Overview

In the Master's degree in Contemporary History and Politics at Birkbeck, University of London, you will study the complex interplay between national, international and global political, social and historical forces that have produced the contemporary world, and develop the approaches, techniques and skills of the professional historian.

The introductory compulsory module explores the methodological, conceptual and theoretical background necessary for historical study at postgraduate level. It also considers specific topics and questions in contemporary history and politics. You will undertake training in research skills to prepare you for researching and writing a dissertation on the subject that most interests you.

You can choose from an impressive range of option modules covering a wide sweep of political ideas and systems, historical periods and geographical places. Topics include the post-war reconstruction of Europe, Islam and the politics of fundamentalism, American global supremacy and foreign policy, national and transnational structures for ensuring global order and justice, and the rise of China as a superpower, among others.

Careers and Employability

Graduates can pursue careers in education, journalism, research, and museums and archiving. Possible professions include teacher, journalist, or archivist. This degree may also be useful in a variety of roles within government, research, or NGOs, as well as in becoming a museum education officer, academic librarian, politician’s assistant, or Civil Service administrator.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mastering Historical Research: Birkbeck Approaches

After the Ottoman Empire

American Foreign Policy

Arab-Israeli Question

Battleground Spain, 1936-1939

Britain and Germany: The History of a Relationship, 1815-1990

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-14 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-10 00:00:00 , International

More details

The university recommends that applicants apply as early as possible and at least six weeks before the start of term.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

79

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PTE Academic

62

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

History Modern History Political Science View 75 other Masters in Modern History in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Your personal details

Your qualifications

Your work experience

Your personal statement

Referees

Statistical information

English proficiency

The application form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20340 GBP / year

≈ 20340 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

11070 GBP / year

≈ 11070 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time home students: £5,535 per year
Part-time international students: £10,170 per year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Contemporary History and Politics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers and Employability

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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