Course summary

The MSc Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation, taught by the Department of International History, focuses on the history of the non-European world through the study of imperialism, colonialism and the forces that have brought about globalisation. The core course concentrates on the history of imperialism in Asia, Africa and South America from the 14th century to the present day. You will focus on the histories of non-western peoples, whether they were imperial masters or colonial subjects. You will explore the technologies and ideologies of the Ottoman, Mughal and Qing empires, as well as the Spanish, British and French empires. European overseas empires are studied through postcolonial methodologies: the effects upon and experiences of the colonised are central. Themes include: race, ethnicity and the management of difference in imperial formations; gender and imperial authority; science, medicine, technology and the quest for imperial domination. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of specialist options from the Departments of International Development, Government, Economic History, International History, Geography, and Gender. You will engage at an advanced level with the latest academic research in the field, and undertake your own research-based term papers and third term dissertation. The dissertation is one of the highlights of this degree, through which you pursue specialist research in a field of your choice.