BA (Hons) MODERN HISTORY
BA (HONS) MODERN HISTORY
Study Modern History at UEA and witness the unfolding of events since 1750. You’ll gain a solid grounding in the main developments of modern history, going right up to the era of Putin, Trump, and Brexit.
As you develop your understanding of history it will allow you to formulate a more critical awareness of the problems of the present. You’ll graduate with a particular knowledge and understanding of the challenges of the modern world, especially in political and international contexts – as well as with research, analytical, and communication skills, which will prove invaluable in the workplace, or if you choose to move on to postgraduate study.
About
Imagine reading Queen Victoria’s diaries, analysing Nazi reports on the Olympic Games, or considering the social and political power of African American jazz. This is just a glimpse of the sort of primary reading you might do as part of a Modern History degree at UEA.
In UEA’s School of History, you’ll be taught by cutting-edge specialists and discover their latest world-leading research. UEA is acknowledged to be at the forefront of History research in the UK, and in the Times Higher Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Analysis, UEA was ranked 3rd overall in the UK for research quality in History. We have particular strengths in British, European, Russian and Balkan history, as well as in the history of the Atlantic world, the Middle East, and Asia.
Whether you’re interested in all areas of modern historical study or you’re looking forward to developing new specialisms, in your second and third years you will be able to tailor your degree by choosing from a huge range of optional modules.
For example, you’ll have the chance to delve deeper into topics such as the Cold War, Japan in modern times, and modern Germany. And you’ll be able to choose a special subject from a range of options as varied as Thatcher’s Britain, Japan’s First Modern Century, and Appeasement and War, all of which are led by academics currently researching in those areas.
You can then broaden your horizons even further with modules from other disciplines including languages and politics.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll develop a knowledge of the deep connections between history, memory, and the past and present. You will learn to explore and understand the forces that shape the modern world, be they political, economic, social or cultural. You’ll come to understand how knowledge is constructed and manipulated – how history is written – and you will engage with its interpretation and debate.

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students
- SHARE
- Facebook
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
Experiencing a different culture today can give you a new perspective on the past, so studying abroad is a fantastic way to enhance your history degree.
You’ll have the option to spend a semester abroad in your second year, selecting from a broad range of partner institutions. Your time abroad will be an invaluable academic and cultural experience, one that many students consider to be the highlight of their time at university. You’ll develop skills that you’ll use throughout your career, which are coveted by employers.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students
After the Course
History graduates have the world at their feet. As well as your subject-specific skills and knowledge, you will develop a range of transferable skills and qualities, including communication skills, team working, leadership, self-management, and sophisticated digital literacy. Such attributes open up a wide variety of professions and careers.
History at UEA has a proven track record of leading to careers in law, finance, local government and administration, the heritage and tourism sector, the Civil Service, political lobbying, non-governmental organisations, teaching, think-tanks and many more besides. Or you could further your research by going on to postgraduate study.
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
-
The Civil Service
-
Political lobbying
-
Museum curating and heritage
-
Teaching
-
Finance
-
Postgraduate study

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students
Assessment for Year 1
In your first year you’ll be assessed by a mixture of essays, presentations and document commentaries. You’ll gain experience and confidence with these assessments, without them counting to your final degree.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Assessment for Year 2
In your second year you’ll be assessed through the same forms of assessment, in combination with examinations. In each module you’ll have a chance to test your skills and receive feedback from your tutors through practice assessments (also known as formative work), which can take a variety of forms, such as presentations, reviews, and source analyses.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Assessment for Year 3
In your final year you’ll be assessed via a combination of coursework, document work, presentations, and examinations, along with an extended essay in your specialist subject and a dissertation, if you choose to do one.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Assessment for Year 1
In your first year you’ll be assessed by a mixture of essays, presentations and document commentaries. You’ll gain experience and confidence with these assessments, without them counting to your final degree.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
In your second year you’ll be assessed through the same forms of assessment, in combination with examinations. In each module you’ll have a chance to test your skills and receive feedback from your tutors through practice assessments (also known as formative work), which can take a variety of forms, such as presentations, reviews, and source analyses.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
In your final year you’ll be assessed via a combination of coursework, document work, presentations, and examinations, along with an extended essay in your specialist subject and a dissertation, if you choose to do one.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal, or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB or ABC including History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, English Literature or Sociology or BBC including History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, English Literature or Sociology with an A in the Extended ProjectT Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.BTEC
DDM alongside grade B in A-Level History (or equivalent qualification). Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AABBB including HistoryScottish highers advanced
CCC including HistoryIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 including HistoryAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in HistoryEuropean Baccalaureate
70% overall including 7 in HistoryInternational Baccalaureate
31 points including HL5 in History or Global PoliticsGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
The cost of individual field trips will vary, and all such trips are optional.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

Mature Students
Related Courses
-
BA (HONS) History (with a Foundation Year)
Entry Requirements CCC -
BA (HONS) American History
Entry Requirements BBB or ABC -
BA (HONS) History of Art (with a Foundation Year)
Entry Requirements CCC -
BA (HONS) History and Politics
Entry Requirements ABB -
BA (HONS) History and Film Studies
Entry Requirements BBB or ABC
Not quite right? Search for other courses below: