University Of Leicester United Kingdom

Modern and Contemporary History BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Modern and Contemporary History BA at the University of Leicester invites you to explore the pivotal events and forces that have shaped our world over the last two centuries. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are fascinated by the complexities of modern history and international relations, and wish to understand the political, social, and cultural dynamics that drive global change. You will develop a critical understanding of historical inquiry, engaging with diverse methodologies to analyse everything from the 20th-century political order to the nuances of British, European, American, and global historical developments.

Studied full-time on campus over three years, this Bachelor of Arts degree immerses you in the practice of history. Your first year establishes core skills, while subsequent years allow you to specialise through a wide array of optional modules, from the history of violence and gender history to specific political studies. You will transform into a practising historian, culminating in an independent research dissertation in your final year, supported by expert supervision. You will graduate with advanced analytical and research skills, prepared for careers in archives, museums, policy, journalism, or further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in Modern and Contemporary History offers a comprehensive exploration of historical events and political landscapes from the 18th century to the present. Students will engage with core modules such as "Making History" and "The Shock of the Modern," alongside a wide array of optional courses covering diverse topics like the Cold War, US history, and global political relations. The curriculum emphasizes historical research methodologies and culminates in a dissertation, allowing for in-depth study of a chosen area within history or politics.

1 Year 1

Making History Core
The Shock of the Modern Core
The Global Cold War: International Relations 1945-1989 Core
People and Places Core
Comparative European Politics Option
Order and Disorder: International Relations from 1989 to the Present Option
Global History: Connections and Cultures in a Changing World, 1750 to the present Option
Great Britain: The State We're In Option
US History since 1776 Option
Europe 1861-1991: Emancipation and Subjugation Option

2 Year 2 (History dissertation)

Perceiving the Past Core
Becoming the Historical Researcher Core
Histories of Violence Option
Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History Option
Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989 Option
History in the Classroom Option
Heritage Field Project Option
Political Parties in Contemporary Britain Option
Sex and Gender in Global Politics Option
Gender History Option
Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times Option
A World Connected: Economy, Wellbeing and Sustainability since 1945 Option
From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America Option
Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941 Option
Fight the Power! Race, Rights and Protest in the USA, 1865-2008 Option
European Union Politics Option
The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy Option

3 Year 2 (Politics dissertation)

Perceiving the Past Core
Political Analysis 1: Understanding Political Science Research Core
Political Analysis 2: Preparing for your Dissertation Core
Histories of Violence Option
Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History Option
Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989 Option
History in the Classroom Option
Heritage Field Project Option
Political Parties in Contemporary Britain Option
Sex and Gender in Global Politics Option
Gender History Option
Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times Option
A World Connected: Economy, Wellbeing and Sustainability since 1945 Option
From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America Option
Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941 Option
Fight the Power! Race, Rights and Protest in the USA, 1865-2008 Option
European Union Politics Option
The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy Option

4 Final year (History dissertation)

History dissertation Core
The Holocaust: Genocide in Europe Option
After Hitler: Society, Culture and The Politics of The Nazi Past in The Two Germanies, 1945-1990 Option
Cultures of Struggle and Liberation: Twentieth Century Southern Africa Option
The Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt Option
Church, State and Belief in Soviet Russia, 1941-1991 Option
The American Presidency Option
The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972 Option
Parliamentary Studies Option
The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy Option
Politics of the International Drug Trade Option
The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914 Option
The USA and the Vietnam War Option
Crime and Punishment in African American History Option
From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947 Option
The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery Option
Political Legacies of Conflict in Northern Ireland Option
Political Participation in Britain Option
Democracy and EU Membership in Post-Communist Europe Option

5 Final year (Politics dissertation)

Dissertation Core
The Holocaust: Genocide in Europe Option
After Hitler: Society, Culture and The Politics of The Nazi Past in The Two Germanies, 1945-1990 Option
Cultures of Struggle and Liberation: Twentieth Century Southern Africa Option
The Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt Option
Church, State and Belief in Soviet Russia, 1941-1991 Option
The American Presidency Option
The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972 Option
Parliamentary Studies Option
The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy Option
Politics of the International Drug Trade Option
The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914 Option
The USA and the Vietnam War Option
Crime and Punishment in African American History Option
From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947 Option
The Conservatives: Crisis and Recovery Option
Political Legacies of Conflict in Northern Ireland Option
Political Participation in Britain Option
Democracy and EU Membership in Post-Communist Europe Option

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,304.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,304.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,304.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 81,913.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 624.00 - USD 867.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 967.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,611.00 - USD 12,179.00
Estimated Total USD 5,800.00 - USD 18,623.00

Living cost estimates are based on Leicester Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Animation & Visual EffectsCorporate Training & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationEvent Promotion & ManagementFilm & Television ProductionMuseums & Cultural HeritageSports & AthleticsStreaming & Digital Content

Top Employers Hiring for this course

National Trust

University of Birmingham

University of Leicester

Why Study Modern and Contemporary History BA at University Of Leicester

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

University Of Leicester typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University Of Leicester in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Modern and Contemporary History BA at University Of Leicester

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks while enrolled in degree courses. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can take tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE with specific score thresholds. For example, Duolingo requires an overall score of 120, while IELTS requires a minimum overall score of 6.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as historians, political analysts, international relations specialists, educators, or policy advisors.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on modern history, particularly the 20th and 21st centuries, while connecting it to contemporary politics and international relations. You'll explore various geographical topics, including Britain, North America, and East Asia.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Modern and Contemporary History BA course has its intake in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application in advance for a smooth enrollment process.
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