History

History is one of the broadest disciplines that one can study. The subject involves examining all aspects of human activity in the past. Political, social, economic and cultural contexts may be studied at the level of the individual, the locality, the nation, the continent or the world.

Why Aberdeen?

• In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the Aberdeen History Department came top in Scotland with the highest percentage of research rated 'internationally excellent' 
• Geographically, course offerings spread out from Scotland and Europe to encompass America, Asia and Africa. Chronologically, students are offered a coherent series of courses ranging from the Ancient World to the present day
• Excellent printed and electronic facilities for History students
• The Department was rated ‘Highly Satisfactory’, the second highest ranking, in the last teaching quality assessment and highly commended in an EU sponsored review of teaching

Programmes

You may also be interested in

Archaeology, Celtic Civilisation, English, History of Art, Scottish Studies

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

 

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. There is an Honours degree and a Designated degree in History.

First Year

Courses include: Vikings; Europe in the 20th Century; An Introduction to Scottish History; Renaissances and Reformations, c.1450-c.1750.

Second Year

Courses include: Power and Piety: Medieval Europe, 1100-1500; Birth of Modernity: Politics, Culture and Science in Europe, 1700-1870; Men, Women & Inbetween: Constructions of Gender from 1000 to the Present; Global Empire in the Long 19th Century; History and Philosophy of Science I & II.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

In Junior Honours, the History Department offers a range of options and varies year to year. An indicative list of courses include the following: Conflict and Its Legacies: France, 1900-2007; Cultural History of Medicine; 'World City': London in the Long Eighteenth-Century, 1688-1832; Germany, 1806-1914; The Holocaust; Imperial Russia, 1801-1914; Men, Women & Eunuchs: Gender and Identity in Late Antiquity; Power and Traditions: France, 1799-1900; Science & Religion: From Galileo to Creationism; The Scottish Highlands and Islands; Sexuality and Deviance in Early Modern Europe, 1550-1790; Soviet Russia, 1917-1991; The Third Reich; World War I: International Perspectives; Aztecs, Mayas and Incas; Sex and Violence in Cold Climates; Barak Obama and Race in the US; Late Medieval England, 1272-1509; The Enlightenment in France, Britain and Ireland; Empire in the 'Orient': The British in Asia, 1600-1858; Germany, 1516-1806; Plague, Poison and Persecution, c.1348-1700; American Slavery, American Freedom, US History, 1800-1870.

In Senior Honours, Single Honours students take a further optional course, a Special Subject and a course on General Historical Problems. Students must also write a dissertation. Joint Honours students take a Special Subject and either the dissertation or General Historical Problems. The Special Subject involves intensive study, based upon primary sources, of a limited period or problem.

Teaching and Assessment

In first and second year, teaching involves three one-hour lectures per week and a weekly hour-long tutorial. At Honours level classes are either seminar-based or a mixture of lectures and seminars. Courses are assessed by examination alone; by continuous assessment alone; or by a combination of examination and continuous assessment. All courses are supported by web-based material.

Careers

Graduate historians are recruited into a broad range of professions which require the critical analysis of diverse kinds of evidence, and the understanding of different aspects of human society and culture, which historical education develops.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in History.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide