Modern and Contemporary History BA, 3-4 years
Start date:
Course information
Typical offer AAB-ABB
UK/EU fee ÂŁ9,250
UCAS code V140
International fee ÂŁ17,450
Institute code L34
Taught by History
Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
ahladmissions@le.ac.uk
Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2587
history.admissions@le.ac.uk
Modern history, contemporary politics and international relations. How has each field shaped the other? And what can this interaction tell us about events today? We don’t have to look back too far to find the answers, and this degree can take you there.
Course description
Course description
Run in partnership with Politics and International Relations, this course will emphasise the history of the recent past and integrate it with contemporary politics and international relations. Ideal if your main interests lie in the 20th and 21st century – you will be able to concentrate on a focused chronological period, with modules covering a broad geographical range.
You will learn about the various factors, particularly political factors, that shape historical events and our understanding of them. An appreciation of international relations is vital for analysing the fluctuating relationships that countries share with one another, either directly or through international bodies such as the UN. The topical nature of this course will not only help you understand the past but also prepare you to construct informed arguments about events that are unfolding today.
Your first year develops your core knowledge and skills, as well as allowing you to explore aspects of the modern world that particularly interest you. Later on you will have even more freedom to shape your degree around your own interests, choosing modules examining the history and politics of different parts of the world, including Britain, Ireland and Europe; North America and South America; East Asia and South-east Asia; and parts of Africa and the Middle East.
- NB. This course was previously named Contemporary History BA
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A/AS-levels: AAB-ABB at A-Level. We prefer A-Level History, though this is not essential. Two AS-Levels considered in place of one A-Level. General Studies is accepted
- EPQ with A-Levels: ABB-BBB at A-Level + EPQ at grade B. We prefer A-Level History, though this is not essential
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass relevant Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points including 6 in one Higher Level subject
- BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with D*DD
Other national and international qualifications considered. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you can apply for the International Foundation Year – Society and Culture run by the Global Study Centre. The GSC provides academic support to help you progress to your chosen undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester.
Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.
Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.
Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School of History.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK and EU Students
Starting in 2021
The University of Leicester has made the decision to keep fees for EU students at the same level as UK student fees for this year, despite this no longer being a UK Government requirement.
- £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
- Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in 2021
- £17,450 per year
- Year Abroad: £4,362.50, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
We offer several practical or placement modules so that you can gain hands-on experience in your chosen career path. For instance, our 'History in the Classroom' module includes practical teaching experience by incorporating a placement in a local school and our 'Heritage Field Project' will give you hands on experience working in the heritage industry, offering you invaluable experience for the future.
We routinely develop paid internship opportunities for our students to gain additional, relevant work experience during their degrees. Roles such as research assistance, conference organiser, and editorial assistant have been offered in recent years.
Graduate destinations
Graduates from our History degrees have gone on to work for a wide range of employers including:
- Department of Education
- Troubadour Publishing
- British Standards Institution
- Nissan
Alex transferred to the University of Leicester in his second year, impressed by the range of academic modules available which meant he could study the area that he was interested in.
Career Development Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Career Development Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Related courses
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 5: Gender equality
- Goal 10: Reduced inequalities
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
The core modules introduce important skills and key developments in modern history and international relations. You will also choose optional modules on British, European, American or global history; different aspects of the 20th-century political order; and a People and Places option, studying one historical person or place in depth.
Core modules
- Making History (double module)
- The Shock of the Modern
- The Global Cold War: International Relations 1945-1989
- People and Places (double module)
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Then choose one option module from:
- Global History: Connections and Cultures in a Changing World, 1750 to the present
- Great Britain: The State We're In
- US History since 1877
- Europe 1861-1991: Emancipation and Subjugation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2 (History dissertation)
Year 2 (History dissertation)
In the second year you will start transforming from a student of history into a practising historian, through core modules which enhance your critical thinking, independent research skills and intellectual creativity. You'll explore even more new areas of modern history and politics, choosing from a wide range of optional modules.
If you plan to take the History dissertation in your Final Year, you should take these modules:
Core modules
- Perceiving the Past (double module)
- Becoming the Historical Researcher (double module)
Option modules
You will also choose four option modules, one each from: List 1A/B (History), List 2 (Politics), List 3A/B (History) and List 4 (Politics).
List 1A: History modules
List 1B: History modules
- Americas Plural: Latin America and the United States
- Modern Ireland, 1939-1975
- Slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction in the United States
- Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
List 2: Politics modules
- The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy
- Political Parties in Contemporary Britain
- Sex and Gender in Global Politics
- Politics of the Global South
List 3A: History modules
List 3B: History modules
- Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History
- Imperialism and Decolonisation
- A World Connected: Welfare, Economy and Government since 1945
- From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
- History in the Classroom
List 4: Politics modules
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2 (Politics dissertation)
Year 2 (Politics dissertation)
In the second year you will start transforming from a student of history into a practising historian, through core modules which enhance your critical thinking, independent research skills and intellectual creativity. You'll explore even more new areas of modern history and politics, choosing from a wide range of optional modules.
If you plan to take the Politics dissertation in your Final Year, you should take these modules:
Core modules
- Perceiving the Past (double module)
- Political Analysis 1: Understanding Political Science Research
- Political Analysis 2: Preparing for your Dissertation
Option modules
You will then choose four option modules:
- one from List 1A/B (History)
- one from List 3A/B (History)
- one from List 4 (Politics)
- and another one from List 3A/B or List 4
If you choose two List 3 History modules, there must be one from 3A and one from 3B.
NB. List 2 modules are not available if you take this route.
List 1A: History modules
List 1B: History modules
- Americas Plural: Latin America and the United States
- Modern Ireland, 1939-1975
- Slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction in the United States
- Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
List 3A: History modules
List 3B: History modules
- Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History
- Imperialism and Decolonisation
- A World Connected: Welfare, Economy and Government since 1945
- From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
- History in the Classroom
List 4: Politics modules
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year Abroad (optional)
Year Abroad (optional)
If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.
Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to work in the private sector, the state sector, a non-governmental organisation, or become self-employed you will find the experience invaluable. Find out more from our Study Abroad Unit.
Please note that a year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See our Fees and Funding section for details.
The School of History, Politics and International Relations has links with several European universities, administered through the Erasmus+ scheme. If you are eligible for a loan from Student Finance you can apply for a travel grant from them. Languages courses, at both beginners and advanced level, are available through the University’s Languages at Leicester scheme.
- For the latest information on the future of the Erasmus+ scheme at UK universities please see our Brexit microsite.
We have links with the following universities:
- Universitat de València, Spain
- Université de Strasbourg, France
- Università degli Studi di Pisa, Italy
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Universiteit Ghent, Belgium
- Charles University Prague, Czech Republic
We also have links with some universities outside Europe. If you are receiving financial assistance from Student Finance your support will continue and you may also be eligible to apply for additional travel grants or scholarships. We have links with the following universities:
- Flinders University, Adelaide
- Deakin University, Melbourne
- La Trobe University, Melbourne
- Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan
- Seoul National University, South Korea
- Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Final year (History dissertation)
Final year (History dissertation)
Your final year is shaped entirely by your preferred areas of interest and specialisation. You will research and write an original dissertation - an independent research project of your own design - with the support of an expert supervisor. You will also choose from a wide range of optional modules that reflect the cutting-edge research expertise of your tutors.
Core module
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
- The Holocaust: Genocide in Europe
- After Hitler: Society, Culture and The Politics of The Nazi Past in The Two Germanies, 1945-1990
- Beauty, Sex & Science: Whose Body is it Anyway c.1550-2015?
- How Soon is Now? A Social History of Urban England, 1945-1985
- The Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Church, State and Belief in Soviet Russia, 1941-1991
Then choose one option module from:
- The American Presidency
- The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972
- Parliamentary Studies
- Brexit and British Politics
- The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy
- Politics of the International Drug Trade
Finally choose one option module from:
- The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery
- American Political Development
- Political Legacies of Conflict in Northern Ireland
- Political Participation in Britain
- Democracy and EU Membership in Post-Communist Europe
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Final year (Politics dissertation)
Final year (Politics dissertation)
Your final year is shaped entirely by your preferred areas of interest and specialisation. You will research and write an original dissertation - an independent research project of your own design - with the support of an expert supervisor. You will also choose from a wide range of optional modules that reflect the cutting-edge research expertise of your tutors.
Core modules
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
- The Holocaust: Genocide in Europe
- After Hitler: Society, Culture and The Politics of The Nazi Past in The Two Germanies, 1945-1990
- Beauty, Sex & Science: Whose Body is it Anyway c.1550-2015?
- How Soon is Now? A Social History of Urban England, 1945-1985
- The Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Church, State and Belief in Soviet Russia, 1941-1991
Then choose one option module from:
- The USA and the Vietnam War
- Crime and Punishment in African American History
- When Two Dragons Fight: China and Japan at War in the Twentieth Century
- Disasporas and Migrations in the Modern World
- The American Presidency
- The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972
- Parliamentary Studies
- Brexit and British Politics
- The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy
- Politics of the International Drug Trade
Finally choose one option module from:
- The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914
- What Difference Did the War Make? British Society and the Great War, 1900-1939
- Women in American Society from the Civil War to First World War
- Clothing and Fashion in Historical Perspective. Case Studies of Modern European History in Transnational Context
- From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947
- The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery
- American Political Development
- Political Legacies of Conflict in Northern Ireland
- Political Participation in Britain
- Democracy and EU Membership in Post-Communist Europe
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Job prospects are excellent: 96% of our history students are employed (or studying for a Masters degree) six months after graduating. (DLHE)
We have well-respected research centres covering Medieval History, Urban History, English Local History and Genocide and Holocaust Studies.
The academic staff in the department have written or edited dozens of books and publish regularly in major national and international journals. Where other people only get to read what our experts think, you will be working directly with them, learning from them in lectures and questioning them in seminars.
The David Wilson Library contains fascinating 'special collection' archives of old books and manuscripts, offering a direct connection with the past.
Reading list
See the types of texts you might read, over the summer, to get a feel for the course and arrive prepared and ready to go.
Teaching and learning
We teach through a variety of methods, ranging from large lectures to seminars to individual tutorials. Lectures are used to provide historical narrative and to raise key historical questions and areas of debate; seminars are where you share your opinion about those debates and put forward your interpretation of historical and political issues. The first year normally sees about ten contact hours per week, and greater emphasis is placed on small group teaching and independent study as you progress through the degree.
Assessment is through exams and coursework comprising long and short essays, source analyses, group projects, and both group and individual presentations. Approximately two thirds of your final degree mark will be based on your coursework; one third on your exams.
You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether academic, financial, housing, career or social.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.
Academic support
Our Student Learning Development Team provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Course Modern and Contemporary History | Qualification BA | Duration 3 years full-time | UCAS Code V140 | Availability Apply Now |
Course Modern and Contemporary History with Year Abroad | Qualification BA | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code V140 | Availability Apply Now |