Modern and International History

• Course of contemporary relevance which responds to the increasing interest in, and importance of, international events
• Course that offers scope for students to pursue their own research and own interests
• Supportive and stimulating environment for learning / study

• Read Modern and International History course information (PDF, file size: 340.66KB)

"The History department has been fantastic. The lecturers have been wonderful and really go that extra mile to help."
Andrew Chesworth, Mature Student

"You meet a wide range of people and gain insights in the study of history" Dean Hall

"The lectures are always interesting and informative" Michael Taylor

The Modern and International Single Honours History award was developed to respond to an increased interest in international events from the post-Cold War transformation of the world to the issues surrounding environmental politics, conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and a growing awareness of the importance of understanding the important points in the past which have impacted on and shaped world in which we live. Alongside core module we offer modules on War and Terrorism, The Third Reich, Modern Italy, the Development of the Global System and Issues in World Politics.

Our Modern History programmes are designed to introduce students to the essential skills of the historian, including an understanding of current debates and perspectives, alongside an ability to contextualise history from a local and global viewpoint. This is complemented by the necessary acquisition of advanced research and analytical skills, set against substantive material drawn from modern history from the eighteenth century to the present day. Themes and topics which can be studied include: the French Revolution, the rise of consumerism, leisure and popular culture, propaganda, the Third Reich, attitudes to sexuality in Britain since World War 2, modern Italy, issues in world politics, women’s history, and war, peace and terrorism.

At Level 4 you are encouraged to acquire the critical technical and research skills of the historian and to involve yourself in the intellectual and academic debates of modern, international and popular history. Core modules are Making History I and II. At Level 5 the core module is ‘Concepts In History’, and at this level students begin to identify their own particular pathways within their chosen programme with specific cores such as Presenting the Past: History, Museums and the Media and the Development of the Global System. History option modules complement these core modules, alongside general options from other subjects.

At Levels 5 and 6 all students also have the opportunity of taking History Work Placement modules, enabling them to work with professionals in local Museums, Heritage Centres, The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service or local Primary and Secondary schools and sixth form colleges. The dissertation module at Level 6 (optional for joint honours) provides the opportunity for a sustained study on a topic chosen by the student with appropriate support and supervision.

Our graduates are extremely successful in moving rapidly into an effective, satisfying and successful career. Research shows that the transferable, academic and intellectual skills acquired during a History degree programme fulfil the criteria identified as ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ by employers today.
Our focus on ‘employability’ and the inclusion of this into our programme awards at all levels undoubtedly helps our undergraduates in their chosen careers – whether it is to undertake further postgraduate study or to enter the employment market.

Historians fill many key roles in society today – from local and regional Government to senior management in business, for example serving the community at all levels of the teaching profession, working in the media and heritage industries, or as successful entrepreneurs.

• BA(Hons) International History; Modern and International History Programme Specification (PDF, file size: 144.39KB)

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