This introduces a particular historical problem or theme through the study of specified original sources. It has the value of 2 units, one of which usually involves writing a dissertation. The Department encourages students to acquire or improve their competence in ancillary skills such as foreign languages or computing. You can take 1 or 2 units form another of the disciplines taught at Royal Holloway in place of an equivalent number of Group 1 History units. This degree covers the late 19th and 20th centuries.
All students choose courses from each of the three main areas of study.
The remaining courses are selected from a wide range of alternatives so that numerous well-integrated programmes of study may be constructed. The history of modern political ideas is compulsory for all students. You are able to study the recent history and politics not only of Britain and its European neighbours, but also of the United States, the Middle East and South and South-East Asia. The degree includes a dissertation of 10,000 words. In each of the first and second years, you take one course unit in the language and culture of the appropriate country in order to prepare you for the year abroad.