Skip navigation
Contemporary History at University of Sussex - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

4th in the UK for our research impact in History in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education) =20th in the UK for History (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) About the course Our innovative and diverse MA focuses on key themes in the history of Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East from the late 19th century onwards. Some of the themes that you may explore include:

  • the emergence of modern human rights
  • the impact of the ‘cultural turn’ and identity politics on the discipline of history
  • the role of community archives, digital resources and family histories in the creation of ‘people’s history’ and ‘public history’
  • historical explanations for the extraordinary violence that afflicted the world in the first half of the 20th century.
You’re introduced to historical methodology and practice – especially the ‘cultural turn’ and ‘global turn’ in historiography – and how they might be used in devising and researching your individual research project. You can also take part in our world-leading work on contemporary Britain. Our approach places everyday experiences within their social, cultural, economic and political contexts. We draw on the unparalleled resources of the renowned Mass Observation Archive. We are also home to innovative research centres, including the Centre for German-Jewish Studies, the Centre for Intellectual History and the Centre for World Environmental History. You’ll immerse yourself in the field’s literature and integrate the historical perspective with that of other social sciences. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to undertake doctoral research and have the ability to critically understand the modern world – valuable skills for a variety of careers and employment opportunities. About Sussex Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution. Location Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

Please check our website in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

How to apply

International applicants

Information about our tuition fees, funding options and scholarships for UK and international students is available on our website. Find out more here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding

Entry requirements

You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Your qualification should be in history or another humanities or social sciences subject. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Information about our tuition fees, funding options and scholarships for UK and international students is available on our website. Find out more here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding

Sponsorship information

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people. Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Contemporary History at University of Sussex - UCAS