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War Studies: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BA
Address
War Studies: University of Birmingham, Departments of Medieval and Modern History, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Cultural Studies
Duration 
3 years
Telephone 
+44(0)121 414 5736
Fax 
+44(0)121 414 3656
E-mail 

H.J....@bham.ac.uk

Website 
http://www.history.bham.ac.uk



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What is war? Why study it? Why are wars so common? What are they for?  What, if anything, do they achieve? How important are technology, leadership and tactics to the outcome of wars? How have combatants (and non-combatants) experienced war and how has this changed over time? How does war affect society and how does society affect war? War Studies explores these questions.

This programme began in September 2007 as part of an expansion of War Studies at the University of Birmingham, which has long been a centre of postgraduate studies in the field of war. Birmingham is home to the Centre for First World War Studies, the Centre for Second World War Studies, the Centre for Studies in Security and Diplomacy and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.

Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, War Studies at Birmingham is based in the large Departments of Medieval and Modern History, which have an outstanding international reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

First year

The first year is the foundational year in an academic process that will see you progress from being a dependent to an independent learner. You will study War, Armed Forces and Society, a module that introduces you to the fundamental problems and concepts involved in the study of war. You will also study Practising History, a module that looks more closely at the techniques of the historian and at the nature and evolution of key historical debates. In addition, you will also study two historical survey modules spanning the early medieval to late modern periods. In Themes and Areas 1, you have the opportunity to develop your understanding of war from a complementary disciplinary perspective.

Second year

The second year is an intermediate year that builds on the foundations laid in the first year. You deepen your understanding of your subject through modules on Strategy and Operational Art and The Rise of Modern War. You also develop your historical skills and perspectives through Reviewing History and through a war-related History option. All War Studies students also undertake a group research project and engage in a Dissertation Preparation module.

Third year

The third year represents the culmination of undergraduate study and the final stage of your transition to an independent learner. You will hone your historical skills in a Historical Reflections module and also study a war-related, final-year subject option. You will also undertake an in-depth Special Subject module, which is chosen from a variety of available subjects, and you research and write your personal dissertation under the supervision of a designated member of staff.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and assessment methods are geared towards ensuring your smooth progression from being a dependent to an independent learner over the course of the programme. There is an even balance of individual tuition, small group teaching and lectures, with the emphasis on helping you to develop your ability to learn and engage in informed debate rather than simply accept received ideas. Assessment techniques aid this process and include ‘open’ and ‘closed’ examinations, assessed essays, group presentations and a 12,000-word dissertation.

Career opportunities

This programme equips you with a wide range of knowledge in addition to reasoning and personal skills appropriate for a career in the armed forces, the media or the Civil Service. Your War Studies degree will also be suitable for a career in fields related to historical studies such as libraries, archives and museums.

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: ABB
  • Required subjects: History A level
  • General Studies: accepted
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 33+ points to include History at HL

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirement s section for full details

Additional information

A subject booklet is available – email: h.j.cullen@bham.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)121 414 5752

Contact details

  • Admissions Tutor: Dr Simon Yarrow
  • Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)121 414 5752
  • Email: h.j.cullen@bham.ac.uk

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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