Modern History and International Relations (Including Placement Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course Details Course Structure Aims and Learning Outcomes
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Modern History and International Relations (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
History
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
History
Politics and International Relations
BA VL14
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A-levels: BBB

BTEC: DDM, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

IB: 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.

What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.

You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here

If you are a mature student, further information is here

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.

Course qualifiers

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Ingeborg Dornan

Reader in History

Brunel University London

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 23 October 2023 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  HR173-4-FY-CO  Rebellious Pasts: Challenging and Creating Histories  Core  30  30 
02  GV113-4-SP-CO  Co-Operation and Conflict  Core  15  15 
03  GV103-4-AU-CO  Introduction to International Relations  Compulsory  15  15 
04    History option from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Government option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  HR510-4-FY-CO  History Works: Career Portfolio  Compulsory  0  0 

Year 2 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  HR242-5-FY-CO  Exploring History: Research Workshop  Compulsory  30  30 
02  GV217-5-AU-CO  Conflict Analysis  Compulsory  15  15 
03    History option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    History or Government option from list  Optional  15  15 
05    Government option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  HR510-5-FY-CO  History Works: Career Portfolio  Compulsory  0  0 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  HR701-6-FY-CO  Placement Year  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    HR831-6-FY or GV831-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02    Government option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
03    History option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    History or Government option(s)  Optional  30  30 
05  HR510-6-FY-CO  History Works: Career Portfolio  Compulsory  0  0 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • Enable students to study a range of historical topics, providing a focused study on a selection of periods and themes in world history from c. 1770 to the present.
  • Develop students' understandings of the relationship between the past and the present.
  • Familiarise students with models of historical analysis and varieties of primary sources.
  • Develop students' knowledge and understanding of some theoretical and conceptual foundations of the discipline of political science and international relations.
  • Provide the opportunity for students to learn about political systems, political ideas and the interaction between domestic and foreign politics.
  • Develop an empirical base for the study of politics in an international context.
  • Enable students to examine past and contemporary events and processes in comparative perspective, with an understanding of their political and social contexts.
  • Enable students to design and conduct an independent study on a specialist topic of their choice.
  • Develop skills of research, analysis and argument that are valuable for subsequent academic study, lifetime learning, a wide range of future careers, personal development and social participation.


    • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    Learning methods

    Assessment methods

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    Learning methods

    Assessment methods

    C: Practical skills

    Learning methods

    Assessment methods

    D: Key skills

    Learning methods

    Assessment methods

    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.