Program Overview

The History degree course at Aberystwyth University combines your passion for learning about the past with skills that will equip you for a successful future. Do you want to discover how medieval peasants reacted to the Black Death, the role of the Tudors as a European Dynasty or why the world was thrown into two highly destructive wars in the twentieth century? Then our History degree is for you.

This degree course, offered by our Department of History and Welsh History gives you the flexibility to study the medieval through to the contemporary period and a broad range of themes such as power, violence, migration, gender and ideas, amongst others. Come and join us on a journey through history.

Alongside learning new and exciting information about the past, our History degrees also provide you with a range of skills, from analysis, fact-checking and communication, through to critical thinking and debate. In a world where the ability to quickly evaluate and analyse information is paramount, a degree in History will equip you with the tools for success whichever career you choose.

Why study History at Aberystwyth University?

• History has been taught in Aberystwyth since 1872, making our department the most established in Wales and one of the foremost in Britain.
• Our teaching is innovative, research-based and designed to train you in the skills of interpretation, analysis, and communication - skills that are valued in the workplace.
• Our subject specialisms enable you to follow your historical interests from the medieval period to the present day, ranging across four continents, and embracing political, social, economic and cultural history.
• In choosing Aberystwyth, you will become part of a close-knit and supportive community of students and staff, and you will have access to excellent teaching and research facilities.
• Our commitment to getting to know all our students sets us apart and is integral to our degree schemes. We provide teaching in small groups, including one-to-one tutorials and seminar-only courses, such as our skills and special subject modules.
• As well as learning about the past, you will actively engage in the process of building new understandings of history. By studying primary sources and working closely with our lecturers, you will be contributing to our research community.
• As an Aberystwyth History student, you will have plenty of opportunity to get 'hands-on' experience and access to the world-class resources that are available in Aberystwyth. These include the National Library of Wales - one of the five Copyright Libraries of the UK and Wales’s leading archive repository.
• As part of your degree course, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at a partner university, to undertake Heritage sector work placements and to plan for your future career.