The academic discipline of history comprises polarised interpretations, debates, arguments, passions, and struggles to provide the most compelling and most widely accepted explanation of why history happened as it did, and why other futures did not come to pass. Examine two case studies that form one of the most contested areas of historiographical debate. You learn about a crucial period in history and gain a deeper understanding of how the discipline of history works, acquiring skills that will lay important foundations for your future studies.

Gain an overview of Britain and Europe from 1870 to the present. Take a chronological approach, from the unification of Germany and Italy, through to two world wars, the Cold War and the European Union. Within the British political history strand of the module, you investigate colonialism, the impact of two world wars on British politics and society, the implications of the introduction of the welfare state and Keynesian economic policies during the consensus period, and the shift towards neo-liberal forms of governance and politics in the late twentieth century and beyond. Within the European political history strand of the module, the chronological approach is shared, but you investigate these years with a more international, European focus. Beginning with a study of the major unifications in 1870, the strand investigates, WW1, the emergence of authoritarian and totalitarian dictatorships in interwar Europe, WW2, the Cold War, and post-Cold war military and economic integration.

Engage in a piece of advanced research into politics or international relations, allowing you to follow a theme or particular interest under the guidance of a supervisor. You are prepared for the workplace, enabling you to apply the skills you have acquired and developed during the course.

For much of human history, empires were the most common form of political organisation. Examine one of history's most important political phenomena and draw comparisons across space and time. Examine empires, from the ancient world to our own day, including analysing the question of whether the current global hegemonic power, the US, should be seen as an empire. Think conceptually, transnationally, and across time, while rooting your studies in concrete historical examples.

Develop graduate skills in preparation for further study, employment or lifelong learning, through engagement with our Student Futures team and humanities practitioners. Gain insight into career pathways and explore the opportunities available to humanities graduates, including as educators, policy-makers, publishers, facilitators, communicators, and creatives. Work on an individual project, either work focused or academic focused.

Investigate the history of the North East and Teesside, and gain a deeper understanding of the region, both past and present. Learn about the area’s history, culture, and society through topics such as its foundation, economic development, demographic history, social structure, and political outlook.

Through examining primary source material and current historiography, develop an understanding of significant gender-related themes in history. Become conversant in debates on the current status of gender history as an academic discipline and assess its influence in the wider culture. Explore how economic circumstances, work, sex, marriage, motherhood, fatherhood, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, politics and culture have shaped the human experience and what this tells us about the societies in which humanity has lived.

Build on your skills in using sources and critical engagement with historiography. Under the guidance of experts in the field, undertake in-depth case studies of particular themes and periods in history, with your learning centred on an increased focus and engagement with primary source material. Further develop your own research skills and enhance your capacity to engage in critical thinking, playing a central role into your transition to a capable and confident graduate ready for the world of work or further study.

The victory of the Allies in the Second World War seemed to mark the end of dictatorship. However, the persistence and revival of the extreme right suggests that we're witnessing a rebirth of fascism. Using theory and conceptual approaches, you explore historical and contemporary forms of fascism and anti-fascism, developing a theoretical and historical understanding of the past, present and future.

Examine one of the key phenomena of the modern age - revolutionary change - and how this has shaped the modern world. The American Revolution, French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Chinese Revolution, anti-colonial revolutions, Iranian Revolution and the counter-revolutions of 1989 - 1991 have been influential across the globe.

Investigate theoretical approaches to understanding the phenomenon of revolution, the political revolution and change. And research other types of revolutionary change in society such as those in the economic, technological, social and cultural fields. You explore counter-revolutionary resistance and attempts to reverse change as the counter-revolution has been, and remains, key to modern history and politics.

You examine the impact of the First World War on the societies of the major participants. And consider how the war influenced social change, either by accelerating or preventing it, and whether any of that social changes had lasting effects.

You work in groups to develop an agreed theme. And you research questions connected to the impact of war on society to enhance your comparative lens.