History

History at USW challenges you to think about how we comprehend the present and how we envision and shape our future. Why were people accused of witchcraft? What made Jack the Ripper become a global news story? What was life like in post-war Britain? How can we confront the legacies of the imperial past? What can we learn from the histories of Greenland Vikings or the American West?

Our course offers exciting new perspectives on the past and how history is represented today. You will examine history from the close of the European Medieval period through to the present day, and you’ll go on a global journey that covers themes in the history of Europe, the Americas, the British Empire and beyond!

As a History graduate, your skills will be highly sought after by employers. Our degree will develop your skills in questioning narratives, gathering and evaluating evidence, and learning how to build rational and well-presented arguments. In Year Two you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or to contribute to an active history project.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, small group seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials. You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including podcasts, mapping, posters, essays, heritage guides and book reviews.

If you are interested in studying History but don’t have the required qualifications or are returning to study after a period away from learning, please look at our History with Foundation programme (V10F) or our History Cert HE course (482N).

Why Choose History at USW? Our small class sizes, emphasis on collaboration, and friendly, supportive lecturers mean that every type of student thrives here. We provide academic support on an individual basis and foster a close relationship between the teaching staff and students.

You can also freely access professional support services for all aspects of life at university – including wellbeing, careers and employment, entrepreneurship, study support and clubs and societies.

Don’t just take our word for it, though:

• Our History programme has been ranked top for Teaching Quality in Wales, and top five for Teaching Quality in the UK in the Times Good University Guide 2024.

• History at USW has been rated in the top five in UK for assessment and top in Wales for teaching and assessment (Guardian University Guide, 2024).

• History at USW is rated top in Wales and top 10 in the UK for teaching - National Student Survey, 2023.

• USW's history research is ranked joint first in the UK for its world leading or internationally excellent real-life impact.

• "To anyone thinking of studying History at USW, I would highly recommend that you do so. The lecturers are wonderful and fully available to support and encourage you and our librarian is a font of knowledge always willing to help.” – Gemma, BA History

Where will I Study? Our Treforest campus is in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, with beautiful scenery and rolling landscape. With an onsite student union, halls of residence, sports centre, restaurants, bars, shops, and more, it boasts a great student community and Cardiff is just 20 minutes away.