Level 3 are more specialised, offering the opportunity to study a short period, or a particular theme or problem in detail, working from documents as well as secondary sources.
Typical modules at this level are:
Family, Gender and Household in Ireland c1740-1840
Popular Culture in England 1500-1700
The American Civil War and Reconstruction
The American Constitution
The Early Roman Emperors
The Peasants' Revolt 1381
In addition, Single and (if they choose) Major Honours students at Level 3 will complete a double module dissertation based on an individually-assigned research topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Joint students can (if they choose) write a 7,000-word dissertation based on an individually-assigned research topic (usually related to a Level 3 history module) chosen in consultation with a supervisor.
Some modules, especially surveys, use lectures and tutorials. Others are taught through seminars, in which students are expected to come prepared to fully engage in and sometimes lead group discussions. There is also increasing use of web-based learning. A variety of assessment methods is used, including written examination, coursework essays submitted during or at the end of the semester, oral presentations by individual students or collaborative groups, and dissertations.
Click here for more information on modules
Back to topAt Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support, to enable you to achieve your full academic potential.
On the BA in History and Social Anthropology we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course:
Assessment (general): The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.
Back to topStudying for a degree in History and Anthropology at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including History.
Although many of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching or social and community development work, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.
You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.ukfor further information concerning the types of jobs that attract History and Social Anthropology graduates.
Further academic study is also, of course, an option open to History and Social Anthropology graduates. Information on Masters programmes (and research topics) is available at the School’s website.
Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.
Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.
Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.
Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plusin particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
Back to topInternships are being developed to allow students the opportunity to carry out work experience in history-related fields.
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