Modern History and International Relations

The BA Modern History and International Relations programme at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the complex processes that have shaped the modern world. Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of historical developments alongside contemporary international affairs, this multidisciplinary course combines rigorous academic study with practical analysis. Students will examine key themes such as political upheavals, social transformations, economic changes, and cultural shifts that define the modern era. The history component covers significant events from the 19th century to the present, including world wars, colonialism, decolonization, Cold War dynamics, and recent geopolitical developments. The International Relations element equips students with a thorough understanding of international diplomacy, global governance, security studies, and international organizations. Throughout the programme, students develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and research skills, enabling them to interpret complex historical and political phenomena. The course encourages engagement with current international issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and global economic challenges, preparing graduates for careers in policy analysis, international organizations, journalism, and academia. The programme also offers opportunities for study abroad, internships, and participation in seminars with leading scholars. With a strong emphasis on both historical context and contemporary relevance, the BA Modern History and International Relations aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of contributing thoughtfully to discussions on global affairs. The university’s experienced faculty members are committed to providing personalized support and fostering an intellectually lively environment where students can thrive. Graduates leave equipped with a sophisticated understanding of past events and current international relations, enabling them to engage critically with worldwide issues and pursue diverse career paths in the global arena.

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
• Introduction to International Relations
• And choose 30 credits from a range of History or outside options.

Year 2

• Making Histories: Concepts, themes and sources
• International Relations
• 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.

The Modern History and International Relations programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of contemporary global politics and historical developments. The course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical contexts that have shaped current international affairs. Students explore key themes such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, international organizations, and political ideologies, alongside detailed studies of specific historical periods and events. The programme combines rigorous academic research with practical insights into international affairs, enabling graduates to pursue careers in government, diplomacy, journalism, academia, or international organizations.

Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including the Cold War, decolonization, globalization, human rights issues, and regional conflicts. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating political science, history, and international relations theories to understand complex issues surrounding sovereignty, security, and economic development. Students benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, supported by the university’s extensive library resources and access to online databases.

The University of Essex is known for its vibrant academic community and strong emphasis on research-led teaching. The Modern History and International Relations programme ensures students develop critical skills needed for analyzing current international issues with a historical perspective, fostering informed and responsible global citizens. The programme often includes opportunities for study abroad, internships, and networking with professionals in the field, preparing students for diverse career paths.

The course duration is typically three years for full-time students and four years with an optional placement year. The programme is accredited and designed to provide a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of international relations and history, tailored to the needs of students seeking to understand the complexities of the 21st century world. Graduates emerge well-equipped to analyze global challenges and contribute thoughtfully to discussions on international policy and peacebuilding efforts.