Studying history at UCS (Ipswich) is a dynamic and exciting pursuit, shaped as much by the questions of the present, as by the events of the past.
Our BA (Hons) History degree scheme explores the experiences of individuals, families, communities, nations and empires, and the ideas and events that shaped their histories. We seek to investigate not just what happened in the past, but why it happened, and what it might tell us about society, culture, power, identity and the human condition.
Typical questions raised on our programme include: What is history and can we ever know the 'truth' about it? What forces and factors have shaped the modern world? Was the twentieth century a period of progress or cataclysm? How have ideas about masculinity and femininity changed over the centuries, and why? What issues might we encounter when analysing census records? Why did rural East Anglia witness an epidemic of arson in the 1840s? How has Britain's status as an island nation shaped its history? What made the early-modern mind tick? How did the witch-hunt in East Anglia compare to similar episodes elsewhere? How important was the home-front in the two world wars? How did ideas about race, class and gender shape the character of British imperialism? What causes genocide and can it be prevented? Who 'won' the Cold War and is it too soon to tell? What is the purpose and value of studying history?
Students are encouraged to debate and seek their own answers to such questions, and to learn how to formulate, present and support their own arguments in written and oral presentations. We won't tell you what to think, but we will teach you how to think. We'll guide you as you learn to research primary and secondary sources, evaluate evidence, analyse arguments, devise and debate your ideas, and express your own thoughts and theories effectively.
Read about last year's History trip to Belgium and France|...
UCS History on Facebook
You can also visit our Facebook page| to see current student discussions and photos!