Reasons to Study History at University Level

History is a subject with so many facets that you’re never going to run out of things to study! You may wonder whether History has any relevance in today’s society, but it is worth remembering that what happens today will be history tomorrow. Essentially, learning about the past enables you to understand more about the society you live in now. By studying History at university level you have an opportunity to delve into aspects of the past which particularly interest you and develop a greater understanding of how events and people influenced the past and the implications for modern day society.

If you choose to study History at university you have at least three years to get a grounding in the subject. You will be able to get a general overview of significant historical events and important historical figures before deciding which areas are of particular interest to you and which you would like to do your own research into. In the first couple of years you will get a feel for historiography and how other historians have approached the study of the past. You not only have to consider which periods of history pique your interest, but also whether your prefer to look at something through a social, cultural, military or political lens.

You will have plenty of opportunity to write essays, complete exams and give presentations, which should all help to build up your confidence. Towards the end of your studies you will have to produce an extended piece of written work on an area of history that excites you enough to want to write an in-depth dissertation on it. You will not only have to read what other historians have written on the subject and summarise what they have said; you will also have to enter the archives yourself so that you can use primary documents to back up your line of argument.

If you have no intention of becoming an academic, you may wonder how a History degree will help you in the real world. You don’t have to become an academic or a History teacher for your degree to count for something, though. Studying History gives you an opportunity to learn more about a subject you enjoy and clearly you will be able to perform better in a subject which you are good at and which you want to know more about, and this will look good to potential employers. When you study History at university level you not only learn more about the world; you also develop essential skills that can be applied in the workplace.

As a History student you learn how to read through lots of information, making note of the relevant details and utilising them in your argument. You may also have to deal with some statistical data and learn to look for trends. You are given plenty of practice when it comes to writing, so that you know how to express yourself using the written word; how to use footnotes and create a bibliography. You also get a chance to express your views in seminars and tutorials, so that you become more articulate. Clearly, all of these skills help you in the workplace and, even better, you get to develop these skills whilst studying a subject you love.