BA History and Economics

UCAS code: LV11
Length: 3 years

Summary of course aims

This course aims to familiarise students with an extremely broad chronological range, whilst providing them with the opportunity of specialisation in particular periods and topics of British, European and American history. It also enables students to pursue their own interests through independent study and a substantial dissertation. Using a variety of approaches to the study of history, students will develop:

• the ability to analyse change over time
• to understand the nature of causal relationships, and to handle comparative, cross-cultural and abstract concepts

Additionally, students will refine the following subject based skills:

• the collection and synthesis of large quantities of information;
• the critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources;
• the making of well-crafted and substantial judgements,
• engagement in debate on historical issues.

The Economics element of the course aims to provide a thorough degree level education in the subject. It focuses on coverage of economic principles and their relevant application: the areas of economic principles are compulsory in the second part of the degree, and relevant applications are compulsory in the third part. Students taking the degree will thus acquire a good knowledge and appreciation of the basic elements of economic theory and of relevant uses and applications.

Course content

The course is divided into 3 Parts (years). You must take 120 credits in each Part.

Part 1 establishes the foundations for study in both disciplines

Part 2 allows students to study broad periods of History and also modules on microeconomics and macroeconomics.In addition in Part 2, 5 are taken up by Career Management Skills.

Part 3 involves the study in depth of specific topics through the History Options, Special Subject and the Economics Options.

For a full description of this degree course with the required compulsory and optional modules, please download the programme specification. Please note that you are advised to check that this course is running for the next academic year.

http://www.info.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/prog-index.asp

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in History and Economics are trained in clear thinking, research skills, diligence, independence, adaptability and the ability to understand people and situations in the world at large. As such they are eagerly sought after by employers.In addition they are given specific vocational training and orientation through a second year Career Management Scheme in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service. Past graduates have used their degree as a springboard for various areas of employment such as law, publishing, librarianship, museum work, teaching, social work, retailing, marketing, sales, and computing, while others go into the civil service and local government. Many pursue jobs in the business world, entering banking, finance, accountancy, retailing, marketing and sales. Several graduates also go on to postgraduate study in either History or Economics, both at MA and PhD level at Reading and elsewhere.

Opportunities for study abroad or for placements

Students have the opportunity to spend a period of study abroad (normally in Part 2) as part of the Socrates scheme, or in conjunction with the American Studies course exchange.