2-Term Pathway - Foundation Certificate in Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Modern History

For students who've finished high school but don’t meet the entry requirements for university, a Foundation Certificate can help them gain entry to an undergraduate degree. After completing this pathway option students qualify for progression to the 1st year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Essex.

A student’s course length is determined mainly by their English language level (UKVI IELTS score). Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. Students taking a course longer than 2 terms, will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Modern History

The BA Modern History allows students to study the history of Britain, Europe and the wider world from the 18th century to the present day. This exciting period has marked an age of discovery and globalization—a time of rapid change, brutal wars, and belief in the possibility of societal and scientific progress.

From the history of slavery in the Atlantic world to the spread of communist-inspired revolutions in China, Russia, and Latin America—from the impacts and legacies of imperialism in India and Africa to the origins and consequences of the Cold War—students investigate the intersection of ideas, cultures and economics of different people over the last 250 years in order to better understand how the contemporary world was made.

Students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules about subjects close to home and further afield, including:

• Europe’s transition from a medieval to a modern world • Historical and contemporary issues in international politics • Sexuality in United States history • The history of social inequality and culture in Brazil • Controversial events of twentieth century Britain

Students are taught by award-winning academics from all over the world: their corridors are truly cosmopolitan. The Department also provides students with opportunities to explore local history and have close ties with the Essex Record Office, one of the best county record offices in the UK.