Checklist for new History students
Any questions?
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the UG coordinators in the first instance:
Module Application Queries = HistoryModules@warwick.ac.uk
General Queries = HistoryOffice@warwick.ac.uk
1. Things to do before you arrive at Warwick:
- Choose your optional modules
- Check the Warwick Welcome pages
- Prepare for Welcome Week and Departmental Induction
- Check what Wellbeing and Disability Support is available
Optional History Modules
All full-time students take 120 CATS of modules in their first year.
Single-honours History students take two core modules, Making of the Modern World and Europe in the Making, plus two additional optional modules. Joint honours History students take Making of the Modern World and one optional History module, as well as modules in their other department. For full details of the optional modules available this year, please see our Modules page.
For further information on which modules are available to you on your specific degree course, please see the Syllabi for History Department Undergraduate Courses.Incoming First Year students must follow our Module Allocation Process to choose History modules. The deadline for submitting your module selection form is 12pm (noon, UK time) Monday 25 September 2023.
Welcome to Warwick
The university has a wide range of information for new students. Make sure you read it all carefully!
- Welcome to Warwick: the landing page for all new students at Warwick, including your Welcome Week Timetable
- Check what you need to do before you leave home and when you arrive on campus
Welcome Week and Departmental Induction
Induction meetings for all History undergraduates are held throughout Welcome Week and the first week of the autumn term. For details of the Welcome Week events and to personalise your online timetable for the week please visit the Warwick Welcome Pages and History Welcome Timetable 2023.
Wellbeing Support
While you’re at university it is important that you take care of both your physical and mental wellbeing. Warwick Wellbeing support is available to all students and provides a range of services that can help you to develop the personal resources and skills you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of student life.
Disability Support
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, it is important that you contact the Disability Services team within Wellbeing Support Services before starting your studies with us, even if you have already declared this on your UCAS application. Additional support can take time to arrange, so do contact them as early as possible to ensure you get the support you are entitled to. In the department we also have staff who will be available to support you.
2. Familiarise yourself with the History Department:
- Read through the History Undergraduate Handbook
- Make sure you understand your Degree Syllabi
- Check out the History Undergraduate Webpages
The History Undergraduate Handbook
This is your first port of call for any questions you might have of your degree, and you'll refer back to it throughout your studies.
Please note the Handbook is updated during September: the final version will be available by the start of term.
Degree Syllabi
You will feel more at home (and make wiser choices) during your first year if you familiarise yourself in advance with your degree programme.
History Undergraduate Webpages
A great deal of information is available on the Department's undergraduate webpages. These webpages are constantly updated, and will prove a valuable source of information throughout your studies. Please familiarise yourself with the information and resources available from these webpages.
In particular, see the History Year 1 page, which contains a range of information specifically for first year students.
3. Learn your way around our technology:
- Set up your IT account and install essential software
- Understand the different learning platforms we use (Tabula, Moodle, MS Teams, and Echo 360)
IT Services & Academic Technology
Set up your IT account and install essential software. Check out the guide for new students provided by the IT services team.
The university Academic Technology team has a number of useful guides to help you with common activities and tasks.
Tabula
Tabula is used for the administration of your course. You will use Tabula to:
- View your student profile and Personal Tutor details
- See your timetable, choose your seminar groups and view your attendance record
- View coursework assignment deadlines, submit assignments or request an extension
- View marks for and feedback on your assignment submissions
- Submit mitigating and personal circumstances
Moodle
Moodle is the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used at the University of Warwick. Many (though not all) of your modules will have a Moodle page. You will use it to:
- Find module resources including reading lists, assessment information etc.
- Engage in course-related learning activities
- Watch recorded lectures (if available)
- Provide feedback on your modules
Microsoft Teams
Teams is an online office, and will primarily be used for online meetings. You may use Teams to:
- Attend online meetings with your Personal Tutor or other staff members
Echo 360
Echo 360 is a lecture capture system. You may use Echo 360 to:
- View your recorded online lectures
Echo 360 is available via module Moodle pages.
Please note that practices will differ between modules and departments. You will be informed by module leaders on specific module arrangements.
4. Begin to think like a Historian:
- Consider doing some pre-reading
- Check out our student blogs
- Try out our "History Head Start" course
Pre-Reading
There is no required reading to do before you start your course, but you may want to browse the reading lists for your modules through the library's reading list portal.
You can also look on individual module websites to see if there are any additional sources suggested by the conveners, but not every one has recommendations.
Don't feel pressured to get ahead, however! You'll have time to do your set weekly readings during the term.
Student Blogs
Check out these blogs, written by History students, about their experiences at Warwick.
History Head Start
Get a head start on studying History at University with this course designed to introduce you to the skills of academic reading and primary source analysis. The course explores various historical topics by looking at an academic journal article or primary sources from the Modern Records Centre’s vast collections. History as a subject helps you to deepen your understanding of the past and encourages you to think critically about the world that we live in. The course is split into 12 'options', so you can either work through all of these or pick whichever interest you the most!
5. Explore your opportunities:
- Consider getting more involved in the department though our various opportunities, including study abroad, undergraduate research and student voice
- Join the History Society to meet likeminded students
- Develop your skills and learn how to showcase them
History UG Opportunities
There are lots of exciting opportunities and resources here at Warwick that can compliment your History degree, make new friends and gain transferable skills.
Consider Study Abroad
Follow the footsteps of history-makers! All of our single and joint honours students are eligible to apply for a year abroad during the first term of their second year of study.
Additionally, if you choose to study Renaissance and Modern History stream of study, you will have the opportunity to spend a full term in your final year at Warwick’s teaching facility in Venice, taught by Warwick staff.
Undergraduate Research Support Scheme
The Undergraduate Research Support Scheme enables Warwick undergraduate students to carry out an interdisciplinary summer research or public engagement project.
The scheme is open to all undergraduate students from any year or course, with the exception of exchange students.
Join our Student Voice Team
Undergraduate Student Voice Ambassadors are appointed at the start of each academic year to represent the SSLC on departmental committees. They work closely with academic staff in the History Department as well as with the Students’ Union Academic Representation team. Students can contact the Ambassadors with feedback, issues or concerns that they wish to bring to the department’s attention.
History Society
With over 800 members, Warwick’s History Society (HistSoc) is one of the largest and best-known societies on campus renowned for its socials, ball, tour, incredibly popular sports teams and impressive academic support! Socials are a big part of their identity with termly HistSoc nights out on and off campus. They look to support their members academically through essay workshops, module fairs, guest speakers and the newly developed mentor scheme.
Develop your skills
Keep track of the skills you develop as a student and make sure you can showcase them to future employers. Whether you already have a clear idea of what skills are important to you, or if you're just getting started, the Warwick Award is a great next step to take.
Our Careers team offers a wide range of workshops and online resources, from CV and cover letter tools, to interview techniques.
Search vacancies, book careers events and guidance appointments on myAdvantage. Our Senior careers consultant for History, Millie Tissut is here to assist you at any point during your degree, whether you have a clear direction in mind, need specific advice and guidance, or have no idea what you want to do.
The Library
The Library is at the heart of campus, and will be a central part of your University experience. Familiarise yourself with the Library through the Library induction programme.
Discover the Library study spaces & opening times.
Find out about the online courses the library offer for all students.
Take part in Study Happy – the Library's programme of events developed to help you connect with other students.
If you need any help using the library, contact The History Academic Support Librarian.
The Modern Records Centre
The Modern Records Centre, founded in October 1973, is the main British repository for national archives of trade unions and employers' organisations, and also has strong collections relating to pressure groups, fringe political parties and transport.
Find out more about our collections and staff
Find out how to use the Centre
Explore our guides to common research subjects - including sources for family history.
The Library Study Blog
The Library study blog is designed to connect students with information, support and their community. It’s contains posts offering tips and secrets on a wide range of study skills for example improving presentations, avoid plagiarism pitfalls, preventing library charges and much more. Posts are written both by Library staff and by students about their study experiences.