University Of Leicester United Kingdom

Modern and Contemporary History with Year Abroad BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a journey through pivotal moments and enduring themes with the Modern and Contemporary History with Year Abroad BA at the University of Leicester. This undergraduate degree is crafted for those eager to understand the forces that have shaped our world, from the complexities of international relations and political orders to the nuances of social and cultural change. You will explore critical concepts in historical analysis, engaging with diverse global histories and political systems, preparing you to critically interpret the present by understanding the past. This program is ideal for intellectually curious students passionate about uncovering the narratives that define our modern era.

This full-time, four-year on-campus BA programme immerses you in historical inquiry, beginning with foundational skills and progressing to advanced research. You will develop your analytical and research capabilities through core modules and have the freedom to specialise by selecting from a wide array of optional modules in history and politics, covering topics from global Cold War dynamics to American history and European politics. The inclusion of a year abroad offers invaluable international perspective, culminating in your final year with an independent dissertation project. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of modern history and politics, ready for careers in research, policy, education, or international affairs.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive study of modern and contemporary history, exploring global events and political landscapes. Students will engage with foundational historical concepts and delve into diverse topics ranging from international relations and comparative politics to specific national histories and social movements. The curriculum includes a compulsory year abroad, providing international experience, and culminates in a dissertation, allowing for in-depth research in either history or politics.

1 Year 1

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

2 Year 2 (History dissertation)

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

3 Year 2 (Politics dissertation)

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

4 Year Abroad

5 Final year (History dissertation)

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

6 Final year (Politics dissertation)

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

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,598.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,598.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,598.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,598.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 90,394.00

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

Agricultural Technology & Precision FarmingArchitecture & Urban PlanningCurriculum & Instructional DesignHealthcare Administration & ManagementHome Health & Long‑Term CareIndustrial & Offshore ConstructionLive Events & ConcertsNursing & Allied HealthReal Estate DevelopmentVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

National Farmers'​ Union

National Trust

United Nations

University of Birmingham

University of Leicester

european council of business education

Why Study Modern and Contemporary History with Year Abroad 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 with Year Abroad BA at University Of Leicester

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree courses. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Accepted English tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with specific score requirements. For example, Duolingo requires a minimum overall score of 120.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as a historian, political analyst, museum curator, or international relations specialist.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on political factors shaping historical events and the relationships between countries. You'll also explore the history and politics of various regions, including Europe and East Asia.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course intake occurs in September each year, allowing you to start your studies at the beginning of the academic session.
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