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Course review
Review by: Adam D
University: University of Exeter
Course: History and German
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
10
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
History, German and English Literature, as English has helped with essay writing in both subjects.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I had always found History one of my natural strengths in school and although German was a challenge, it was one I enjoyed performing. After an exchange in Germany I scored very well on my GCSE and from then on I have found German enjoyable. It is also something I do not want to lose, due to the hard work I have put into it.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
There isn't much I wish I had known about because it's all a great learning experience and thus you've got to experience it all for yourself.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
In my first year I had at least an hour of something each day. This included general lectures for both History and German and then seminars to discuss further what we had been reading. I had one compulsory tutorial and chose not to contact my tutor for anything else, simply because I found I had few course related problems.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
I was required to do a fairly significant amount of reading. Frequent essays were set which often ranged from 500 words to 2000.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
It's a very good course and would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing German to a high level. The same for History; we have a great number of experts lecturing and the general buzz and community makes Exeter a great place to study.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
I very much enjoy speaking German as it's an obvious way of gauging my improvements. I also enjoy learning things about the past that others are unlikely to have heard about. I enjoy History as it serves to explain human progression and the resulting change. It's fun to link seemingly unconnected events together with causes and reactions.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
The 9 am starts, although luckily they were rare for me last year. I'm not so keen on the seminars which seem to serve little function, although seldom, proved frustrating. One at 5 in the afternoon was a pain and did sometimes feel pointless as it was meant to cover such an expansion topic - 'History Foundation'.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
I think they are excellent. There are a great deal of highly qualified experts teaching us and the library is well-stocked. Other facilities (sport etc) are second to none.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
There is a great deal to choose from in terms content modules in History. I chose Magic and Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe, which was very interesting. The second semester I chose British Political and Economic Development 1945. My friends chose topics from The Vikings to Victorian Prostitution. There was also History Foundation which week by week, by way of one lecture and one seminar each week, explained the progression of history as a western profession into what it is now.
German consisted of a grammar lecture, with a subsequent seminar to practice what we had learned and to query a lecturer. This proved most useful to me. There were also German and Austrian history lectures and German literature lectures and seminars. Much of this was taught using visual aids and PowerPoint presentations.
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University review
Review by: Adam D
University: University of Exeter
Course: History and German
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
The University of Exeter is a fantastic place to study. There's a wonderful close-knit community style atmosphere on campus, despite there being well over 15000 people to meet. The city is small enough not to feel lost but big enough to appreciate being away from home and the independence which comes with this. Halls are brilliant, with great facilities, en-suites etc, for those who can afford them.rather expensive)! Activities never stop, I joined the breakdancing society, the beats and bass society (drum and bass and hip hop etc club nights), the basketball society and many more. There's something for everyone!
What is the academic life like at your university?
There are a lot of hard-working people there so when it's necessary it's not a problem to get down to work. I was shocked at how studious people became towards end of year exams. I expected them to do very little considering all you need to do is pass in the first year.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
It wasn't as I expected. I knew little about nightlife in Exeter but it turned out great. I can't remember that much of it to be honest. It must have gone ok judging by the number of good friends I've made.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
It's so worth going to university. It's constant fun and you may not realise it but you do learn about your subject and also about yourself.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The campus is the best thing, in that you feel part of a community and make friends extremely quickly. The worst thing is hard to put my finger on but I would say that there are a fair few snobs who keep themselves to themselves but like to flaunt their wealth etc.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
They're fantastic - there's something for everyone (I joined the break dancing society). This year I'm going to try lacrosse and if that doesn't work out, I'll try something else. Main stream sports have exceptionally good teams, such as hockey, rugby and cricket.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
It's good fun. We don't have 'super clubs' but we have enough variety to make it always fun. It is very alcohol orientated, but this means you never see anyone taking pills and drugs etc.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Exeter is perfect for students. It's large enough to feel independent and to appreciate being away from home but small enough so you don't get lost in the hustle and bustle of city life.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I did live in halls of residence, which was great fun, with people ALWAYS up for going out. Going into halls for the first year is by far the best thing to do, as you meet so many people and rarely get bored. A house is more appropriate for the second year as you've made your good friends by this stage.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
It was catered. Catered is the better option in my opinion because you get to eat with around 500 people and so get to make friends very quickly. Self-catered is great if you're a good cook and know how to budget properly. You only end up cooking and eating with 6 or so other people and so this limits how many people you know.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £156 was the cost of mine, but that was absolute top of the range and catered. Average cost is cheaper at around 110
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