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Course summary
Our Contemporary History degree explores modern history, focusing on the transformative events and struggles from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. Unlike traditional history courses, we incorporate insights from politics and cultural studies to explore not just what happened, but how history is shaped, produced, and used in society.
You’ll examine global issues like the rise of dominant powers, the evolution of racism, and the marginalisation of certain groups. Through small seminar groups, you’ll hone your skills in debate, critical thinking, and persuasive argumentation, preparing you to challenge historical narratives and understand their impact on today's world.
TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS COURSE
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Small, participatory seminar groups with every seminar supported by a preceding lecture
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Your academic work will be supported by workshops that develop your academic and independent research skills
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Become a skilled oral and written communicator, confident in presenting work on your own and as a member of a group
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Expert teaching team including academics who develop leading research as part of the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics
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Opportunity to undertake a placement, giving you valuable work experience and contacts
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An interdisciplinary approach drawing on, and combining, various disciplines to understand topics and ideas, you will develop a deep and multilayered approach to contemporary issues
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An engaging curriculum designed to be both challenging and stimulating, with a mix of lectures, seminars, debates, and collaborative projects
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Real-world application - this course encourages you to apply theoretical approaches to real-world issues, preparing you to address contemporary global challenges
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Join a vibrant community within the programme and the School of Humanities and Social Science, all based in one building
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Opportunities take part in subject-related conferences and events - we have a student-run Humanities Society which organises a busy annual calendar of expert speakers, debates and events.
Modules
Year 1
Empires: Global Power and Conflict
Politics of the Past
History Workshop: Places and Podcasts
Material Matters
History Workshop: Archives and Filmmaking
Revolutions: The Ideas that made the Modern World
Year 2
Critical Traditions in Western Thought 1 and 2
Specialist option pathways
Radical Histories
Race and Resistance
Politics-History-Ideology
Option pathways from wider humanities subject area
Philosophy and Literature
Self and Society
Globalisation, History and Identity
Global Politics
Morality, Politics and the Good Life
Contemporary Global Challenges
Optional Placement Year
Final year
Dissertation
Specialist option pathways
Radical Histories: A History of Capitalism, its Critics and its Crises
Race and Resistance: The Politics of Discrimination and Resistance
Politics-History-Ideology: From Pax Americana to the Ends of History
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Brighton
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 28/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V140
- Institution code:
- B72
- Campus name:
- Brighton
- Campus Code:
- B
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Brighton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V140
- Institution code:
- B72
- Campus name:
- Brighton
- Campus Code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level - BCC - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM - MMM
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits, to include at least 45 credits at Level 3. Access courses in Humanities, History or Politics are preferred.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
Must include three subjects at Higher Level.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4, H4
Or equivalent combination of grades.,
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5. in each element, or equivalent English Language qualification. |
Review our English Language requirements https://www.brighton.ac.uk/international/applying-here/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/index.aspx
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Brighton we recognise that not everyone's background provides the same advantages, and we know that grades are not the only indicator of potential.
If you meet our contextual admissions criteria we will make you an offer which is at least 16 UCAS points lower than our standard offer. You may also be eligible for additional financial and practical support from us through the Brighton Boost cost of living support package.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17250 | Year 1 |
| International | £17250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
The fees listed in the table above are for full-time UK undergraduate students in academic year 2025-26. You will pay further fees in each year of your course. Fees may increase each year. UK undergraduate and certain postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government. The annual fee increase will not exceed the UK government's maximum regulated tuition fee limit set for the relevant academic year. Many of our courses include the option of a salaried placement year. Tuition fees for a placement year are charged at a lower rate of £1850. The international tuition fees listed above are for full-time courses during the academic year 2025-26. Further tuition fees are payable in each year of study. Non-regulated tuition fees, which usually apply to international students and UK postgraduate students* are subject to an annual increase of a maximum of 5% or the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), whichever is higher.
*Some designated postgraduate courses are regulated by the UK government – the annual fee increase for eligible UK / Home students on these designated courses will not exceed the UK government’s regulated tuition fee limit set for the relevant academic year.
University of Brighton
Mithras House
Lewes Road
Brighton
BN2 4AT
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Course contact details
Course enquiries
Phone:01273 644644
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