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The Modern World

Classes

Wednesday 30 April - Wednesday 09 July 2025, 6pm-9pm

10 sessions - Check class timetable

Overview

The aim of the Modern World short course is to provide you with a basic knowledge of the history of Britain, Europe and the world from the late eighteenth century to the present. The lectures are arranged chronologically and thematically. They are followed by seminar classes focusing on a range of sources and key texts related to the subject.

We plan to cover the following content:

  • The birth of the modern world
  • Capitalism and globalisation
  • Labour and migration
  • States and nations
  • Imperialism
  • Science, faith and culture
  • The First World War and revolution
  • Democracy and its discontents
  • The Holocaust
  • The post-World War Two order

This course is assessed via a 500-word primary source analysis (20%), 500-word modern scholarship summary (20%) and 1500-word essay (60%).

This can be taken as a standalone short course or as a part of:

30 credits at level 4

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements

    Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.

    This short course has no prerequisites.

    As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.

    International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.

  • How to apply

    How to apply

    You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.