The Contemporary History BA is run in partnership with the Department of Politics and International Relations and is designed to emphasise the history of the recent past and integrate it with contemporary politics and international relations. The degree is aimed at students whose main interests lie in modern history and the contemporary world, allowing you to concentrate on a focused chronological period, with modules covering a broad geographical range.

Watch this video to find out what one of our current students thinks about History at Leicester.

You will learn about the various factors, particularly political factors, that shape historical events and our understanding of them. An appreciation of international relations is vital for analysing the fluctuating relationships that countries share with one another, either directly or through international bodies such as the UN. The topical nature of this course will not only help you understand the past but also prepare you to construct informed arguments about events that are unfolding today.

Your first year will be spent acquiring foundation skills and knowledge in your areas of interest. Later on you will have the freedom to select your modules and build a degree around topics that inspire you. With experts in a plethora of topics, you will always be able to find modules that pique your curiosity and quench your thirst for knowledge – from peopling Australia to the history of alcohol in America.