Modern History and Politics (including Year Abroad)

The BA in Modern History and Politics (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore the dynamic and interconnected worlds of historical development and political processes. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of key historical events, movements, and periods, alongside critical insights into contemporary and past political systems, ideologies, and institutions. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of topics, from ancient civilizations and medieval societies to modern political theories and globalization trends, fostering a nuanced appreciation of how history shapes current world affairs.

One of the distinctive features of this programme is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, which allows students to immerse themselves in another culture and academic environment, enhancing their language skills and intercultural competencies. During this year, students typically study at partner universities across Europe or beyond, gaining international perspectives that enrich their understanding of global political and historical contexts. This experience not only broadens academic horizons but also prepares graduates for careers in international relations, government, journalism, research, and other fields requiring a global outlook.

The curriculum combines rigorous historical analysis with critical engagement of political theories and practices. In the first year, students are introduced to foundational concepts in history and politics, developing essential research and analytical skills. In subsequent years, modules delve into specific themes such as imperialism, revolutionary movements, political ideologies, and contemporary governance challenges. Students also have the opportunity to undertake dissertation projects, where they can specialise in particular topics of personal interest, supported by expert faculty members.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, fostering an active learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking, writing, and research capabilities, enabling them to assess sources critically and articulate well-informed arguments. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the university’s strong links with political institutions, cultural organizations, and research centres, offering valuable networking opportunities and real-world insights.

Graduates of the Modern History and Politics programme at Essex emerge with a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of historical change and political development. They are equipped with analytical and communication skills that are highly valued in a diverse range of careers. Whether they choose to pursue further academic research, work in diplomacy or international organizations, or enter roles in media, education, or policy analysis, graduates will find their experiences at Essex to be a solid foundation for professional success.

Overall, this programme combines academic excellence with practical experience, preparing students to become informed, critical, and globally aware individuals capable of making meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

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

Year Abroad

Year 4

• 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 and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the historical developments and political processes that have shaped the modern world. This programme combines rigorous historical analysis with contemporary political theory and practice, providing students with a broad understanding of the social, political, and cultural changes from the late modern period to the present day. One of the distinctive features of this degree is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, enabling students to immerse themselves in different cultural and academic environments, thereby enhancing their global perspective and employability skills. The programme covers a wide range of topics including the history of modern Britain, European history, international relations, political ideologies, and contemporary political issues. Students will develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills through lectures, seminars, and independent study. The curriculum is designed to not only deliver factual knowledge but also to foster analytical abilities and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of historical and political developments. Studying at Essex means being part of a vibrant academic community, with access to extensive resources such as the University’s library, archives, and online databases. The Year Abroad component typically involves studying at partner universities across Europe, North America, or other regions, offering students invaluable cultural and linguistic insights. Graduates can pursue careers in sectors such as government, international organizations, journalism, academia, or non-governmental organizations, equipped with a nuanced understanding of historical context and political dynamics. The programme is suitable for students passionate about understanding the complexities of modern history and politics, and keen to develop skills that are highly valued in various professional fields.