The course gives you the opportunity to study the modern period from 1750 to the present in Britain, Europe and the U.S.A. in detail. If you take this degree you will investigate the evolution of modern western society and politics, but your studies will also include a consideration of less tangible influences on western attitudes, from the Americanization of popular culture to the break up of Empires and the globalization of economic activity.

Of course, although you will specialize in the modern and contemporary periods, you will still enjoy all the interest, stimulation and experience of a History degree. History remains one of the most popular degree subjects in the UK. It has an established range of concerns, but it is always expanding and changing as it responds to new themes or ideas raised by other disciplines. It is also a very practical subject, and during your degree you will develop various transferable skills that employers value highly. Surveys consistently indicate that History graduates obtain employment more rapidly than graduates in many apparently more 'vocational' subjects.

When making your decision about what you might want to study at Bangor, you should bear in mind that you could choose to read for a degree not only in History but also in Welsh History; History with Archaeology; Heritage, Archaeology and History; History with Journalism; History with Film Studies; and joint degrees including History such as History and English.

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Career

This course provides specialist knowledge and a range of analytical and presentational skills which will enable you to tackle a variety of career options centring on public administration, for example, in company personnel departments, the civil service and local government as well as in a range of directly transferable vocations. Graduates have in recent years gained careers in political work, law, accountancy and the cultural industries.

By studying for a course you will acquire a wide range of transferable skills, be they academic or personal. History graduates are desirable employees due to the variety of skills they develop during the course of their degree. These transferable skills include:

• An ability to review critically the literature and formulate logical and structured arguments
• An ability to make effective oral presentations
• The development of writing and editorial skills
• An appreciation of the complexity and diversity of situations, events and past mentalities
• Experience gained from carrying out and completing a major research project in the third year – the dissertation
• Good IT skills
• Time management skills

These transferable skills are fundamental to other employment sectors, such as the public sector, teaching, tourism, law, accountancy and management.