BA Contemporary History and Politics

The BA Contemporary History and Politics course at Birkbeck University of London provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of modern history and politics. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including globalization, identity politics, and the role of media in shaping political discourse. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze historical events from multiple perspectives. This course is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in history, politics, or related fields.

Additional Information

The BA Contemporary History and Politics course is designed to provide students with a flexible and interdisciplinary approach to the study of history and politics. Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of topics, including the history of social movements, the role of culture in shaping political identity, and the impact of globalization on local communities. The course also places a strong emphasis on skills development, with opportunities for students to engage in original research and produce their own historical documents or political analyses.

Leading the Way in Contemporary History and Politics: Why Choose Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is an ideal choice for students interested in the BA Contemporary History and Politics course due to its reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. The university has a long history of producing influential scholars and political thinkers, and its location in central London provides easy access to a wide range of cultural and political institutions. In addition, Birkbeck's flexible teaching arrangements allow students to balance their studies with other commitments, making it an attractive option for those who are working or have family responsibilities.

The BA Contemporary History and Politics are offered jointly by our Department of History, Classics and Archaeology and our Department of Politics, which gives you the opportunity to study current political ideas and events in combination with an understanding of the wider historical context of the modern world. The study of history and politics develops the ability to understand how people lived, acted, and thought in the past, and the ways in which they act politically in the present. We encourage you to assess written and material evidence, to question accepted histories and explanations, and construct and present your own arguments. The course includes a wide variety of options across both disciplines, from the history of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Britain, to the study of social and political theory, the analysis of authoritarianism and repressive regimes, and parliamentary democratic practice. You will gain a mix of skills drawn from the two disciplines: the ability to analyze data of different types, to understand the context and meaning of events, and to relate the study of the past to current political issues and developments.

104-120 UCAS points, A-levels: BCC-BBB