Norwich University

What you'll study

This programme combines a broad foundation in historical methods with focused study of European cultures from the later Middle Ages through the seventeenth century. You will learn to read and interpret a range of primary sources — texts, images, material culture — and to situate them within social, religious, political and intellectual contexts.

• Core skills and methods: introductions to historiography, critical source analysis, research design, and presentation of historical argument.
• Medieval topics: political and social structures of medieval Europe, medieval religion and monasticism, medieval urban life, and cultural production (manuscript culture, art and performance).
• Early modern topics: the Renaissance, Reformation and Counter-Reformation, state formation and diplomacy, early modern social and gender history, and cultural exchanges across Europe.
• Thematic modules: religion and society, print culture and communication, material culture and everyday life, witchcraft and popular belief, and the history of science and medicine in early modern Europe.
• Language and palaeography options: introductory or intermediate study in relevant modern languages (commonly French, German, Italian), and training in palaeography and handling archival manuscripts where available.
• Research project or capstone: a substantial independent research piece drawing on primary sources, often supported by supervised archival work or an internship.

Courses are delivered through seminars, small-group tutorials and practicum-style sessions that emphasise active use of sources and sustained written research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school completion credential with strong academic achievement. Typical preparation includes prior study in history, literature or related humanities subjects, and evidence of skills in reading, writing and critical thinking.

• Application materials normally include a transcript of secondary study, a personal statement outlining interest in history and this period, and at least one academic reference.
• International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and proficiency in English through recognised language qualifications or other evidence as required by the university.
• Non-traditional applicants with relevant experience are considered on an individual basis; transfer students are assessed with reference to previously completed college-level coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates develop strong research, writing and critical-analysis skills that are valued across many sectors. Common career directions include:

• Museums, archives and heritage organisations — roles in curation, collections management, conservation support and public programming.
• Education — secondary teaching (with appropriate certification), adult education and outreach roles.
• Public sector and cultural policy — positions in local and national cultural agencies, museums services, and community heritage projects.
• Research and academia — progression to postgraduate study (MA/PhD) in history, cultural studies or related fields.
• Publishing, journalism and communications — editorial, research and content roles that benefit from strong evidence-based writing.
• Other professional pathways — careers in law, libraries, non-profit organisations and business, where analytical and written communication skills are transferable.

Why study at Norwich University

Norwich University offers a small, student-centred environment where undergraduates work closely with faculty on original research and source-based projects. The programme emphasises experiential learning: students can undertake internships, supervised archival work and study-abroad options that strengthen language skills and on-site knowledge of European archives and museums.

Students benefit from small seminar classes, dedicated faculty with research interests in European history, and access to university library resources alongside opportunities to connect with regional historical societies and cultural institutions. The university’s emphasis on leadership, ethics and practical skills complements historical training, preparing graduates for careers that require both subject expertise and professional competence.