Graduate Diploma in History with English for Academic Purposes

Overview

This course aims to develop your subject knowledge in History and provides you with an understanding of the methods and techniques of the historical discipline. You will also be offered the opportunity to develop your English language and study skills. Successful completion of the course at the required level will normally qualify you for entry to an appropriate Masters course in the Department of History.

The course aims to:

  • develop and acquire the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation at graduate level in a British university. These include both linguistic and communicative competence, oral skills, academic writing, reading efficiency and the ability to work independently;
  • develop an understanding of critical thinking, including how to construct coherent arguments and enhance reflexivity skills;
  • enable students to study a range of historical topics, including focused study on a range of specific themes;
  • develop students' understandings of the relationship between the past and the present;
  • develop knowledge and understanding of the main conceptual and theoretical foundations, and current issues, of the discipline of history;
  • familiarise students with models of historical analysis and varieties of primary sources;
  • acquire the knowledge and skills (i.e. critical, analytical, research, problem-solving and study skills; argument and communication) that will not only stand students in good stead for more specialised academic careers, but will also enhance their opportunities for employment in a wide range of other careers;
  • develop in students the research skills appropriate to the study of history, and to provide the basis for them to develop the necessary levels of skill and knowledge required to progress to Masters degree level.

Course structure

English for Academic Purposes

These modules facilitate core English language and study skills development that is required for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. It aims to enhance your confidence, fluency and competence in the subject. To find out more, please follow these links:

English for Academic Purposes 1
English for Academic Purposes 2
English for Academic Purposes 3

Critical Thinking

This module is intended to teach you essential intellectual skills, in particular how to think critically and how to construct arguments. The process is aimed at enhancing general reflective skills. To find out more, please follow this link.

Department of History Modules

You have the opportunity to take the module Making Histories: Concepts, Themes, Sources and to choose one History Third Year Option (full year) and one History Second Year Option (Autumn or Spring term). 

Entry criteria

A relevant degree (minimum of lower second classification or equivalent), or three-year higher education qualification from a recognised institution. For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum of IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in every component, or recognised equivalent, is required. Decisions on an applicant’s academic qualifications will be made in close consultation with the Department.

Application form

A PDF application form is available online. Please print this off, fill it in and send it to:

International Academy
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3SQ UK

Please contact us for further information.

In addition, the International Academy offers Graduate Diplomas in  Accounting, Art History, Applied Linguistics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, Electronic Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Management, Politics, Psychoanalytic Studies and Psychological Studies with English for Academic Purposes. These are run in conjunction with departments of Art History and Theory, Biological Sciences, Economics, Government, Language and Linguistics, Psychology, the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies, Essex Business School and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.  Further details can be seen by clicking on the links.

 

Last modified on 23 February 2012