MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA History
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA History program at the University of Reading offers students a dynamic and comprehensive study of history from ancient civilizations to the modern world. This program is designed to help students understand the complexities of historical events, trends, and movements, while honing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. The course covers a wide range of historical periods and themes, allowing students to explore different aspects of history and develop a deep understanding of how the past has shaped the present. Through a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent research, the BA History program provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, public history, education, journalism, and other fields.
Curriculum: The BA History curriculum at the University of Reading is designed to provide students with a balanced and broad understanding of history, while also allowing for specialization in specific areas of interest. In the early years, students study core modules that cover foundational historical themes, such as the development of European history, world history, and the history of Britain. As students progress, they can choose from a wide variety of optional modules, which cover topics ranging from medieval history, early modern history, and modern global history to specialized areas like environmental history, gender history, and history of science and technology. The program also emphasizes the development of critical skills, such as historical research methods, source analysis, and writing. In the final year, students undertake a dissertation project, allowing them to pursue an in-depth research topic of their choice under the guidance of expert faculty.
Research Focus: The University of Reading has a strong research culture, and the BA History program benefits from its active involvement in historical research. The faculty members are leading experts in their respective fields, and students are encouraged to engage with contemporary research themes and methodologies. Areas of research excellence include British and European history, the history of empire, global history, environmental history, and the history of modern science. Students are encouraged to engage with these research areas through seminars, conferences, and by contributing to ongoing research projects. The research-focused environment at Reading ensures that students gain exposure to cutting-edge developments in historical scholarship, and many students choose to focus their dissertations on topics that align with the research interests of the faculty.
Industry Engagement: The BA History program at the University of Reading places a strong emphasis on industry engagement and providing students with practical experience. The program offers opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in areas such as public history, heritage management, and archives. Students can participate in placements and internships with museums, galleries, historical societies, and other organizations that focus on preserving and interpreting history. These industry connections help students gain valuable insights into the practical applications of their historical knowledge and develop skills that are transferable to a wide range of careers. The university’s location, with its proximity to London and other major cultural and historical hubs, provides ample opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and gain relevant experience.
Global Perspective: The BA History program at the University of Reading takes a global perspective on historical study, recognizing the interconnectedness of world history. Students are encouraged to explore historical events, movements, and ideas from a global viewpoint, considering the impact of various cultures, empires, and nations on each other. The program covers a wide range of international history, including the history of the United States, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and it highlights the ways in which local events have shaped global trends. This global approach ensures that students develop a nuanced understanding of the world’s history, preparing them to engage with contemporary global issues from a historical perspective. Additionally, the university offers opportunities for students to study abroad, allowing them to gain first-hand experience of different cultures and historical contexts.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 135.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
The BA History program at the University of Reading prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to succeed in diverse fields. By studying history, students develop critical thinking, research, and analytical abilities that are highly valued in the job market. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, combined with its strong focus on industry engagement, equips graduates with the tools needed to navigate various professions in sectors such as education, public history, research, government, and business.
Historian/Researcher: One of the primary career paths for BA History graduates is becoming a professional historian or researcher. Graduates can work in academia, historical societies, or research institutions, conducting in-depth research into historical events, figures, and trends. These roles often involve writing research papers, presenting findings at conferences, and contributing to academic publications. The research-focused nature of the BA History program at the University of Reading ensures that graduates are well-prepared for independent research roles, whether in academic settings or as part of larger historical research projects.
Museum and Heritage Professional: Many graduates of the BA History program pursue careers in the museum and heritage sector, where they use their knowledge of history to curate exhibits, preserve historical artifacts, and develop educational materials for the public. Roles such as museum curators, exhibition designers, or heritage managers are common career options. Graduates can work in national museums, galleries, historical sites, or heritage organizations, helping to make history accessible to a wider audience. The University of Reading’s focus on industry engagement offers students the chance to gain practical experience through internships and placements in this field.
Archivist: Archivists manage, preserve, and organize historical records and documents, ensuring that valuable materials are kept for future generations. BA History graduates can pursue careers as archivists in government agencies, universities, libraries, museums, and private organizations. In this role, professionals use their historical knowledge and research skills to manage and catalogue historical materials, making them accessible to researchers and the public. The program at the University of Reading provides students with opportunities to learn about archival practices and engage with the heritage sector, preparing them for careers in archival management.
Public Historian: Public historians work in various settings, such as museums, government agencies, and cultural institutions, to present history in ways that engage the public. This career path involves interpreting historical events, developing educational programs, and communicating historical knowledge to a broad audience. Public historians may work as consultants for heritage projects, historical documentaries, or heritage tourism initiatives. The BA History program at Reading prepares students for this career by emphasizing the importance of communicating history in accessible and meaningful ways.
Teacher or Educator: Many BA History graduates pursue careers in teaching, either at the primary, secondary, or higher education levels. With a passion for history and education, graduates can become history teachers in schools, or they may go on to further study to become university lecturers or professors. The program provides students with a strong foundation in historical knowledge and research, which can be applied to educational settings. Additionally, the University of Reading’s focus on critical thinking and academic writing helps students develop the pedagogical skills necessary to effectively teach history.
Policy Advisor or Government Analyst: Graduates with a BA in History can also work as policy advisors or analysts in government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In these roles, they use their research and analytical skills to inform policy decisions, particularly in areas related to social, cultural, and historical issues. Historians are valuable in these roles for their ability to critically assess past events and provide insights into contemporary policy challenges. The BA History program at Reading provides students with the necessary background in research and critical analysis to excel in these roles.
Journalist or Editor: History graduates can also enter the field of journalism, where they use their writing, research, and communication skills to report on current events, analyze historical trends, and provide insights into contemporary issues. They can work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media. Additionally, graduates may become editors, managing the content and editorial direction of historical or news publications. The program’s focus on research, writing, and critical thinking ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in journalism and media.
Genealogist: Genealogists research family histories and help individuals trace their ancestry. This role involves gathering and analyzing historical documents, conducting interviews, and using various research tools to construct family trees and historical records. Graduates from the BA History program, with their strong research skills and knowledge of historical sources, are well-suited for this profession. Genealogists often work independently or with genealogy firms, archives, or research agencies to help clients uncover their family history.
Corporate Communications or Public Relations (PR) Specialist: Corporate communications and PR specialists manage the reputation and communication strategies of businesses, organizations, and individuals. History graduates can use their writing and communication skills to craft compelling narratives, press releases, and company histories. In these roles, they may also handle media relations and organize events. Understanding the importance of historical context and how stories evolve over time makes history graduates effective communicators in the PR and corporate communications fields.
Legal Profession: Although not a typical path, some BA History graduates go on to pursue careers in law. History students develop critical thinking, research, and argumentative skills, all of which are highly valuable in legal studies. Many graduates take the Law Conversion Course (Graduate Diploma in Law) after completing their history degree, allowing them to become solicitors, barristers, or legal researchers. The research and writing skills gained through the history program are invaluable in preparing legal documents and conducting thorough research.
