Faculty of Arts

Ways to study history

A little bit of history is threaded throughout all our courses – it gives rise to the language, politics and culture of our world. Understanding our past helps us shape our future. So take a module or a whole course.

 

Which one's right for you?

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Archaeology

Use practical investigations and material remains to interpret the past.

Core periods

  • From prehistoric societies to the twentieth century.

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Working with artifacts
  • Practical experimentation
  • Scientific methods
  • Studying landscapes

You may already be studying:

  • History, Geography, Chemistry, Biology

Archaeology degrees

 

archaeology

The biggest draw I had to archaeology was the BSc course as it allowed me to combine my love of science with my interest in the past.
 

Cati Frear, BSc Archaeology

 

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Classics and Ancient History

How the ancient Greek and Roman worlds developed and helped shape Western society.

Core periods

  • Approximately 1600 B.C. to 500 C.E.

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Greek and Roman myths
  • Classical art and literature
  • Greek and Roman history

You may already be studying:

  • History, Classics, Latin, Ancient Greek, Ancient History

Classics and Ancient History degrees

 

classics

I have always found history fascinating and am intrigued by classical life so I thought that this degree would provide me with an amazing opportunity to explore areas of the classical past that I hadn’t been taught about in school.
 

Lucinda Keith, BA Classical Civilisation

 

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History

Investigate the causes and significance of past events and societies and how they relate to our own world.

Core periods

  • Medieval to late twentieth century

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Researching facts and figures
  • Debating

You may already be studying:

  • History, Politics
    Note: A level History is usually required for all single and joint honours History degrees.

History degrees

 

history

You can choose from many different topics and there are so many specialists in different areas. I’m studying the Druids and what they may or may not have believed, which I’m finding fascinating.
 

Maddie Chambers, BA Ancient History and History

 

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Cultural, Media and Visual Studies

Understand how society has developed through its visual culture.

Core periods

  • From 1400's to the present day.

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Painting and sculpture
  • Film and television
  • Theatre
  • Photography
  • Museums and exhibitions

You may already be studying:

  • History, history of art, art and design, drama and theatre studies, film studies, fine art, textiles, photography, media studies 

Cultural, Media and Visual Studies degrees

 

history of art

I knew I wanted my love for art to be a part of my studies at university so history of art was the perfect course for me. The department trains you very well in visual and critical analysis.
 

Thomas Lewis, BA History of Art

 

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American and Canadian Studies

Study the development of the USA and Canada through history, politics and culture.

Core periods

  • From the late 1400's to the present day.

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Popular culture
  • Experiencing different cultures
  • Rights and justice
  • Contemporary politics

You may already be studying:

  • History, Politics, Sociology. Media Studies

American and Canadian Studies degrees

 

acs

The range of modules on offer allows you to tailor the degree to your strengths and, more importantly, your interests.
 

Rebecca Kerrigan, BA American and Canadian Studies (Study Abroad)

 

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Modern Languages

Discover societies through the language in which they communicate.

Core periods

  • Medieval to the present day (dependent on chosen language)

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Investigating cultures, traditions and identities
  • Experiencing different societies
  • Studying texts, cinema and other visual culture
  • Communicating and expressing yourself

You may already be studying:

  • History, English, Media Studies, Politics, Modern Languages (but options to study any language from beginners’ level are available)

Modern Languages degrees

 

Studying history always interested me, but I was also keen to experience life in another country. For me studying a language was ideal as not only am I learning in depth about the history most fascinating to me, but through my year abroad I am also able to immerse myself first-hand in Russian culture.
 

Rachel South, BA Russian Studies (beginners’ pathway)

 

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Theology and Religious Studies

How major world religions came into being, developed and continue to influence us today.

Core periods

  • Approximately the past 3000 years.

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Exploring different cultures
  • Morality and ethics
  • Debating

You may already be studying:

  • History, RE, Philosophy 

Theology and Religious Studies degrees

 

trs

The eclectic research of the department can bring you into contact with literature, history, archaeology, art history and continental philosophy so there really is something for everyone. 
 

Jack Murphy, BA Philosophy and Theology

 

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Medieval English

Explore the roots of English through language and literature

Core periods

  • From the Anglo-Saxons via the Vikings and Normans to the Tudors

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Historical fiction and film

  • Local history and names

  • Studying texts and words

  • Museums and exhibition

You may already be studying:

  • History, English, Politics, Modern Languages, Politics, Religious Studies, Geography, Classics

English degrees

 

Medieval literature and language in particular fascinated me throughout first year and continues to do so as my second year modules allow me to further explore these interests.
 

Emily Riley, BA English

 

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Liberal Arts

Discover the history within, and relationship between, multiple subjects.

Core periods

  • From prehistoric societies to the twenty-first century

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • A global experience to studying history
  • Developing skills across the arts, humanities and social sciences
  • Studying objects, places, landscapes and environments

You may already be studying:

  • History, Geography, Politics, Psychology, Biology and many other subjects

Liberal Arts degree

 

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Musicology

Investigate the history and power of music in culture and communication.

Core periods

  • From 1200's to the present

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • Exploring cultures and societies
  • Understanding communication in a range of contexts
  • Narratives of power and protest
  • Music on stage and screen

You may already be studying:

  • History, Music, Psychology, Drama

Note: A level music is usually required for all Music single and joint honours.

Music degrees

Old blue tile mosaic of portuguese fado singers

 

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Philosophy

Core periods

  • From ancient Greece to the present

You might enjoy this if you also like:

  • How ideas change and develop
  • The ability to think clearly and argue coherently
  • Exploring contemporary ideas about society

You may already be studying:

  • History, Religious Studies, Politics, Classics

Philosophy degrees

 
black and white street art of two people holding hands
 

 

Foundation courses

The foundation programme is designed for:

  • UK students whose school-leaving qualifications do not meet the admissions requirements for direct entry to our undergraduate programmes
  • mature students holding non-standard qualifications.

It equips you with the skills you need for degree-level study.

Foundation courses

 

Foundation degrees

Having been out of education for pretty much 10 years the Foundation year gave me a bit of a refresher and eased me in to life at the University without putting too much pressure on me.
 

Russell Fisher, Foundation entry 2016-17

 

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Picture credit: Musicology - "Old Portuguese Tiles : O Fado" by pedrosimoes7 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Faculty of Arts

University of Nottingham
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Nottingham, NG7 2RD

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