Will I have to do much historical interpretation as a history student?
Yes, historical interpretation is likely to be an important part of studying history. You may need to assess primary and secondary sources, compare historians’ arguments, consider context and bias, and develop evidence-based interpretations in essays, presentations, or exams. The amount and emphasis depend on the course and its assessment methods.
Key points
- Interpretation involves analysing how and why historical accounts differ, not just recalling dates and events.
- You may work with sources such as letters, official records, images, books, and academic articles.
- Assignments can require you to support your own argument with evidence and engage with competing interpretations.
Things to check
- The balance between source analysis, historiography, factual knowledge, and other methods varies by university, programme, and individual modules; check the official course information for details.