MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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BA (Hons) History
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) History at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a rich and intellectually stimulating journey through diverse periods, places, and themes that have shaped the human experience. This undergraduate degree encourages students to engage critically with the past, developing sophisticated analytical, research, and interpretative skills. The program explores a broad chronological sweep, from ancient civilisations and medieval societies to early modern Europe and contemporary global events. Students learn to critically evaluate historical evidence, understand different historical methodologies, and construct compelling arguments, preparing them for a wide array of professions that value intellectual rigour, nuanced understanding, and excellent communication. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep appreciation for the complexities of historical narratives and their relevance to the modern world. An optional placement year is also available for extended professional experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) History is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of historical studies. In the first year, students establish foundational knowledge with core modules like "Critical Skills in History" and "Introduction to History," alongside optional modules exploring diverse periods such as "Medieval Societies," "Early Modern Worlds," "The British Empire," and "Modern Britain and the World." The second year allows for greater specialisation and deeper engagement with historical sources and debates through core modules such as "Methods and Theories of History" and "Building the British State," with optional modules covering a vast range of topics including "American History," "Irish History," "The Holocaust," "Europe in the Era of the Cold War," and "Slavery and Empire in the Atlantic World." The final year culminates in a significant "Dissertation," where students undertake independent, in-depth research on a historical topic of their choice. Other advanced optional modules in the final year include "The Tudors and Stuarts," "War, Propaganda and Society," "Gender and Society in Victorian Britain," "Reformation and Revolution in Early Modern Europe," and "The Cold War in the Global South," providing avenues for specialised study.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) History program at St. Mary's University is underpinned by robust and diverse research conducted by its academic staff. The faculty comprises active scholars who are specialists in a broad range of historical periods and geographical areas, including medieval and early modern British history, the British Empire, Irish history, American history, European history, and various thematic areas such as social history, political history, religious history, and the history of conflict. The department has strong links to national archives and research centres, and academics regularly publish in peer-reviewed journals and monographs. Students are trained in critical historical research methodologies throughout their degree, with a significant focus on source analysis and historiography. The culminating dissertation in the final year provides a pivotal opportunity for students to engage in independent, original research under expert supervision, contributing their own analytical insights to historical scholarship.
Industry Engagement: While a traditional humanities degree, the BA (Hons) History program at St. Mary's University actively encourages and facilitates industry engagement to enhance graduate employability. The university leverages its advantageous location in London, providing access to a wealth of historical institutions, archives, museums, and cultural organisations. Students are encouraged to undertake work experience or internships, and the program offers an optional industrial placement year, allowing them to gain professional experience in related sectors such as heritage, archives, museums, civil service, journalism, or research. The curriculum develops highly transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, and critical thinking, which are directly applicable in a wide range of professional environments. Guest speakers from various industries are often invited to share their experiences and career pathways, providing practical insights into how historical skills are valued in the workplace.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) History program at St. Mary's University fosters a strong global perspective by exploring historical events, movements, and interconnectedness across different continents and cultures. While offering detailed modules on British and European history, the curriculum also provides extensive opportunities to engage with American history, the history of empires, and broader global themes such as migration, conflict, and societal change on an international scale. Students learn to understand how historical developments in one part of the world have influenced others, encouraging a nuanced understanding of global historical processes. This international outlook is further enhanced by the university's diverse student body and its London location, a global city with rich historical connections worldwide. Graduates are thus prepared to critically engage with complex global issues and appreciate the long-term historical roots of contemporary challenges.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
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 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BA (Hons) History at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, equips graduates with a comprehensive set of highly transferable skills that are invaluable across a wide range of sectors. The degree fosters exceptional abilities in critical thinking, rigorous research, analytical reasoning, and persuasive communication, all honed through the deep engagement with complex historical narratives and sources. Graduates emerge with an understanding of diverse cultures, political systems, and societal developments across time, making them adaptable and insightful professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges with a historically informed perspective.
Archivist / Records Manager: History graduates possess the ideal skills for preserving and managing historical records and documents. They work in national, local, or specialist archives, ensuring historical materials are accessible for research and future generations.
Museum Curator / Heritage Manager: With a deep understanding of historical objects and contexts, graduates can work in museums, galleries, or heritage sites. They are involved in curating exhibitions, managing collections, and ensuring the conservation and interpretation of historical places and artefacts.
Teacher (Secondary or Primary): Many History graduates pursue a career in education, often by undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Their subject expertise and ability to convey complex information make them excellent educators, inspiring students in the study of history.
Civil Servant / Policy Officer: The analytical and research skills developed through a History degree are highly valued in government and public administration. Graduates can work in various government departments, contributing to policy development, research, and administrative roles.
Journalist / Researcher (Media): History graduates' strong research, critical evaluation, and writing skills are highly applicable to journalism. They can work as researchers, reporters, or feature writers for newspapers, magazines, broadcasters (like the BBC), or digital media, specialising in current affairs or historical features.
Librarian / Information Manager: With their meticulous approach to information gathering and organisation, History graduates are well-suited for roles in libraries or information management. They assist in classifying, cataloguing, and making resources accessible to researchers and the public.
Solicitor / Barrister (after further qualification): The rigorous analytical thinking, ability to construct arguments, and research skills cultivated in a History degree provide an excellent foundation for a career in law. Many graduates pursue a law conversion course (e.g., GDL) to become solicitors or barristers.
Academic Researcher / University Lecturer: For those passionate about continued scholarly inquiry, a History degree can lead to postgraduate study (MA, PhD) and eventually a career as an academic researcher or university lecturer, contributing new knowledge to the field and teaching future historians.
Genealogist: Given the public interest in tracing family histories, History graduates can apply their research and archival skills to work as professional genealogists, helping individuals uncover and document their ancestral lines.
Project Manager (Various Sectors): The ability to manage complex information, organise resources, and deliver projects on time, honed through dissertation work and module assignments, makes History graduates strong candidates for project management roles across diverse sectors, including business, charities, and public services.
