How is archives used in a history degree?
Archives are used in a history degree as sources for investigating the past. Students may work with original documents, letters, photographs, newspapers, records, or digital collections to assess evidence, understand perspectives, and build arguments in essays, presentations, or research projects. Some courses include archive visits or practical training in finding, handling, and citing sources.
Key points
- Archive work develops source criticism, research, referencing, and interpretation skills.
- Students may use local, national, specialist, or online archives, depending on the topic and resources available.
- Tasks can include analysing a small collection of documents or carrying out extended independent research.
Things to check
- The amount of archive-based teaching varies by university, degree structure, module, and country; course descriptions can clarify the expected experience.