MA Contemporary History

The MA Contemporary History is designed to provide you with a solid grounding in the major outlines of recent world history, along with a wide choice of specialised modules to suit your own interests.

This programme approaches contemporary history through issues and problems with vital on-going importance, including environmental politics, information technology, post-colonial migration, internationalism and empire.

It does so across the 20th century and up to the present day, without geographical limits. It therefore offers a wide range of modules on history at a variety of scales: from the individual self to the city, and from regions and oceans to nations and empires.

The programme allows you to benefit from the expertise of a very large number of modern and contemporary historians at Birmingham. You will be able to specialise on many areas of British, American, African, South Asian, Middle East and European History. The programme also provides ideal preparation for PhD research.

By combining breadth with depth, it provides a framework within which you will be able to develop both your empirical and conceptual knowledge of the recent past.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV
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Modules

  • Mass Society and Modernity, 1914–45
  • Globalisation since 1945
  • Historical Methods
  • Dissertation Preparation
  • A Holiday from Reality: A History of Drugs and Drug Use in the Modern Era
  • From the OSS to Snowden: A History of American Intelligence Agencies since 1945
  • George Orwell, England and the Modern World
  • Global Histories: Comparisons and Connections
  • Gross Indecency to Gay Marriage? Gender and Sexual Minorities 1885 to the Present
  • Jewish Religious Responses to the Holocaust
  • New Directions in Modern British History
  • The Making of the World: Themes in Global History
  • After Hitler: Politics and Society in West Germany during the Adenauer Era, 1945-1965
  • British Women and Internationalism Since 1850
  • People of the Aftermath: British Culture in the 1920s and 1930s
  • The Revolting Right: Conservative Activism in Post-War Britain
  • Where There Is Discord: Making Thatchers Britain
  • Use our magical AI system, to check your admission chances for this course.
    £23,310 Per Year

    International student tuition fee

    1 Year

    Duration

    Sep 2025

    Start Month

    Aug 2025

    Application Deadline

    Upcoming Intakes

    • September 2025
    • September 2026

    Mode of Study

    • Full Time