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History and Italian BA (Hons)

UCAS CodeRV31
QualificationBA (Hons)
Duration4 years
Study modeFull-time with a year abroad
Typical offer96–104 UCAS Tariff points

About this Course

You can study History as a joint honours degree with Italian (50% History, 50% Italian).

The Italian part of the course will provide you with advanced skills in the Italian language and a broad range of specialised and detailed insights into the culture, society and history that go with it. The degree has language at the heart of it, with core modules developing the key oral, aural and written skills every year. These modules also foster cultural awareness, which you will need for your year abroad, and later on, for the world of work.

The History part of the course is one of the most inspiring, dynamic and relevant subjects that can be studied at degree level, and so it is no surprise that History course 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. 

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

  • Bangor’s School of Modern Languages consistently ranks amongst the highest rated schools in its subject area in the National Student Survey.
  • Our size means that we offer learning on a human scale, in small classes, where you get to know the staff and your fellow students.
  • At the same time, our very large and varied range of option modules enables you to tailor your degree to your personal needs.
  • Some options are taught through the medium of Italian, others through another modern language depending on your choice of subject combination, others through English.
  • Bangor's Modern Language graduates have a very good track record in gaining employment.
  • Degree structures are flexible, allowing you to change your degree at the end of year 1 if you wish.

Key Facts from UniStats

Course Content

For more on studying degree courses see our Study at Bangor section.

You will have 3-4 hours of language classes each week plus classes in your other chosen modules. Tuition is mainly in small groups and there are few formal lectures.

Assessment involves coursework and written and oral examinations. You will also complete a dissertation as part of your degree.

Here, the students can enjoy high-quality teaching and get full support from all kinds of departments when they come across problems.

Chanjing Liu
PhD in Translation Studies

What will you study on this course?

In addition to the language the syllabus includes a broad range of stimulating options. First-year modules include an introduction to the history, culture, cinema and literatures of Europe. Second- and final-year options offer increasing levels of specialisation as you progress. The current syllabus includes modules on modern Italian history and culture, contemporary Italian cinema, representation and reality of Italian mafias.

Residence Abroad:
The third year is spent either entirely in Italy or, if you are studying two languages, in Italy and in the country of the other language. Your main options are:

  • A paid work placement as an English assistant in schools.
  • Study at one of our Erasmus partner universities, which include Università di Udine (Gorizia), Università di Trieste, Università di Milano La Cattolica, IULM (Milano), Università di Torino, Università di Bologna, Università di Firenze, Università di Cagliari (Sardenia), Università di Perugia.
  • An approved work placement.

In each case you also begin researching your dissertation topic whilst abroad, which counts towards your Bangor degree.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the History and Italian Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

Careers and Employability

Employability and the School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Studying Modern Languages opens the door to a wide variety of careers. Many Bangor Modern Languages graduates have, of course, gone into teaching and translating, but just as many have embarked upon successful careers in the civil service, business and commerce, industry and the media. The skills you learn whilst studying languages – cultural awareness, communication, accuracy, planning and logical analysis – are valued highly by employers from all sectors of the economy.

Employability and the School of History and Archaeology

The strength of a History and Archaeology degree is its intellectual breadth and flexibility. This makes our graduates an attractive proposition for employers looking for analytical and lateral thinkers.

Transferable skills

Studying History, Archaeology and Heritage prepares our students for the workplace by providing academic skills and honing personal ones:

  • Research skills and the evaluation of data sets
  • Critical thinking
  • Writing and editorial skills
  • Confidence and flexibility
  • Independent and team working
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • IT and Time management
  • Practical skills in archaeology (survey, excavation and the study of material evidence).

Work experience while you study

The School’s work placement module provides an insight into the type of employment to which a degree in History or Archaeology can lead.

Students gain work experience in:

  • Archives
  • Schools
  • Heritage sites (National Trust, Cadw, English Heritage)
  • Heritage railways
  • Museums
  • Westminster Parliament and the Welsh Assembly
  • Archaeological digs and units
  • Trusts and charities

Read what our students say about the workplace experience (link to work placement page).

Directed personal and professional development while studying helps our students achieve a CV that catches the attention of prospective employers.

In addition to a degree, Bangor students can provide prospective employers with a record of academic and non-academic achievements through the Bangor Employability Award Scheme (BEA) and HEAR report.

Career opportunities

History, Archaeology and Heritage students enter careers in many different fields:

  • Archaeological units, archives and librarianship
  • Museums and heritage management
  • Research (Academic and the media – television, radio, film).
  • Teaching in primary, secondary and higher education
  • Business and finance professions
  • Law
  • Commercial, industrial and public service management
  • Marketing, sales and public relations
  • Civil service, charities and local and regional government
  • Personnel
  • Leisure and travel
  • Tourism

Work experience opportunities at Bangor University

Level 5 and 6 students are provided with the opportunity to complete work-placement modules, which can be carried out in the university or through external organizations. These are assessed as part of the final degree. The programme enhances employability prospects and offers an insight into the type of employment opportunities a degree in history or archaeology offers.  Students have undertaken placements in a wide range of workplaces, including archives, archaeological units, museums and heritage centres.

Employment Opportunities

Examples of employment opportunities in history and archaeology can be found at the following sites:

Opportunities at Bangor

The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.

The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)

The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.

The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.

Internships

Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.

Internships offer valuable experience in a professional work place and there is a range of internships you can get involved in.

Student Volunteering

Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.

The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.

Working while you Study

The JobZone is the University’s Student Employment Bureau; they advertise the following opportunities:

  • Graduate jobs – Local, National and International
  • Full-time, part time, permanent and temporary jobs
  • Work experience / internships
  • Voluntary opportunities
  • GO Wales opportunties

To access these opportunities you need to register with the Careers and Employability Service.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements below are the School of Modern Languages requirements. Please also check with the School of History for any additional requirements.

For 2019 entry:

  • 104-96 tariff points from a level 3 qualification (including A levels, BTEC, Access, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the new UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com).
  • We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements).

For 2018 entry:

  • 104-96 tariff points from a level 3 qualification (including A levels, BTEC, Access, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the new UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com).
  • We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements).

General University entry requirements

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.

All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.

As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.

To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com

We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.

Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.

EU and International students' entry requirements

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.

More information

Home/EU students and International UCAS applicants

E-mail for General Admissions: admissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to:

Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF

Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383717 

International students (non-UCAS applicants)

Email to International Admissions: internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to

Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF

Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382028

Course Costs

When coming to University, you will have two main costs, Tuition Fees and Living Costs.

There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:

Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:

  1. Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
  2. Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
  3. Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.

History:

Mandatory Costs:

There are no mandatory costs, but if a student spends £50 on books per module then it would cost £300 pa.

Necessarily Incurred Costs:

Travel to placements: Some basic travel costs might be incurred depending on the location of the placement. An average example would be 2 weeks, public transport, £40.

Optional Costs:

Extra costs might be incurred if students decide to purchase more books, but this optional and entirely down to the individual.

Italian:

Mandatory Costs

Language modules:

Italian

  • Y1 - Workbook New Espresso (compulsory for beginners only): £37
  • Y1 - Advanced's Workbook Contatto 2 (compulsory for advanced only): £22
  • Y2 - Advanced Grammar book Soluzioni: (compulsory for Year 2 only): £ 25
  • Large bilingual dictionary (compulsory for all students): £28 
  • Grammar Reference (not compulsory): £15
  • Short stories for beginners (not compulsory): £7

Reading material for optional modules (all languages): a booklet is provided in most modules at no extra cost. When this is not the case, there are copies of the books in the library and/or online links are made available (e.g. free online platforms such as Project Gutenberg). When purchased, individual books would not normally exceed £10 (average of £40 if all books are bought for a module).

Necessarily Incurred Costs:

Year Abroad:

Students will need to pay for travel to and from year abroad placements (varying according to destination) but will receive an Erasmus+ grant that will provide a significant contribution to travel and living costs during their year abroad.

Optional Costs:

Graduation reception (i.e. event after the official ceremony) is free to attend for each student and two guests. Additional guests have to pay approximately £10.

How to Apply

How to apply through UCAS

Apply online via UCAS

UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. All university applications are processed through UCAS and then passed on to the universities listed.

Students may apply for a maximum of five courses. For Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary courses students are only allowed to apply for four courses.

The application form is found on the UCAS website, under ‘Apply’.

The early closing date is October 15 for all Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary students. The main closing date for all applications is January 15.

Your Personal Statement

Writing your Personal Statement is the part of the application form that requires most work. You are only allowed 47 lines or 500–550 words to explain why you wish to study the course and the skills you have that are essential for university study.

To write a successful personal statement for your UCAS application you must have a good understanding about the course and its content. Remember that you write only one personal statement for your five choices. Make sure that the courses are similar, if not the same, and make sure that you do not mention a specific course or university.

Read our advice on how to draft a winning personal statement or watch our video guide.

After you’ve applied

You should keep an eye on your application on UCAS ‘Track’. Offers from universities will appear on track and you will be able to accept or decline offers.

You can only reply when you have received all your decisions. The types of reply you can make are firm acceptance and insurance acceptance. Usually students reply in early May.

International Student?

If you are an international student, our International Student pages offer further information on applying.

As an international student applying to study one of our undergraduate programmes you can;

Erasmus student?

We receive around 350 exchange students every year from all over the world. 45% of these students come from Europe and the remainder from as far as Singapore, South Korea and Australia.

The University's International Exchanges Office is responsible for welcoming these students.

Confused about your next steps?

Take a look at our Going to University website for information and advice on getting ready for university.

Further Information

Contact us

Ms Ros James
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
Tel: 01248 382130
E-mail: modlang@bangor.ac.uk
www.bangor.ac.uk/ml

Why study at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures?

Modern Languages and Cultures at Bangor means learning on a human scale; we offer facilities equal or superior to those found in many larger universities, but in an environment where everybody – students and staff – gets to know each other quickly, and where there’s always someone to turn to. You are never “just a name” in our department.

Why Bangor?

Four of our students talk about why they chose to study at Bangor and their experiences whilst here.

My Year Abroad

Our students discuss their year abroad, preparation for it and the support they received.

Have a look at more videos and student profiles – or better still, come and visit us at one of our Open Days, where you will have the opportunity to speak to staff and students alike.

Studying History with us

  • We are a centre of academic excellence offering high-quality, research-led teaching
  • History has been taught at Bangor since the foundation of the University in 1884 – we have a wealth of experience and a strong sense of tradition
  • Our expertise spans medieval, early modern, modern and contemporary history as well as Welsh history, archaeology and heritage
  • We are recognised for outstanding pastoral care and award-winning teaching
  • Bangor is an inspiring location in which to study history, particularly Welsh History in which we have an unrivalled research record
  • The School has an excellent teaching reputation with an emphasis on small group teaching and one-on-one support
  • Our community of students, lecturers and researchers is a friendly and stimulating place to work and study
  • The School has a proven record of research achievement, with the regular publication of books and articles by staff with international reputations in their fields
  • Bangor is located in an area with an outstanding range of archaeology monuments: prehistoric tombs and stone circles, Roman forts, native farmsteads, and medieval castles including the World Heritage sites of Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Conwy
  • Students are encouraged to take part in excavations and there are opportunities to work in the local Archaelogical unit, museums and archives

Studying at Bangor

Rated Gold for teaching

We have been awarded a Gold rating, the highest rating possible, for the standarad of our teaching in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment. The TEF assessment took into account teaching quality, learning environment and student outcomes and learning gain. We were judged to deliver consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students and our teaching is of the highest quality found in the UK.

A top 10 university

The National Student Survey (NSS) results place Bangor amongst the UK’s top 10 universities (excluding specialist institutions) for student satisfaction. This reflects the University’s focus on overall student experience.

Enjoy a university experience that’s amongst the best in the UK

The guaranteed accommodation, student support, low cost of living and stunning location all contribute towards this.

Take advantage of the Bangor Student Experience with free membership of student clubs and societies, a new international experience programme and employability award scheme.

Award-winning clubs and societies!

Our clubs and societies have been named the best in the UK at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2018.

Unrivalled location

Choose to study in one of the best places in the UK to be a student. Bangor’s location – close to the mountains and the sea - has been described as ‘the best university setting in the UK’.

Investment in facilities

Benefit from continued investment in facilities and services – with an exciting new Arts and Innovation Centre, new Halls of Residence, and improved sports facilities amongst recent developments.

Guaranteed accommodation in award-wining halls of residence

We guarantee accommodation for first year students who apply within the deadline and hold Bangor as their Frm Choice. Our accommodation has been named the best in the UK at the 2018 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

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