Course Overview
The Social History degree is taught collaboratively by the Department of History and the Department of Sociology. You will come to understand how the two disciplines complement each other, gaining a thorough grounding in the methodologies of the historian and sociologist as you develop your critical skills as a social historian. Guidance will be given by expert scholars as you study with fellow students sharing your interests and commitment. The abilities you gain will be transferable to a large number of interesting and varied vocations.
Throughout your Social History degree you will benefit from some of the finest teaching Lancaster has to offer. Our Department of Sociology has been distinguished as ranking in the top 5 in the UK, while the excellent teaching in our Department of History has also been recognised, with several of our History staff having received national teaching awards. Working together, the Departments deliver a course of exceptional quality and flexibility. The history modules will provide a historical context to the important sociological subjects you will engage with that impact on our daily lives such as gender, race, consumerism and disability.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the History department.
Year 1
- From the Medieval to the Modern: History and Historians
- Introduction to Sociology
Year 2
- Understanding Social Thought
- Research Skills and Techniques
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the History department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB. We normally expect three A-levels
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 grades, if 4 A-levels presented
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 34 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses
BTEC: DDD/DDM
Mature students: Applications most welcome, especially from adults taking 'access courses'. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
IELTS: 6.5
Careers
The strong research, critical analysis, writing and presentation skills developed during your studies with us are highly valued by employers. There are many career pathways open to our graduates, which include positions in social work, counselling, education, HR, the public sector, business, the media, consulting and marketing. A good number of our graduates decide to continue into postgraduate studies with us, often progressing into research and teaching. Lancaster University is currently ranked 5th in the UK for graduate employability according to data from the 2012 Complete University Guide.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments designed to best support the requirements of your chosen degree programme. These may include lecture and tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory sessions, other practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based elivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, short and sharply focussed critical reports, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Multiple choice formats are also employed where appropriate. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university’s online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page.
