History (Modern and Contemporary History)MA

Immerse yourself in key debates around these developments, taking a global approach to the study of the recent past. Work with scholars whose expertise spans across social, cultural, and political history as well as histories of gender, race, and class. With a vast range of optional modules, including a practical placement, this course will give you key transferable skills and an understanding of the modern world for your future career.  

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

This course lets you combine modules spanning across our History Department to enhance your understanding of the contemporary period. There’s even the option to select modules from other subject areas, from classics to art history or modern languages. Whatever direction you take, you’ll be supported by our expert Centre for Modern and Contemporary History. 

• Explore your chosen area of study in-depth through your choice of modules and dissertation topic.
• Study in a department ranked eighth in the country in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021, according to Times Higher Education.
• Take advantage of our diverse range of expertise. Specialise in areas of British, American, African, South Asian, Middle East and European History.

Take your learning from the classroom to the real world

Don’t miss out on the option to take your learning from the classroom to the real world with our optional Public History placement module. Work with museums, archives or historic houses on a public history project and gain valuable industry experience. Whether you're following your passion for history to gain transferable skills or focusing on a career in the field, your future begins at Birmingham. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must take 20 credits of optional modules from the Contemporary History list (List A).

Any remaining credits can be taken from the list of generic History options (List H).

Students must also write their dissertation on a topic within the pathway area of specialism.

Modern and Contemporary History Pathway Options.

This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability:

Contemporary History Special Subjects

(Students must take TWO co-requisite modules). This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.

List D: General History Pathway

Students may take any remaining credits from the following list:

This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.

General History Special Subjects

(Students must take TWO co-requisite modules, 20 credits in each Semester). This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.

Students may take 20 – 40 credits of module outside the department such as a foreign language, or a relevant module from another department (such as Classics, Art History, English, etc).

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

To study this pathway, you'll need to apply for MA History, and you can choose to take the pathway when you begin your studies. 

Our History and Heritage graduates enter many roles, including:

• Events and Exhibitions Assistant and Heritage Guide
• Project Development Researcher
• Collections Assistant

Employers our History and Heritage graduates have worked for include:

• English Heritage
• Historic England
• Cottonwood Mansion Museum

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.