This course gives you the opportunity to study the pre-modern world, c.500-1750 (especially Europe, Britain and Wales) in detail. You will develop an understanding of the foundations of the contemporary west, whilst developing a range of skills that includes efficient information gathering, critical analysis of evidence and the ability to present your ideas clearly. The degree culminates in the chance to design and write your own research project in the final year.

This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of human history, concentrating on the period before 1750. It encourages you to take an analytical approach to the medieval and early modern eras, so that you can understand and contribute to historical controversies, and can understand ways in which the past is at least partly constructed in the present. It therefore hopes to train you intellectually so you can explain the relevance of the past in the present, understand the problems of interpreting written and other evidence, and gain skills of research, analysis, problem-solving, construction of argument and communication.

History is one of the most inspiring, dynamic and relevant subjects that can be studied at degree level, and so it is no surprise that History remains one of the most popular degree subjects in the UK. It has an established range of concerns, but it is always expanding and changing as it responds to new themes or ideas raised by other disciplines. It is also a very practical subject, and during your degree you will develop various transferable skills that employers value highly. Surveys consistently indicate that History graduates obtain employment more rapidly than graduates in many apparently more 'vocational' subjects.

Why choose Bangor for this course?

• Teaching rooted in research.
• A dedication to small-group teaching and one-to-one support.
• Fantastic opportunities for local field trips to internationally renowned historic sites.
• Excellent library holdings, digital resources and University Archives.
• Concentration on the pre-modern period will enable an in-depth grasp of period-specific approaches, themes and concepts.

History is a very versatile degree. This course provides specialist knowledge and a range of analytical and presentational skills which will enable you to tackle a variety of career options centring on administrative and leadership needs, for example, in company personnel departments, the civil service and local government as well as in a range of directly transferable vocations. Our History graduates enter a wide range of employment: especially fields which require skills of communication, analysing large quantities of information, and understanding human nature. Graduates have in recent years gained careers in museum work, law, teaching and the cultural industries. Many graduates also progress to higher education postgraduate schemes.

History graduates are desirable employees due to the variety of skills they develop during their degree. These transferable skills include:

• An ability to review critically the literature and formulate logical and structured arguments
• An ability to make effective oral presentations
• The development of writing and editorial skills
• An appreciation of the complexity and diversity of situations, events and past mentalities
• Experience gained from carrying out and completing a major research project in the third year – the dissertation
• Good IT skills
• Time management skills

These transferable skills are fundamental to other employment sectors, such as the public sector, teaching, journalism, law, accountancy and management.

Work experience opportunities at Bangor University

Year 2 and 3 students are provided with the opportunity to complete work-placement modules, which can be carried out in the university or through external organizations. These are assessed as part of the final degree. The programme enhances employability prospects and offers an insight into the type of employment opportunities a degree in history offers. Students have undertaken placements in a wide range of workplaces, including archives and heritage agencies.

History, Archaeology and Heritage are complementary subjects – which together provide a richer understanding of past peoples and societies. At Bangor we offer a range of courses that allow you to study one or more of these.