Contemporary History and Politics MA

Birkbeck, University of London

This MA Contemporary History and Politics combines a rich and varied study of the recent past and politics allowing you to explore how the two disciplines intersect and integrate. We cover a wide geographic range of content so you can choose to focus on Europe, Britain, China, Africa, South Asia or the Middle East. Why choose this course? You will be taught by internationally acclaimed scholars, so you have the opportunity to critically reflect with them on key historical events, methodologies and ideas. You will also develop a rigorous understanding of political theory, concepts and research methods, applying this knowledge to understand complex political questions. Drawing on the expertise of our historians and social scientists, you can enjoy the choice of an impressive range of option modules covering a wide sweep of political ideas and systems, historical periods and regions of the world. As our campus is based in the heart of academic London, you will have unrivalled access to archives and libraries, ideal for the study of contemporary history and politics. What you will learn You will gain a thorough grounding in research methodologies, approaches and techniques for both disciplines and learn how to apply them critically and creatively to your own research and writing. You will also develop a sophisticated appreciation of the complex interplay between national, international, political, social and historical forces that have produced the contemporary world. You will focus on topics ranging from histories of decolonisation, international organisations, global feminism and Mediterranean cities to the politics of environment, and American foreign policy. These will equip you for further research or careers in education, or in the public, private or third sector. How you will learn This MA in Contemporary History and Politics is available to study in the evening, either full- or part-time, so you can fit your studies around other commitments. Classes consist of a combination of short lectures, seminars and small-group discussions. Some option modules may also include visits to museums, archives and heritage sites. We foster vibrant intellectual debate on this course, which is enlivened by the diverse perspectives and experience of our students, some of whom already work in the public or education sector. In your final year, you will apply the skills and knowledge you have developed in devising your own research project, supervised by one of our specialists. This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both. If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.