Politics and Contemporary History

Develop your understanding of both contemporary history and current political tensions and strategies

Develop your awareness of how our contemporary society, culture and politics have been shaped by historical events and political processes.

You will draw on developments from the late-nineteenth century to analyse contemporary political, economic and cultural trends, and gain a rich understanding of the workings of modern politics and history.

Pursue your interests
The course will allow you to choose your own area of interest and develop your knowledge and skills to take a critical perspective on political events and their outcomes for the modern world.

Learn from experts
You will learn from academics who are experts in their fields and use latest research to underline their teaching to ensure that you have access to the current debates within the study of politics.

On this course you will:

• Study Politics both from policy-oriented and academic perspectives.

• Examine significant events and periods from contemporary history.

• Examine current political challenges and their historical roots, such as nationalism, terrorism, asymmetrical warfare and environmentalism.

• Learn from our team of expert staff.

• Build your degree around your interests.

• Develop your critical thinking, team-working, research and digital skills, all vital for post-degree employment.

Year One:
In your first year, you will receive a solid grounding in the theoretical approaches and research methods in the study of Politics and Contemporary History. The course introduces you to the political histories and contexts of Britain, Russia, China, and the United States.

Year Two:
In your second year, you will begin to mould your degree around your interests. You will explore papal political influences, the links between political ideologies, religion, and modern cultures, British post-war cultural attitudes, conflict in Russia and Eurasia, and much more.

Year Three:
By your final year, you will have a strong sense of what political area you would like to focus on for your final dissertation project. Alongside your thesis, you will have the opportunity to explore more specific aspects of Politics, including: 20th century European dictators, Pan-Africanism, the effects of globalisation, and the culture wars of Britain.

Our BA (Hons) Politics and Contemporary History course uses a range of assessments methods, including:
-Essays
-Source evaluations and reviews
-Research projects
-Collaborative project work
-Dissertation.