History Skills for Advanced Study

This course is designed to develop learners’ advanced history study skills, preparing progression to postgraduate or other advanced study in history and related subjects.

Learners will:

• Develop expertise in source analysis, critical thinking and historical debate, via online lectures and seminars, peer discussions, and tutor feedback
• Examine the nature of historical study, debate the meaning of history, and develop expertise in critical analysis of primary and secondary sources
• Focus on applying and enhancing research and analysis skills on a topic, such as an aspect of medieval Europe, modern European or Scottish history
• Progress to designing an essay topic and plan, selecting your own materials
• We finish with two weeks of independent essay writing, supported by tutor feedback 

Your teacher will share a list of online academic resources each week which will be the basis for discussion, exercises, and essay writing. 

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Assess and analyse primary historical sources, showing a detailed knowledge of their historical context
• Analyse critically historians’ opinions supported by enhanced understanding of their theoretical context
• Apply historical analysis skills to a topic case study
• Communicate ideas and knowledge of specialist areas clearly and engage in debate with peers 

This course is for learners seeking to develop their advanced historical study and research skills, including those preparing applications for postgraduate History programmes.

We recommend that learners have some experience of academic study, usually at undergraduate level or equivalent, as this course involves a high level of commitment.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services. 

We recommend that learners have some experience of academic study, usually at undergraduate level or equivalent, as this course involves a high level of commitment.

This course requires reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing.

You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.