History with Languages BA (Hons)

About the course

History with Languages is distinct from the single and joint honours courses as it combines the study of History with the study, from beginner or post GCSE level, of a foreign language. Studied alongside your History degree this course is ideal for students who dropped languages at school after year nine or GCSEs, and for those who have no background in languages, the pathway offers you an essential skill for success in the global job market.

You will take a 30 credit beginners or post-GSCE module in your chosen language which will equate to two hours of language classes and one hour of cultural studies per week, learning about the country and its people.

We currently offer the following language combinations:

• History with French (at beginner or post-GCSE level)
• History with Spanish (at beginner or post-GCSE level)
• History with Mandarin Chinese (at beginner level only)
• History with Japanese (at beginner level only)

Note: Only French is available for 2013 entry.

Reasons to study a language

• Languages are “strategically important” (HEFCE, 2010); there is a real shortage of foreign language skills among English native speakers
• Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish graduates; having a recognized competence in a foreign language distinguishes you from among other graduates
• Opportunity to study abroad between years two and three of your study – learning to live in a different culture, practicing your language skills and making new and useful contacts, as well as adding to your CV.

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Key facts

UCAS course code:

• History with French: V1R9
• History with Spanish: V1R4
• History with Mandarin Chinese: V1T1
• History with Japanese: V1T2

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013

• Normally 260 points with a minimum of 160 points from 2 full A levels and including grade C in History
• National Diploma DMM
• Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above. We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

Interview required: No

International Students

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching at DMU is interactive, informal and enjoyable. We will encourage you to develop your own thoughts, ideas and viewpoints.

Learning takes place in a number of different ways:

• Lectures: where you are introduced to key themes and debates (usually lasting about one hour)
• Seminars: you are encouraged to discuss and interact with each other by giving presentations, examining documents, and working in small groups to exchange ideas (usually lasting about one hour)
• Individual tutorials: one-to-one sessions with a member of staff

Each year the language module focuses on language competence/skills classes and a ‘cultural awareness’ class each week which introduces the history, culture, institutions, politics and literature of your chosen language. In the final year there may be an opportunity to study language for specific purposes (e.g. business language). You will take a 30 credit module in your chosen language which will equate to two hours of language classes and one hour of cultural studies per week, learning about the country and its people.

Course modules

Year one modules

• Presenting and Representing the Past
• 20th century Europe
• The Making of the Modern World 1789–2001
• Language module (Basic User A1 or A2 depending on entry language level)

Year two modules

• The modules will be drawn from the following:
• The Second World War
• The Cold War
• The Development of Modern Britain
• US Ethnic History
• Sport and Leisure in 20th Century Britain
• British India 1857–1947
• Englishmen and Foreigners
• Language module (Basic User A2 or Independent User B1 depending on entry language level)

Year three modules

• Dissertation (a 10,000 word project: compulsory for Single Honours, optional for Joint Honours)
• Independence and Occupation in Poland since 1918
• USA and Vietnam
• Racism in 20th Century Europe
• Sport and Society in GB, Europe and the USA c1850–1940
• Rural Britain in the 20th Century
• Maps and Borders: India and Pakistan since 1947
• Yugoslavia and Beyond
• Language module (Independent User B1 or Independent User B2 depending on entry language level)

Graduate careers

History prepares you for a variety of careers and professions: teaching, museums and heritage, retail, administration, marketing, personnel, journalism, archival work, tourism, or for postgraduate study. Here are some of the things our graduates have gone on to do:

• Sarah worked as an archivist in the photographic archives at the Imperial War Museum in London
• Caroline is working as an education officer at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester
• Jon is a history lecturer at another university
• Patsy is a history teacher in a secondary school
• Kevin is working for Ericsson in Sweden

Fees and funding

2013 entry

UK/EU Fees: £9000
International Fees: TBC

Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships and awards| information.