From the industrial revolution to the computer age, from the impact of the French Revolution to the Arab Spring, explore the rapid changes during modern and contemporary history and the impact they have on the world today.
Immerse yourself in key debates around these developments, taking a global approach to the study of the recent past. Work with scholars whose expertise spans across social, cultural, and political history as well as histories of gender, race, and class. With a vast range of optional modules, including a practical placement, this course will give you key transferable skills and an understanding of the modern world for your future career.
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
January - April (12 weeks)
Full-time students usually take three modules per term in the first two terms.
During term two you are assigned a supervisor for your dissertation and carry out research for your chosen topic.
May – August
There are no taught modules during term three. You’ll continue your research and writing ready to submit your dissertation at the end of August.
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To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You'll need an Honours degree, normally in any humanities or social science discipline such as History, Politics, Cultural Studies, or Literature, and normally of an upper second-class standard. Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
English language requirements If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.