History (Modern and Contemporary History) MA

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Birmingham /University of Birmingham/History (Modern and Contemporary History) MA

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 27,090 / year

Next Intake September-2026

History (Modern and Contemporary History) MA

About

Course overview

From the industrial revolution to the computer age, from the impact of the French Revolution to the Arab Spring, explore the rapid changes during modern and contemporary history and the impact they have on the world today.

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.

September - December (11 weeks)

Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.

There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.

One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.

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Course information for prospective postgraduate students on our MA History (Modern and Contemporary History) taught masters degree pathway.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

English Program 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

Career

Career opportunities

By studying a postgraduate degree in History or Heritage at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to collate together information, strong written and verbal communication skills, and analytical skills.

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

The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits [The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report].
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.

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.

Careers and employability