BA (Hons) in Modern History

*Subject to revalidation

• Focus in-depth on some of the monumental historical events of the past two centuries, such as the world wars and the rise of Soviet Communism
• Secure work placements at leading historic and cultural venues such as the Mary Rose and British Museum
• Join a student-led history society on trips to sites of historical interest and talks by major historians
• Learn from expert tutors and their cutting-edge research
• Study in a beautiful city steeped in history

The past two centuries have seen enormous advances in technology and economic globalisation, but they have also witnessed catastrophic world wars, the Holocaust and the rise of Soviet Communism. Modern History at Winchester allows you to study how such relatively recent events have formed the modern world we inhabit.

Our committed team of historians are passionate about their subjects, which cover a broad range of cultures, wars and traditions from around the globe. Studying alongside them, you gain a solid grounding in the academic disciplines of historical analysis, as well as an understanding of the great sweep of global history and its influence on today’s world.

You can choose to focus your studies on Britain, but you can also explore a variety of historical periods, events and cultures, including Asia, Europe and the Americas through a broad range of optional modules.

In Year 1 , you take core modules that explore the nature of history as a discipline. You look at the changing assumptions, methods and definitions of history and explore the current concerns of historians.

Having acquired research skills and knowledge in Year 1, your studies in Years 2 and 3 are more specialised.

In Year 2 , core modules in Reading History and Practising History deepen your understanding of the discipline. You also select from a range of optional modules that focus on the modern world, concentrating either on using original documents or exploring continuity and change over long periods. Options may include The British Raj, Revolutionary Russia, Nazism and the Holocaust, and The History of Rock and Roll.

In Year 3 , you produce your dissertation and take core modules in Writing History and History and the Public Sphere. Optional modules take the form of Depth Studies and Comparative Studies. An understanding of methodology is developed through Depth Studies, which establish a comprehensive knowledge of a particular period by evaluating the use of primary and secondary sources and any issues associated with them as evidence. While an area of historical concern across more than one country and culture is examined by Comparative Studies.

Depth Studies options may include The United States and the Cold War 1945-63, and Japan at War and Under Occupation 1937-52. Possible Comparative Studies options are Minorities in the Past and Mediterranean Fascism: Conflict and Dictatorship in Spain and Italy 1914-1947.

By studying Modern History you develop transferable skills in written and oral communication, both as part of a group and individually, and critical analysis of evidence and large bodies of material.

*This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high-quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, and general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate-level career.

The University of Winchester empowers students to reach their full potential and make a difference in the world. Set in Winchester, a beautiful, quintessential English city with a rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture, the university’s friendly and compact campuses give students the benefit of city and campus living. We are well situated with excellent transport links allowing you to reach London or the coast in an hour, and Southampton Airport is just a 10-minute train journey away.

The university offers a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that are taught across our five faculties:

• Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies: A modern, forward-thinking faculty offering a range of disciples including Accounting, Economics, Business Management, Computer Science and Marketing.
• Faculty of Education and the Arts: Has a long and established history of providing high-quality degrees, and is home to the Institute of Education, Department of Education and Childhood Studies, Department of Performing Arts, and School of Media and Film.
• Faculty of Health and Wellbeing: Outstanding degrees that are committed to progressing health and well-being for all life. The faculty includes Nursing, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Animal Welfare and Sports degrees.
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Passionate about what makes us human, we offer research-led teaching and outstanding support in Anthropology; Archaeology; History; Psychology; Social Sciences including Politics and Geography; Philosophy; English and Creative Writing.
• Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice: Bringing together the department of Law and the department of Policing, Criminology and Forensics, the faculty uses an interdisciplinary approach to offer a dynamic range of degrees that offer the use of specialist facilities.