COURSE CURRICULUM

The Modern and Contemporary History BA at Leicester offers a structured yet flexible approach to studying history in the context of international relations and contemporary politics. In the first year, students gain foundational knowledge through core modules covering modern historical developments, key political events such as the Global Cold War, and the study of specific people or places, while optional modules allow exploration of British, European, American, or global history. The second year focuses on developing students into independent historians, enhancing critical thinking and research skills through modules such as Perceiving the Past, with further optional modules in both history and politics. These include topics ranging from European dictatorships, imperialism, and decolonisation to political parties, gender in global politics, and international security. The final year emphasizes student-led specialization, with an original dissertation in either history or politics serving as the central component. Students choose from a wide array of optional modules reflecting current research, covering subjects such as the Nazi past, the American presidency, civil rights movements, contemporary British foreign policy, and historical perspectives on fashion, sport, or slavery. Across all years, the degree develops skills in research, analysis, and critical evaluation, preparing graduates for careers in education, research, public service, policy, and other fields requiring expertise in history and politics.