
Modern and Contemporary History BA
3-4 years
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 information
Typical offer ABB-BBB
UK fee £9,250
UCAS code V140
International fee £18,200
Institute code L34
Taught by History

96% of students in work or further study six months after graduating (The Uni Guide 2021)
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: ABB-BBB 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: BBB-BBC 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 Students
Starting in 2023
- £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 2023
- £18,200 per year
- Year Abroad: £4,550 which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
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 1776
- 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 1 (History), List 2 (Politics), List 3 (History) and List 4 (Politics).
List 1: History modules
- Histories of Violence
- Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History
- Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
- History in the Classroom
- Heritage Field Project
List 2: Politics modules
List 3: History modules
- Gender History
- Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times
- A World Connected: Economy, Wellbeing and Sustainability since 1945
- From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
- Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941
- Fight the Power! Race, Rights and Protest in the USA, 1865-2008
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 also choose four option modules, one each from: List 1 (History), List 2 (Politics), List 3 (History) and List 4 (Politics).
List 1: History modules
- Histories of Violence
- Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History
- Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
- History in the Classroom
- Heritage Field Project
List 2: Politics modules
List 3: History modules
- Gender History
- Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times
- A World Connected: Economy, Wellbeing and Sustainability since 1945
- From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
- Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941
- Fight the Power! Race, Rights and Protest in the USA, 1865-2008
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)
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.
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 a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.
For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.
Please note
- A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
- You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
- Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
- Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.
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
- Cultures of Struggle and Liberation: Twentieth Century Southern Africa
- 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
- The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy
- Politics of the International Drug Trade
Choose one option module from:
- The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914
- The USA and the Vietnam War
- Crime and Punishment in African American History
- From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947
Finally choose one option module from:
- The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery
- 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
- Cultures of Struggle and Liberation: Twentieth Century Southern Africa
- 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
- The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy
- Politics of the International Drug Trade
Choose one option module from:
- The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914
- The USA and the Vietnam War
- Crime and Punishment in African American History
- From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947
Finally choose one option module from:
- The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery
- 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, 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 How to apply |
Course Modern and Contemporary History with Year Abroad | Qualification BA | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code V140 | Availability How to apply |
Data about this course

The wide variety of module choices has allowed me to develop my interest in specific areas of history, including urban history.