Undergraduate Certificate in History

Who is this course for?

No previous experience in the subject is necessary and the course is open to anyone with an interest in the subject area.

What will I be studying?

The Certificate is divided into three termly units taught via remote delivery. 

Unit 1: Reformation, Revolution and Regicide: Britain 1603-1714

The long seventeenth century witnessed such iconic events as the Civil War and Revolution and the execution of Charles I. Between the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 and 1714 it witnessed the final settlement of many of the issues which had divided Crown and Parliament. This course will investigate this exciting period, which saw the creation of modern Britain.

Unit 2: Fascism in Europe 1918 - 1945

This module will concentrate on discussing those characteristics common to most overtly Fascist or National Socialist movements in Europe between 1919 and 1945. We will examine the origins of Fascism in the chaotic aftermath of the First World War and attempt an overview of the essential characteristics of the principle movements. We will also explore collaboration during World War II – from Finland to North Africa, from Spain to India. Why did individuals and countries choose to fight with or alongside Nazi Germany? Finally, we will close with a discussion of the state of neo-fascist and neo-Nazi movements in Europe since 1945 and the legacies which Fascism may have bequeathed to the modern world.

Unit 3: The making of America and the Native Americans

This module gives a broad chronological and geographical introduction to Native American history. The unit explores issues such as conflict, diplomacy, governmental relations, and the state of Native Americans in present day America. By focusing on several discrete events and native groups the course offers an insight into the make-up of native community and society and tracks the trials and tribulations that native people have undergone.

What can I go on to do?

The Institute offers a number of award bearing and short courses in the study of medieval England, and archaeology. For further information about the courses we offer please visit the Archaeology and History subject pages of our website.

Credit awarded by the Institute can also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However, the amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

English language requirement: If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements pages for further information. 

Technical requirements 

For the 2023-2024 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

You will therefore need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.  
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material 
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available 

Once you are logged into the VLE you can familiarise yourself with the learning environment. There is also guidance about how to access course materials and activities.  

The tuition fee for the course is £2,750.

You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card 
• in three equal instalments by credit/debit card: the first on enrolment, the second on 1 January and the third and final instalment on 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note, your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy 

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy). 

Applying

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 4 September 2023. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Course Director, Dr Samantha Williams: skw30@cam.ac.uk