Modern History and Politics

Program Overview

The BA Modern History and Politics at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of the historical developments that have shaped contemporary political landscapes across the globe. This interdisciplinary programme combines rigorous historical analysis with the study of political theories, institutions, and practices, providing students with a comprehensive insight into how history influences current political affairs and vice versa. Designed for those passionate about understanding the complexities of the modern world, the course encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broader perspective on global issues.

Throughout the programme, students will explore key themes such as the development of modern nation-states, political ideologies, international relations, social movements, and the impact of historical events on current policy decisions. The curriculum integrates lectures, seminars, and independent research, fostering an engaging learning environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. Students will also have opportunities to refine their skills in historical research, political analysis, and argumentation, preparing them for careers in government, policy analysis, journalism, academia, or international organizations.

The programme includes a range of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests while also providing a solid foundation in core modules such as Political Theory, Modern European History, and Comparative Politics. The final year typically involves a dissertation or research project, offering students the chance to specialize further and demonstrate their mastery of a particular topic.

Being based at the University of Essex, known for its vibrant academic community and strong research output, students benefit from access to extensive resources, including libraries, archives, and digital databases. The university’s strong links with governmental agencies, NGOs, and international institutions also provide valuable placement and networking opportunities.

Graduates of the BA Modern History and Politics are well-equipped for a variety of professional pathways, including roles in public service, international diplomacy, journalism, academia, and advocacy. The programme aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable about the past and the present but also capable of critically engaging with future challenges facing societies worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

• The Making of the Modern World, 1776-1989
• Introduction to Politics
• And choose 60 credits from a range of History or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• Introduction to Political Theory
• And choose from a range of history and politics options.

Year 3

• History Independent Research Project and
• Choose from a range of history options and politics options.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).
• We welcome applications from students whose A-levels do not include History.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Modern History and Politics at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive exploration of historical events and political developments from the 19th century to the present day. The program is designed to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to understand complex political systems and historical processes. Students engage with a wide range of topics including the evolution of political ideologies, the impact of major conflicts, and the development of modern states.

The curriculum combines rigorous historical analysis with contemporary political theory, fostering an understanding of how past events influence current political landscapes. Core modules often cover topics such as modern European history, international relations, and the politics of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional modules that allow specialization in areas such as Middle Eastern politics, American history, or comparative politics.

The program emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent projects and engage with primary sources. The university's focus on employability means that graduates will be equipped with valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication. The program is suitable for those who are passionate about understanding history and politics and wish to pursue careers in academia, journalism, public policy, or international organizations.

The Department of Government at the University of Essex is renowned for its research output and strong links with political institutions and historical societies. Students benefit from a vibrant academic community and opportunities for internships, field visits, and conferences. The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects to ensure an engaging learning environment.

Facilities at the university support an extensive study of history and politics, including dedicated libraries, archives, and access to digital resources. The university's location in Essex provides easy access to London, offering additional resources and opportunities for professional development related to politics and history.

Overall, the Modern History and Politics program aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are knowledgeable about key historical events and political theories, and who are capable of applying their understanding to real-world issues. The program prepares students for diverse career paths by fostering critical perspectives, analytical rigor, and a global outlook.