Overview

Our course offers you the chance to study Contemporary British History at an advanced level in one of the top ranked History departments in Europe. You can choose from a wide range of options taught by experts in the field, covering British economic, social, cultural, political, military, imperial, and diplomatic history, as well as the history of British science, technology and medicine. Our course leads to careers in research, journalism, the civil service, politics, teaching and finance.

Course detail

Our Contemporary British History course will provide you with training in and experience of the historical analysis of issues that are central to understanding contemporary Britain. While we focus on the study of British history over the past century, we also recognise that you can’t understand British history without reference to other countries and regions, in particular the Empire/Commonwealth, Europe and North America. Alongside teaching you the techniques, skills and knowledge relevant to your interests and research needs, we will equip you for both independent research and analysis in primary and secondary material, and train you to write at an advanced level. We will foster your intellectual development and independent learning ability, which you will need to continue your own professional and personal development.

Teaching and assessment

If you are a full-time student, we will provide you with six hours of teaching each week through lectures and seminars. We will expect you to undertake 34 hours of independent study alongside this. If you are a part-time student, we will provide you with two to four hours a week of teaching through lectures and seminars in your first year, and two to four hours in your second year. Alongside this we will expect you to undertake 12-24 hours a week of independent study. For your dissertation, we will give you six hours of one-to-one supervision, and we will expect you to undertake 574 hours of self-study. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. Your performance will be assessed through a combination of essays and a dissertation which will make up 100% of your assessment.

Career prospects

Our graduates develop the skills and knowledge to pursue further research in our Department or transfer them to careers elsewhere, such as the civil service, teaching, in journalism and politics.