History/Scottish Historical Studies

Why study History at Dundee?

At Dundee we believe in research-led teaching. That is to say, historians create modules around their areas of interest or the historical problems on which they are working. We regularly update our curriculum to reflect cutting-edge research.

All our lecturers are internationally-recognised experts in their fields, and we are currently rated as the top history department in Scotland for the proportion of world-class and internationally excellent research (in the RAE2008 national rankings).

You will be joining a dynamic and friendly environment, and we offer a broad training which will benefit you in your later career.

History at Dundee is both rigorous and enjoyable. Students recently described our modules as 'inspirational', 'intellectually challenging', 'enjoyable and above all informative'. Our teaching staff are all highly committed to ensuring that you achieve your full potential as a historian.

Who studies History?

If you have a curiosity about the past, an enquiring and analytical mind, a desire to form your own independent judgements and enjoy a lively and academically rigorous debate, History is for you.

What's so good about History at Dundee?

Evidence-based study

From the very start of your studies, you will be analysing various kinds of historical evidence, including written and oral evidence, maps, and visual images. You will benefit from our close links with the University's Archives, Records Management and Museum Services, and you will be able to examine many original historical sources first-hand. You will also learn about historical debates and how to form your own judgements about complex problems.

Field Trips

Field trips are offered on several modules, and there have been recent excursions to Madrid, Prague, and North America, as well as more local places like Dundee's historic dockyards. Visits are organised alongside our active Student History Society.

Degree Combinations

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by the History team, based in the School of Humanities.

As you progress through the different stages of your studies, we will help you to master a variety of key skills, including palaeography, database analysis, and team work. We will also assist you in developing your skills in source analysis as you look closely at a wider range of sources used by historians, including correspondence, photographs, feature films, architecture, art and music. In your final year, you will have an opportunity to apply these skills by writing a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing.

Careers

A history degree is an extremely valuable qualification. It provides a solid foundation in analytical skills which are highly sought after by employers.

The history programme at Dundee is designed to produce confident, intellectually-engaged graduates who can think creatively and independently, ask incisive questions, articulate their ideas, and solve complex problems.

Our recent graduates have gone into the media, teaching, politics, business, finance, the diplomatic service, and many other dynamic high-earning careers.

Postgraduate Study

Some graduates have continued their studies with us at postgraduate level, studying one of a range of MLitt Humanities programmes on offer.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Other Qualifications

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for joint honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and maybe subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

It is helpful if, in addition to demonstrating in your personal statement a commitment to the study of history, you can also indicate an interest in the wider arts. If you have undertaken a research project, tell us about it. If you are interested in a specific area of history explain why, and say something about your reading on the subject.

If your interest is especially towards Scottish History, again let us know of anything you have read or done which relates to this. You may also mention your involvement in other cultural activities and interests in current affairs and politics. If you have participated in broadly relevant events or activities (eg theatre, journalism, debates, social or charity work) we will be interested to know about it.

Mature students may relate how any life experiences will enhance their approaches to the study of history.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: