History

Advantages: Flexible
Disadvantages: Very hard work

...think I have yet realised. History is one of those few arts degrees where what you learn actually is some practical use in the outside world. I'm a journalist now and there's really not that much difference: everything I learned about objectivity, evaluating evidence, source material and constructing arguments is immensely valuable to me now. So if you choose to put yourself through this course, at least take consolation in the fact you'll walk away ... Read review

Advantages: Freedom, great facilities, great teaching
Disadvantages: Work, work, work, work, work, ad infinitum

The History course at Cambridge university is distinguished by it's lack of compulsory lectures - not one. This makes it the only choice for anyone who enjoys their morning lie-ins. Other than that, however, the outlook is bleak for slackers. Although it is far and away the best course for those who like to determine their own working hours there is no getting away from the fact that this is Cambridge and you are required to work. Hard. Writing one ...
...in the park, but, compared to the first year workload at other uni's, it's harsh. By the time you're in the third year, however, you should be adjusted to the rigours of study, and ready to take on some interesting areas and concepts. The course is totally flexible in the third year - by a lucky stroke the only year that contributes to your final class mark. If you have any interest in anything at all, chances are you'll be able to indulge it. The ... Read review

Advantages: Great scenery, fun lecturers, wide range of topics
Disadvantages: Disorganistion of admin

...I'm a current second year at Keele University studying American Studies and History. I love the place, it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere and that suits me to a t. History has always been a passion of mine and I love spending my spare time visiting museums and reading books, so a degree studying the subject seemed a good idea to me! The history department at Keele is pretty much like any other department in Keele - pretty disorganised but run by a fantastic bunch of people! The secretaries in the office are great and answer any queries quickly and the lecturers range from grumpy old sods to young "hip" PHD student lecturers. So there's a wide range of learning for all. *Year One* All first year history students study a set outline. In the first semester this involves 'Modern History', which is mostly taught through 10... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good Solid Academic Course, Not too many similar
Disadvantages: Very Self motivated type of course(not for the lazy)

...Eveytime somebody asks me what I study, I tell them, Contemporary Military and International History, this is always followed by a strange look or a request to repeat what I have just said. I then have to spend around 15 minutes explaining what the course entails and that im honestly not a geek for doing it!! Many people see History degrees as pretty much useless, this degree however is not. Many people by no fault of their own fail to grasp the concept of contemporary, this basically means(in terms of this particular degree) any history that has happened over the past 100 years including anything that has happened yesterday etc etc. Therefore this degree can be extremely significant when you are able to study such recent events in a high level of detail. Through a wide choice of different modules available for you to study i have... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Brilliant 3rd and 4th year and world class tutors
Disadvantages: 1st and 2nd year is a bit frustratingly general

...Well I'm in my last few weeks of teaching at the University of Edinburgh, on a History (hons) MA course, and so the last thing I should really be doing is writing ABOUT it instead of writing FOR it, but hey never mind! The last four years have been fabulous fun, and work has hardly got in the way of that at all. That said, my parents tell me its what I'm actually here for! So how does History here work? Well, like most Arts degrees at Edinburgh, when you arrive, you are actually more part of the Arts faculty than the History department, although that is where you are based, and where they track you down. For the first two years, you do very general courses, designed to introduce you to the topics, rather than to actually really further your knowledge. Of your three courses, two must be in history itself (1st year this means... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful