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Course review
Review by: Kathryn A
University: Lancaster University
Course: History
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?
13
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
History, Classical Civilization, English Language or Literature
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I originally went to Lancaster to study English Language and Creative Writing but had to pick a third subject in first year, which was History in my case. After a year of all three subjects, I decided that English Language was too complicated and that I wasn't enjoying it. I have always enjoyed History and, although I didn't do it at A-Level, I had done it at GCSE and had done Classical Civilization at A-Level - this encouraged by interest in ancient history.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
It depends on the day. Last year, on Thursdays, I had a seminar, followed by another seminar, an hour's break, then two more lectures. In contrast, next year I have a three-hour lecture on Monday morning, then a break until 5pm where I have a lecture for an hour. Most of the time, I have one or two classes a day, but the times vary for each day of the week and each term.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
I am required to do a lot of reading for History, as much of the subject involves studying texts written by other historians throughout various time periods.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
I love the modules available and the amount of support I have received from the History Department. After being in three different departments for the past year, I can safely say that the History Department has been, by far, the most helpful one -the staff are much more willing to listen and help the students as much as they can.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
I wish there were more modules on ancient history from which to choose.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
I think they are really good! One of the best ideas, in my opinion, is the various computer rooms around campus that are available to use at any time of the day and night by students, especially for students with no computer of their own to work on. The only complaint is that I wish there was a better shop on campus - Spar is far too expensive, as is the Student Union shop.
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.
The content largely depends on the modules taken by the student. Students can expect a lot of support but should be wary that the university uses their intranet a lot: this is where students get their timetables from and where they upload essays to, as well as contact tutors. The most usual teaching method is the lecture and seminar format; lectures being where students sit and listen for fifty minutes, taking notes and the seminar being where students have the opportunity to discuss the work from the seminar with their tutor and classmates.
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Other reviews for History
Sophie F, 2nd Year doing History at Oxford University
Charlotte R, 1st Year doing Ancient History at Durham University Rebecca N, 3rd Year doing History Of Art at The University of Edinburgh Tom P, 1st Year doing History at The University of York Lottie H, 2nd Year doing History Of Art at The University of Edinburgh Adam D, 2nd Year doing History and German at University of Exeter Jamie P, 3rd Year doing History at University of Leeds Fred K, 2nd Year doing History Of Art at University of Leeds Bobby J, 1st Year doing History at University of Cambridge Owen P, 2nd Year doing History and Politics at Lancaster University James N, 2nd Year doing History at University of Cambridge
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University review
Review by: Kathryn A
University: Lancaster University
Course: History
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Lancaster university is great for people who don't need or want huge cities during their studying. The majority of people are very helpful and friendly, catering very well to Freshers who may be terrified when they get there. The campus is beautiful and the academic side is so interesting and well worth the effort.
What is the academic life like at your university?
The academic life is really interesting, although that may be my geeky side coming out. The library is very confusing - I still get lost - but the librarians are helpful: I have emailed them on several occasions with our Ask a Librarian system, and they are very willing to go and look for the books you need for your course. The work is a challenge at times and requests that the students actually work and study to earn their degree, which is not a bad thing!
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Fresher's was better than I thought. It was slightly intimidating, which I guess is only expected but so much fun. I was so anxious about going to a place where everyone else was going to be drunk all the time, as all students are thought to be. However, in our Freshers' Week, our Chaplaincy Centre hosts a serious of non-religious non-alcohol events, such as the non-alcoholic pub quiz, which is where I met all of the people I currently hang about with!
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?
Advice: join some clubs, go and meet people even if you're shy!
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
I love having a campus university where everything is in one place. We also have a fantastic public transport system linking the university to the town. The university feels like a nice community and great place to live - it wasn't my first choice, but I'm glad I got glandular fever during my A-Levels and missed out on my first place!
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
We have some fantastic clubs and societies, including kayaking, archery, history, chinese, hiking etc etc. If you want a particular club that isn't currently at the university, students can start their own up!
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
I am not very familiar with the nightlife, as this is not really my thing but there are plenty of other social things to do. Most of these socials occur through the clubs and societies, which help you get to know other people. I have found that some people are socially alcohol-orientated but some are not. This totally depends on who you hang around with but there are many events involving alcohol - pub crawl, fancy dress pub crawl, three-legged pub crawl etc.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
The nearest town to us is Lancaster. It's quite small but is a nice place to go to to get away from campus. It has all the amenities, including a supermarket and a cinema, both of which do student deals all the time.
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 lived in halls of residence last year, my first year, and am doing so again next year. I think halls are fantastic because you're so close to your classes and to the library - great if you forget your assignment until 11pm the night before!
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?
My halls are self-catered, which I think is better because I am such a fussy eater. Also, I prefer being able to eat when I want to, not at set times.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £67pw self catered is the cheapest.
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