Learn all about the programme structure, teaching and academic support and entry requirements on the undergraduate study site.
Student Experience
Meet our undergraduate students
Tomas
BA History (Penryn Campus), 3rd year
One of my favourite aspects of studying at Penryn has been the local, cosy atmosphere, the ‘we’re-all-in-the-same-boat’ feeling that makes for great camaraderie among students.
As an international student, I found myself unexpectedly dealing with a culture shock. Luckily, the societies on campus were there to help me meet like-minded people, many of whom have now become good friends. I am, for example, a member of the Expedition Society, which does hikes and walks in and beyond the local area. This has been a great chance to get out and see Cornwall.
Sian
BA History (Streatham Campus), 3rd year
The three years I have spent at Exeter studying History have been incredible. I have always been passionate about History and I am so glad I continued the subject at degree level where there is so much opportunity to research your personal interests in detail. I absolutely love the course here, the History department is one of the biggest on campus and so provides a huge range of module choice and I have been able to study all my interests over the course of 3 years. My tutors have also always been so helpful and passionate about their subjects.
Emily
BA History (Penryn Campus), 3rd year
I love my course so far. I found the amount of reading overwhelming at first, but once you have a routine and learn some useful reading habits it is easy to find a good balance between workload and social life. The lectures and seminars are engaging and cover many new concepts and methods of studying history, which have challenged a lot of the assumptions that I had before coming to this university. The module I have enjoyed most was my second year source portfolio project, where I was able to pick an area of history I was interested in and do in depth research based around a selection of primary sources.
Ed
BA History (Penryn Campus), 3rd year
I had been to Cornwall for several holidays in the past and the chance to study in a location people often regard as a holiday destination was a chance I could not pass up. Coming from a small town, I also felt the size of Streatham Campus was a bit overwhelming and I thought that a smaller and more intimate campus was more appealing to me.
I have particularly enjoyed Dr. Kristofer Allerfeldt’s American crime module which examines the history of the USA from end of the Civil War in 1865 up to the Bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941. This was interesting as we used the scope of crime to examine the history, rather than just looking at each event in chronological order.
As well as having a fantastic academic experience, the Students’ Union offers plenty of social activities and the services available to students are invaluable. The library catalogue is abundant with useful resources and if they do not have the book you need, it can be ordered on request and you can ask for books to be brought down from Streatham. The library is also open 24/7 so is always there should you need to shut yourself away and power through your deadlines.
Charity
BA History (Penryn Campus), 3rd year
I have really enjoyed my course so far. One of my favourite modules so far has been the Second Year Public History module. I have enjoyed the freedom in being able to work with the wider community, outside of the structured lectures and seminars. I learnt a lot about the practical and ethical implications of ‘doing’ history as well as the multiple roles a historian has to play. My time at university has widened what I would consider history, and has challenged my own assumptions that I bring to my work.
Megan
BA History (Penryn Campus), 3rd year
Whilst the Penryn Campus may not have a nightlife as wild as other student towns, it has a lot more to offer in its beaches and chilled atmosphere. There are numerous societies and clubs to join to keep you busy all year round, and some beautiful places to visit all around Cornwall. I like to make the most of being so close to the beaches and try to spend most of my free time there. There’s such a range of activities to partake in, including sea swimming and surfing.
My favourite module this year would be the crime and punishment in America module, it involved looking at different types of crime and what we consider to be crime in historical contexts.
Barnabas
BA History (Streatham Campus), 1st year
The thing I enjoy the most about my degree is the ability to, through interesting and intriguing topics, develop key academic skills in a variety of forms, including essay writing, source evaluations, historiography, presentations etc. I love the combination of stimulating academic challenges with a large amount of exciting extra-curricular activities to get involved in – including an impressive array of speakers from prestigious organisations, giving a wholly rounded university experience.
Thomas
BA History (Streatham Campus), 3rd year
When I first considered applying for University, my main desire was to study something I enjoyed and in History, I found that. My delight at studying the past has only been nurtured here at the University of Exeter. The first year modules in particular were a step up, but they truly invigorated my passion for history. Throughout my degree and culminating in third year, I have been able to study topics I find both interesting and stimulating. From studying Mughal Indian History to creating a project around the Dukes of Hazzard and the Confederate Flag, I have been able to tailor my degree.
Robyn-Marion
BA History and Modern Languages (Spanish) (Streatham Campus)
This programme has made it easy for me to increase my History knowledge step-by-step, moving from broad, skill-based modules, to more specific modules in my final year. I love the variety of modules offered, ranging from African marriage and witchcraft to my dissertation on the Basque refugees’ arrival in Southampton. Exeter has the most beautiful campus and an incredible student community which made me feel at home from day one. Moving from Northern Ireland, the city was also perfect for me, as it is small enough to find everything, yet big enough to offer shopping, nightlife and activities.
