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MA Contemporary History

The period from the start of the Twentieth Century has seen dramatic change across the world. Immerse yourself in the debates about these developments, and what our recent past means for society today, with the Contemporary History programme from University of Birmingham.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

This Contemporary History programme from University of Birmingham 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 pathway 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.

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.

Courses included:

  • Gross Indecency to Gay Marriage? Gender and Sexual Minorities 1885 to the Present
  • From the OSS to Snowden: A History of American Intelligence Agencies since 1945
  • ‘A Holiday from Reality’: A History of Drugs and Drug Use in the Modern Era
  • Britain’s Wars of Colonisation and Decolonisation
  • Conflict in the Modern Middle East
  • Indigenous and Settler Histories
  • An Interdisciplinary Perspective
  • Insurgencies in Global History
  • Sex and Sexualities in the Modern British World
  • Bread, Wine and Barricades: Freedom, Ecology and the Nature of Modern France
  • China in Revolution: China under Mao (1949-1976)
  • Gender and Sexuality in the 20th Century United States
  • Body Politics

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

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

Requirements

  • You will make your application to our MA History programme. If you would like to specialise in Contemporary History, you will indicate this at the module choice process upon entry onto the MA History programme.
  • To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

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