I can confidently say I once knew zilch about Roehampton’s BA History degree.
As a second year BA English & Journalism student at Roehampton, I was invited to investigate the History course and share my insider knowledge with you. What you’ll find here is a mixture of current student and staff interviews, first-hand experience of a history lecture, and even a professor’s book launch party.
My mission is to provide an immersive second-hand experience of the BA History course. Finally, I have no regrets about the title – I hope you’re slightly amused by my brain-rotted humour! Let’s begin.
Why Humanities?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: humanities degrees seem to be a gamble in the world right now. I remember my academic careers advisor warning me under no circumstance to accept a humanities degree (love her to bits, but I completely disagree). There is a reality that many degrees are being challenged by the existence of AI. However, it is easy to overlook the greater picture when the loudest voice shouts that humanities are dying, and STEM is the way of the future.
In 2026, the Humanities World-Changers Report commented that “we need people who can: communicate clearly and persuasively, analyse complex information accurately, solve problems creatively, and care about other humans.” BA History produces adaptable wordsmiths with cultural awareness, a drive for ethical empowerment, and coherent innovation.
The need to recognise the past and determine the future cannot be nurtured by AI. Those who accept their knack for history and pursue it have the potential to flourish as entrepreneurs, become creative problem-solvers, and graduates say 80% of the skills learnt during studies are advantageous in their current employment.
Why History?
“I’ve always been interested in the facts of the past – it’s cyclical reality,” said Kate Evans, 3rd year BA History student from the UK. “At Roehampton, I discovered my passion for analysing sources and providing context for the public’s understanding. It made me realise that I want to go into curation. It makes sense, because I’ve always had a love of museums!”
This sentiment was echoed by many of my interviewees – choosing a history degree enabled them to practically explore and discover their future career passion, even in an unconventional way. Abdur-Rahman Al-Yafee (Adiy), 2nd year International BA History student from Yemen, commented:
“History is quite a broad degree. I don’t want to be a historian, you know, like the historians in libraries or museums. I think it’s quite good for communication, even though I talk a lot already – I’ve got that nailed. But for writing essays, research, understanding different cultures, it helps a lot.”
Adiy shared his most recent essay, written on Srebrenica, the Bosnian genocide which took place only 30 years ago. For Adiy, his extended family were personally affected by the genocide, which he was able to explore and engage with as he devised his essay for the Global Genocides module.
“This history is needed today,” he said. “It shows nothing much has changed.”
While this was elective research for Adiy, he happily shared that the majority of Roehampton’s BA History covers modern historical events, from the 19th century up until the present day.
“You can choose exactly what you want to do and what to talk about in essays. I think there’s only been one module which was about some ancient, ancient history, that’s like – it’s too far back!”
A conversation with Dr Caroline Sharples revealed that this is intentional: staff want students to primarily work with relevant and pressing cultural, environmental, social and political history.
Adiy, what’s next for you?
“After I graduate, I’m planning to go to Morocco, teach English to kids, and get fully involved with humanitarian aid! I don’t know too much about Morocco, but I’ve done BA History and it’s taught me how to quickly connect with and understand new cultures.”
Kate Evans, what’s next for you?
“My plan is to go into exhibition curation – I already volunteer at Kenwood House and occasionally bump into the curators. My degree enables me to network and break into the industry.”
Thoughts on Module After Auschwitz: Representations of the Holocaust
After sneaking into (or, more accurately, being invited to) a third-year BA History lecture, After Auschwitz: Representations of the Holocaust, I was struck by the depth of discussion in the room.
“I’m one of those people who loved learning World War II history when I grew up,” said Katrina Zack, a study abroad Art-History major from Maryland. “Not the war aspect, but learning about the experience. I have high-functioning autism, so when I learn, I like to learn how people react to certain things and their emotional depth because it helps me understand people in the present.”
“One of my mum’s friends found out her aunt was killed in the Holocaust because she was disabled and I feel like learning this module not only helps me understand her suffering, but also helps me understand why it’s terrible to misrepresent such a serious topic,” said Katrina. “It’s not just Holocaust knowledge, it’s how to ethically represent tragedy. This is my favourite module, and that’s terrible because of the concept, but Caroline teaches it so well.”
Katrina Zack, what’s next for you?
After my degree, I want to work in a museum and educate people! I could see myself giving tours. For my first job, I’m going to try and get a decent position, and work my way up to the Education Department. I want to be that person who cares about everybody when I show an exhibit, you know?
Why Roehampton?
Sharing her insight of conquering university with her learning disabilities, Kate Evans said,
“I’ve felt very supported by Roehampton University during my degree because there’s a disabilities and dyslexia service which I’ve taken full advantage of. I have dyslexia, ADHD, and dyspraxia. It definitely gives that extra catch net and my two-week extension on all assignments is very helpful if I need it.”
As a study abroad, new to the country, Katrina Zack also endorsed the service.
“When I first got here, I was a mess. I didn’t know how to make anything run right. But I found that when I talked to disability services, there’s a lady called Patricia, and she was wonderful in helping me find affordable good and solve my day-to-day problems.”
Mia Crawshaw, a home BA History student, had the opportunity to study abroad for the spring term last year.
“I’ve always lived in my parents’ house, so it was the first time I’d ever moved anywhere. I did sit in Heathrow airport, Terminal 5, crying my eyes out, but it was worth it,” she said, laughing. “Canada was so different, and it was a whole new culture. Meeting people who speak the same language but had such a variety of cultural differences was eye-opening. Gina Ralph, Roehampton’s abroad Officer, kept checking up on me during that time.”
Katrina didn’t let me forget about the local historical attractions!
“Honestly, this semester has been phenomenal. You get to see a lot of museums which really helps because I’m studying Art History and minoring in Fine Art. You get to take a piece of art history back with you when you walk in a museum: it’s like a breath of fresh air to me.”
On the campus, Kate added:
“As soon as I stepped onto campus, it felt like the right place for me,” admitted Kate. “It’s a lovely, open nature campus and it feels like you’re not in London! I have the option to get on a train and be in a museum in 15 minutes.” She couldn’t help but remember her class trip to Battle Abbey in first year. “It was really fun – we re-enacted the Battle of Hastings!”
Mia Crawshaw, what’s next for you?
I’m going on to do a PGCE at Roehampton University. (Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a one-year academic qualification which enables graduates to become teachers.)
Hear from our Internationals
Roehampton University is a hotspot for international students, with 41% of students hailing from over 140 different nationalities. Naturally, I had to ask their experience.
Sarah Cummings, study abroad, said:
“This semester has been in its own little pocket universe. It is absolutely worth coming to the UK for a semester – I will never be able to enjoy this kind of life again in another country. It’s perfect!”
Isabella LePine, study abroad, said:
“The UK has a very different way of teaching than American college and I’m still learning the same amount. Being abroad and in a new space literally allows me to explore more. I can do stuff, travel around, and that’s the point of being here at Roehampton. I should explore!”
Find out more about the BA History programme at Roehampton here.