Student reading in library

Beyond Your First Year

Our second- and final-year historians choose from within an extensive range of modules, personalising their degree to suit their own interests and passions.

After your first year you can choose to focus on a particular period, theme or region or to develop a breadth of chronological and geographical knowledge.

Your module options will include selections ranging from ancient to modern history, and encompassing the histories of Britain, Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. The modules may focus on a particular period, theme or region, or they might allow you to develop a breadth of chronological and geographical knowledge.

You also have the option to explore opportunities to study abroad. In Europe, our current study abroad partners include the Free University of Amsterdam, Free University of Berlin, KU Leuven in Belgium, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Vienna. You will be taught in English, while still being able to benefit from language-learning opportunities. Further afield, we currently partner with universities in Australia, Canada and the USA.

Thomas Side
Thomas Side

Thomas's view: "the broad range of modules at Lancaster appealed to me"

As a student who came to university with a passion for all periods of history, the broad range of modules at Lancaster appealed to me. Some of the modules I have most enjoyed were from wildly differing periods – from culture and society in the Roman Empire to gender and warfare in 20th-century Britain.

During my second year, I realised that 20th- and 21st-century European and American history was where I wished to focus my studies. As my dissertation focuses on contemporary American history, I chose final year modules which were positioned in Europe, allowing me to cover a broad range of topics. I have chosen modules on Britain in the 20th century, Europe during the Cold War and a Special Subject on the Spanish Civil War.

Thomas Side, Final-year History student (2023)

History at Lancaster

  • Your First Year Studying History

    During your first year, you'll have the chance to explore subjects ranging from ancient to modern history, while choosing from a set of optional modules.

  • Meet the Department

    Our friendly Department is a thriving centre of historical teaching and research. Find out more about who you’ll meet in your first year.

  • Study Abroad

    Choosing History at Lancaster will give you the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities overseas

  • Heritage Work Placements

    At Lancaster, we integrate work experience opportunities into your academic studies.

  • Preparing for History

    Here you'll find recommendations from our lecturers to help you get ready to become an undergraduate historian.

History courses

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