Program Overview

In choosing History with integrated Foundation Year at Aberystwyth University, you will study one of the most valuable of subjects.

Most of us are curious about the past and about the way human societies have evolved over time. A degree in History will allow you to place the past in perspective and equip you with the analytical skills of interpretation, analysis and communication that are both vital in everyday life and highly sought after by employers. Our degree encourages you to follow your own historical interests, within a first-class research-led teaching environment.

The integrated foundation year - designed for prospective students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background - is the perfect option to access this highly sought after scheme. In the Foundation Year, you will gain a solid base of key skills such as essay writing, analysis and how to consider primary and secondary sources, which will prepare you to excel in the rest of the degree.

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.