Contemporary History and Politics BA (Hons)

The BA Contemporary History and Politics is offered jointly by our Department of History, Classics and Archaeology and our Department of Politics, which gives you the opportunity to study current political ideas and events in combination with an understanding of the wider historical context of the modern world.The study of history and politics develops the ability to understand how people lived, acted and thought in the past, and the ways in which they act politically in the present. We encourage you to assess written and material evidence, to question accepted histories and explanations, and to construct and present your own arguments.The course includes a wide variety of options across both disciplines, from the history of Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Britain, to the study of social and political theory, the analysis of authoritarianism and repressive regimes, and parliamentary democratic practice. You will gain a mix of skills drawn from the two disciplines: the ability to analyse data of different types, to understand the context and meaning of events, and to relate the study of the past to current political issues and developments.**HIGHLIGHTS**- The Department of History, Classics and Archaeology was ranked top in the UK for intellectual stimulation in the 2019 National Student Survey and first in London for teaching quality. It is an international centre of excellence. Since 2001 it has consistently been in the top ten departments evaluated by the Research Excellence Framework (REF).- Birkbeck is also a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. The Department of Politics is over 40 years old and has a reputation for the excellence of its teaching and its internationally significant research.- Our academic staff are international authorities in their respective fields, delivering stimulating teaching.- Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects; encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.- We are home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.