University of Leicester

Modern and Contemporary History BA

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Run in partnership with Politics and International Relations, this course will emphasise the history of the recent past and integrate it with contemporary politics and international relations. Ideal if your main interests lie in the 20th and 21st century – you will be able to concentrate on a focused chronological period, with modules covering a broad geographical range. You will learn about the various factors, particularly political factors, that shape historical events and our understanding of them.

An appreciation of international relations is vital for analysing the fluctuating relationships that countries share with one another, either directly or through international bodies such as the UN. The topical nature of this course will not only help you understand the past but also prepare you to construct informed arguments about events that are unfolding today. Your first year develops your core knowledge and skills, as well as allowing you to explore aspects of the modern world that particularly interest you.

Later on you will have even more freedom to shape your degree around your own interests, choosing modules examining the history and politics of different parts of the world, including Britain, Ireland and Europe; North America and South America; East Asia and South-east Asia; and parts of Africa and the Middle East. Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.

If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied. Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications. We welcome applications from motivated students whose predicted grades are slightly below our standard entry requirements.

We understand that predicted grades are not always an accurate reflection of your final results, and we’re

Key highlights

  • Run in partnership with Politics and International Relations
  • Focuses on 20th and 21st century history
  • Integrates history with contemporary politics and international relations
  • Modules span Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East
  • Growing freedom to shape your degree around your interests
  • Builds skills to construct informed arguments about current events

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB-BBB — A/AS-levels : ABB-BBB at A-Level.
  • A-level: BBB-BBC — with EPQ; + EPQ at grade B
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass relevant Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 — …relevant Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points including 6 in one Higher Level subject BTEC Nationals : Pass Diploma with DDM Other offi…
  • BTEC: DDM — …Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points including 6 in one Higher Level subject BTEC Nationals : Pass Diploma with DDM Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world.

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Political researcher
  • Policy analyst
  • Journalist
  • Civil servant
  • Archivist
  • Public affairs officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £20,200

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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