7May
Undergraduate This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
University of Brighton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Our Contemporary History degree explores modern history, focusing on the transformative events and struggles from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. Unlike traditional history courses, we incorporate insights from politics and cultural studies to explore not just what happened, but how history is shaped, produced, and used in society. You’ll examine global issues like the rise of dominant powers, the evolution of racism, and the marginalisation of certain groups. Through small seminar groups, you’ll hone your skills in debate, critical thinking, and persuasive argumentation, preparing you to challenge historical narratives and understand their impact on today's world. TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS COURSE
- Small, participatory seminar groups with every seminar supported by a preceding lecture
- Your academic work will be supported by workshops that develop your academic and independent research skills
- Become a skilled oral and written communicator, confident in presenting work on your own and as a member of a group
- Expert teaching team including academics who develop leading research as part of the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics
- Opportunity to undertake a placement, giving you valuable work experience and contacts
- An interdisciplinary approach drawing on, and combining, various disciplines to understand topics and ideas, you will develop a deep and multilayered approach to contemporary issues
- An engaging curriculum designed to be both challenging and stimulating, with a mix of lectures, seminars, debates, and collaborative projects
- Real-world application - this course encourages you to apply theoretical approaches to real-world issues, preparing you to address contemporary global challenges
- Join a vibrant community within the programme and the School of Humanities and Social Science, all based in one building
- Opportunities take part in subject-related conferences and events - we have a student-run Humanities Society which organises a busy annual calendar of expert speakers, debates and events.
Modules
Year 1 Historical Inquiry Philosophical Inquiry Studying Cultures Democracy Globalisation, Conflict and the Environment The Politics of Representation Year 2 Critical Traditions in Western Thought 1 and 2 Specialist option pathways Radical Histories Race and Resistance Politics-History-Ideology Option pathways from wider humanities subject area Philosophy and Literature Self and Society Globalisation, History and Identity Global Politics Morality, Politics and the Good Life Contemporary Global Challenges Final year Dissertation Specialist option pathways Radical Histories: A History of Capitalism, its Critics and its Crises Race and Resistance: The Politics of Discrimination and Resistance Politics-History-Ideology: From Pax Americana to the Ends of History *Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V140
- Institution code:
- B72
- Campus name:
- Brighton
- Campus code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level - BCC - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM - MMM
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4, H4
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5. in each element, or equivalent English Language qualification. |
Review our English Language requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17250 | Year 1 |
| International | £17250 | Year 1 |
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
The fees listed in the table above are for full-time UK undergraduate students in academic year 2025-26. You will pay further fees in each year of your course. Fees may increase each year. UK undergraduate and certain postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government. The annual fee increase will not exceed the UK government's maximum regulated tuition fee limit set for the relevant academic year. Many of our courses include the option of a salaried placement year. Tuition fees for a placement year are charged at a lower rate of £1850. The international tuition fees listed above are for full-time courses during the academic year 2025-26. Further tuition fees are payable in each year of study. Non-regulated tuition fees, which usually apply to international students and UK postgraduate students* are subject to an annual increase of a maximum of 5% or the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), whichever is higher.
*Some designated postgraduate courses are regulated by the UK government – the annual fee increase for eligible UK / Home students on these designated courses will not exceed the UK government’s regulated tuition fee limit set for the relevant academic year.
Provider information
University of Brighton
Mithras House
Lewes Road
Brighton
BN2 4AT