HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY
School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK
www.bangor.ac.uk/history
T: +44 (0)1248 382 085 E: history.ug@bangor.ac.uk
facebook.com/BangorSHiPSS @BangorHistory
Undergraduate Prospectus
bangor.ac.uk/history @BangorHistory
2nd IN THE UK FOR COURSES AND LECTURERS
Students from 80+ nationalities attend Bangor University
What Uni Student Choice Awards 2018
RANKED AMONGST THE UK’S TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION
No.1 in the UK for accommodation WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2018
Bangor University has achieved a Gold Award, the highest rating possible, in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Bangor was amongst the first set of universities, and the only one in Wales, to be awarded Gold in 2017. This means our teaching is of the highest quality in the UK.
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© Iwan Williams
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School of History, Philosophy & Social Sciences
NO.1 IN THE UK FOR CLUBS & SOCIETIES WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2018
National Students Survey 2018
4th BEST REGION IN THE WORLD TO VISIT The Lonely Planet Travel Guide 2017
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WHY STUDY HISTORY AT BANGOR? History has been taught at Bangor since the foundation of the University in 1884 – we have a wealth of experience and a strong sense of tradition. Past professors include: Sir J. E. Lloyd (1895-1930), pioneer in the study of Welsh History; R .T. Jenkins (1930-1948); Charles Mowatt (1959-1970), author of Britain between the Wars; and Duncan Tanner (1958-2010), a leading historian of the Labour party and Welsh devolution. Archaeology has been taught in Bangor since 1960. We offer a wide range of courses, spanning prehistory to the present day. Our History courses encompass British, Welsh, European and American History, whilst the rich material remains of Britain and Ireland form the focus of our Archaeology courses. Research informs our teaching. The regular publication of books and articles by staff, several of whom have international reputations in their particular fields, ensure that students are in touch with the latest research and able to discuss new ideas with staff. Our expertise spans medieval, early modern, modern and contemporary history as well as Welsh history, archaeology and heritage.
The University is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty with a fantastic range of archaeological sites on Bangor’s doorstep - including the World Heritage sites of Beaumaris, Caernarfon (pictured below) and Conwy. This rich historic landscape is an integral part of teaching on our Archaeology and Heritage courses. Field trips and study visits include: prehistoric tombs and stone circles, Roman forts, traditional farmsteads, medieval castles, and the industrial remains of the slate industry. Students also have the opportunity to learn practical archaeological skills, including archaeological surveying and archaeological computing and are encouraged to take part in excavations. Those studying History will also have the opportunity to participate in museum visits and trips to historical sites, e.g. to local National Trust properties.
With world heritage sites on the doorstep – where better to study the past?
OUR BA DEGREE COURSES Bangor University offers a range of courses suitable for those interested in one or more aspects of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Our range of degrees aim to accommodate both those seeking to specialise in History or Archaeology, as well as those who wish to study these subjects together. We also offer degree options where you can combine your studies with a subject in another discipline such as Film Studies, Journalism, Economics, English Literature, Music, Sociology, Social Policy and a range of European languages. Visit our website for a full list of possible combinations with other subjects.
History, Archaeology and Heritage degree courses BA (Hons) History (3 years) MArts History (4 years) BA (Hons) History and Archaeology (3 years) BA (Hons) Heritage, Archaeology and History (3 years) BA (Hons) History with Archaeology (3 years) BA (Hons) Medieval and Early Modern History (3 years) BA (Hons) Modern and Contemporary History (3 years) BA (Joint Hons) Welsh History and History (3 years) BA (Hons) Welsh History with Archaeology (3 years)
UCAS CODE V100 V101 V103 VV41 V1V4 V130 V140 VV12 V1VK
BA HISTORY AT BANGOR SCORED 100% FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION (NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY 2018) 4
School of History, Philosophy & Social Sciences
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STUDY OR WORK ABROAD Working or studying abroad enhances your employability by providing you with the experience of learning a global perspective and gaining confidence. Another benefit is that we can fit it around your degree. Studying at Bangor could take you to Europe and beyond!
• Study in Europe • Work in Europe • Worldwide Exchange – go to Canada, China, South Korea or the USA.
The School has international Erasmus exchange agreements with the following universities:
COURSE STRUCTURE You will spend about 10-12 hours in lectures and seminars per week. You will spend about twice this amount of time reading and completing coursework: the library is your laboratory on a History and/or Archaeology degree! In addition, there will be field trips and practical sessions linked to archaeology and heritage modules. Some history modules also involve trips both locally and further afield. Modules offered in the first year cover the medieval, early modern, and modern periods and will help prepare you for a more focused second and third year. You will develop skills for analysing primary sources, critically assessing academic scholarship, presenting a coherent argument. In the second and third years, our modules hone in on specific themes, events, or periods of time and include: ‘Magic & the Supernatural’, ‘Graffiti: Marking Space & Time’, ‘USA, 1945-2001’, and ‘Norman Sicily’ to name just a few. For a full list of modules please visit our website.
Students have the option to take a work placement module in the second or third year. See page 8 for more information.
• Universität Wien (Vienna) • Tallinn University • University of Malta
If you choose to study History as a joint degree with a language you will spend a year abroad before your final year.
Find out more on our Studying Abroad site: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/ exchanges/outgoing
Your studies are supported by teaching staff. We emphasise the importance of direct engagement between tutors and students - through individual meetings and one-to-one support. You will have lots of opportunities to discuss your work, e.g. a forthcoming essay, or to reflect on feedback. Assessment methods vary and include a mixture of examinations, essays, written work, presentations, blogs, podcasts and portfolios.
“I undertook my work placement with the National Trust’s conservation team at Plas Newydd on Anglesey. My work placement gave me a variety of roles and responsibilities and I have developed a huge set of skills as a result.” RACHEL MUNDAY BA HISTORY WITH ARCHEOLOGY
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Matthew Rowland, BA History with Archaeology (currently a PhD student) in Australia
“I took part in one of Bangor’s study abroad programmes. I went to South Korea as part of the summer school programme to teach English and Korean History and Culture to Korean students. This was one of the most enjoyable parts of my time as a student, and I would definitely recommend any Bangor student to get involved in the excellent international opportunities that are on offer here.” MARK BARROW BA HISTORY WITH JOURNALISM School of History, Philosophy & Social Sciences 7
WORK PLACEMENT MODULE Our work placement module provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain first-hand practical knowledge of a working environment as part of their chosen degree course, with the added benefit of having the help and support from History and Archaeology staff to ensure a tailor-made, meaningful experience. This module is available as either a 2nd or 3rd year module option. The aim of the module is to help students pursue their own interests and develop a project with an external organisation. Participating students have the opportunity to develop and enriching their skills-set, gain valuable work-experience and strengthen their CVs.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER History and/or Archaeology graduates develop the ability to conduct independent research and to engage in critical thinking - transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. We also offer the chance to study heritage, public history and archaeological fieldwork - all of which equip students with specialist work-related skills. We have a dedicated Employability Officer (a member of academic staff) on hand to provide advice and organise careers events for our students. Graduates are frequently invited back to Bangor to discuss their post-degree experiences with our current students. Moreover, with the University’s internship scheme, History and Archaeology students have the opportunity to assist with
current research projects and archaeological digs giving them the hands-on experience that employers are looking for. On our doorstep, we have the rich historical resources of the Bangor University Archives, the local museum, Storiel, and other potential employers, including the National Trust and the local Archaeological Trust, which means that Bangor students can experience working closely with heritage sector organisations. These links provide students with valuable connections, work-experience and volunteer opportunities. In recent years, Bangor History graduates have gained careers in a number of different fields, for example, the heritage industry, education, commerce, law, the civil service, journalism and the armed forces.
“I think Bangor is a fantastic place to study archaeology. The city is rich in history and culture, and is located close to some of the most beautiful areas and historic sites in North Wales. Whether your interest is prehistory or modern history Bangor University has it in abundance right on its doorstep.” TANJA HARDING BA (HONS) WELSH HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY. SENIOR CULTURAL HERITAGE OFFICER FOCUSING ON ABORIGINAL HERITAGE, BUNDABERG, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA 8
School of History, Philosophy & Social Sciences
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & HOW TO APPLY Our typical offers are currently 120-112 tariff points from a level 3* qualification – History preferred. This may vary for some joint honours options. For up-to-date details on entry requirements for individual courses, please see the online prospectus. *Level 3 qualifications include A levels, BTEC, Access, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com We welcome applications from mature applications, applicants with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements).
International Students A school-leaving qualification of a level equivalent to A-level is required. If your school-leaving qualification is not equivalent to A-level, you will need to undertake a oneyear foundation programme offered by the University’s ELCOS unit: www.elcos.bangor.ac.uk In addition, you must demonstrate an English language level of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. By passing the foundation course, you will automatically satisfy this requirement.
Finance We are eager to help you as much as we can on financial matters. Advice is available before you apply and while you are studying from the Student Services Centre and Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre. www.bangor.ac.uk/studentfinance
Mature Students Applications are welcomed from mature students and each application is judged on its merit. The University aims to offer as much assistance and support as possible and we appreciate that mature students’ needs are different to those of students coming straight from school. We realise that mature students may not have followed the traditional academic routes therefore we are flexible in our academic entry requirements. Each application is considered on its merit. An access qualification or evidence of recent study to a standard equivalent to A-level are welcome. We realise that mature students may not have followed the traditional academic routes, and we are therefore flexible in our academic entry requirements. Further details available from: Mature Students’ Adviser Tel: +44(0)1248 383637 Or download our Mature Students’ Guide: www.bangor.ac.uk/studyatbangor/ mature-students
How To Apply All UK and European Union applicants must use the UCAS application form: www.ucas.ac.uk International applicants may use the direct application form: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/applying/ undergrad Once we have received your application, we will inform you of our decision and issue an offer of entry. We will also send you an invitation to attend one of our UCAS Applicant Visit Days. School of History, Philosophy & Social Sciences 9
LOCATION “Wonderful position. On one side are the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park, on the other side is the Menai Strait. Bangor boasts the best university setting in the UK with parts within 6 feet of the sea.” The Independent’s A-Z of Universities and Higher Education Colleges
SCHOLARSHIPS Amongst the scholarships offered are: • ‘Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’ Scholarships worth up to £1,500 are available to students who study through the medium of Welsh. For further details: www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/cy/astudio/ cymorthariannol
Entrance Scholarship examinations, and awards will be made on merit. Candidates are not required to sit the Law subject paper to be eligible for these Scholarships. For further information, please email marketing@bangor.ac.uk
• Scholarships valued at up to £3,000 are available to candidates wishing to study any undergraduate degree course within the School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences. These awards are based on candidates’ results in the University
• Successful International applicants will automatically be considered for a £2,000 scholarship when the application for entry is being considered. Confirmation of the award will be provided in the offer letter.
The A55 expressway along the North Wales coastline provides fast and easy access to and from the main UK motorway network. Manchester International Airport is within a one-and-a-half hour drive of Bangor. Rail connections to Crewe and London are direct, and ferry connections from nearby Holyhead to Ireland are fast and frequent.
Rail Road Ferry
Bangor University
Distance from Cardiff
4 hours Manchester
2 hours
Manchester International Airport
1.5 hours London
3.5 hours Liverpool
“I came to Bangor University as a mature student to pursue my dream of becoming an archaeologist. Whilst studying my degree I secured work placement with the Local Archaeological Trust, which led onto employment as a trainee archaeologist. I now work for the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Service, Cadw, which I love. I believe that if you are prepared to work hard, study and chase opportunities then goals can be achieved.” ADELE THACKRAY BA (HONS) HISTORY WITH ARCHAEOLOGY GRADUATE 10
School of History, Philosophy & Social Sciences
1.5 hours Wrexham
1 hour Dublin
3 hours
Information in this leaflet is correct at the time of printing (February 2019)
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HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY
School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK
www.bangor.ac.uk/history
T: +44 (0)1248 382 085 E: history.ug@bangor.ac.uk
facebook.com/BangorSHiPSS @BangorHistory
Undergraduate Prospectus
bangor.ac.uk/history @BangorHistory