University of Sunderland

History, Politics & Religious Studies

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History

History enables us to understand the past, interpret the present and gives important insights into the future. Our course at Sunderland provides a wide variety of modules to study, ranging from Tudor England to Martin Luther King and from imperialism to women's history. Students with a history degree from Sunderland have gone on to work in a very wide range of professions, from law and business to teaching and politics.

The course concentrates on history since 1450 and offers wide module choices, allowing you to develop and follow your own historical interests. British, European and American history are at the heart of our course and we also offer a broad range of thematic modules on topics such as regional history and social and cultural history.

A history degree will help you to develop skills of communication, enquiry and analysis, as well as critical ability. These skills are all highly attractive to employers and lead to career opportunities in a rich diversity of areas. 

Politics

Politics at the University of Sunderland introduces students to current developments in British politics, international affairs and the `war on terror'. It explores political ideologies on both left and right and looks at lasting political debates on issues such as human rights. 

Politics can be studied:    

As part of the Combined Subject Scheme 
As part of a single honours degree: Contemporary History and Politics 

The core politics teaching covers two main areas:

(1)   British Politics. Topics include: 

British Political History
Political Reforms 
Rise of New Labour

(2) Political Theory and International Affairs.  Topics include:

Rise of Democracy
Modern Political Thought
Communism and Fascism
Terrorism

Other options for politics are available in the areas of Political History, European Studies and American Studies. Final year undergraduate students have the opportunity to undertake independent study into a topic of their choice. Politics staff are research active and in addition to the undergraduate program, politics can also be studied to PhD level at Sunderland.  Enquiries from potential postgraduate students are welcome. Politics at the University of Sunderland is part of a small team that prides itself on its good relationship between staff and students and the high level of student support it provides. Courses are taught by full-time members of staff and all students have the chance to work closely with staff on areas of special interest. Staff and students also meet up for periodic social events. For further information please contact Dr Peter Hayes or Dr Simon Henig.

The teaching and learning facilities for History at the University of Sunderland are excellent, with most teaching taking place in the newly-refurbished Priestman Building.

Our library has a wide range of texts and journals, as well as database and electronic research information. You will also enjoy 24-hour access to award-winning computing facilities.