Course Overview

Our MA Contemporary History and Politics lays a strong emphasis on the critical analysis of the recent past, giving you specialist knowledge of particular regions and themes. 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.

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.

Graduates can pursue career paths in education, journalism, research, museums, and archiving. Possible professions include:

teacher

journalist

archivist

museum education officer

academic librarian

politician’s assistant

Civil Service administrator.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

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

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests and at least 7.0 in writing.