Modern History

Our popular Modern History course focuses on European and British history from the mid-18th century onwards and explores the key topics of the period, from European nation building to modern British politics.

It offers a huge range of options taught by leading experts, including modules taught in the Departments of War Studies and Political Economy.

The degree leads to careers in education, journalism, finance, politics and cultural sectors.

Key Benefits:

• One of the best history departments in the world, ranked in the top five in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2017).
• King's graduates enjoy one of the best employment rates and starting salaries in the UK. Ranked 4th in the UK for graduate employability (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2017).
• Innovative comparative approach to British and Continental European history since the 18th-century.
• The central London location offers students unrivalled access to world-class museums, collections, archives and libraries as well as easy access to resources in Europe.
• Vibrant research culture, including seminars and conferences at which students are encouraged to participate and give papers.

Designed primarily for students interested in Continental European and/or British History, our course draws on a wide range of approaches to give you a comparative perspective.

MA

The history of modern Europe and Britain has always been central to our teaching. This popular Modern History MA course will give you the skills that you need to study modern history, and you will explore the key topics of the period, from European nation building to modern British politics. We have designed this MA primarily for those interested in Continental European and/or British History since the mid-18th century, and the course draws on a wide range of approaches to give you a comparative perspective. You will also have the opportunity to study a modern language, which will extend the range of sources that you can engage with.

We will help you to make comparisons between the experiences of different societies and polities, a skill that we believe is fundamental to understanding historical issues, and to think broadly, not just in terms of country, period and discipline.

The course will give you access to an exceptionally wide range of optional modules from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, as well as selected modules from the Departments of War Studies and Political Economy, and other institutions. You can also attend relevant undergraduate lecture series, such as Europe from 1793-1991 and Politics & Society in Britain, 1780-1945.

King's College London is one of the top 10 UK universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2018/19) and among the oldest in England.

King's vision is to make the world a better place, building on our history of pioneering research that has advanced and shaped modern life, such as: the discovery of the structure of DNA; research to better understand autism and develop life-changing therapies; informing air pollution awareness and policy; research that led to the development of radio, radar, television and mobile phones; and making maths available to the underprivileged. These are all ways that we are having a transformational impact on society.

Our intellectually rigorous teaching environment is coupled with a commitment to providing a rich and supportive student experience. We have more than 31,000 students (of whom nearly 12,800 are postgraduates, with 1,000 students enrolled in online masters courses) from 150 countries worldwide, meaning that students are part of a truly international community. Our 8,500 members of staff collaborate with students to help them get the most out of their degree. Many of our academics are also researchers working within and influencing their industries, meaning that students learn the latest thinking and understand its practical and contemporary relevance.

King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas'​, King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts are part of King's Health Partners. King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering global collaboration between one of the world's leading research-led universities and three of London's most successful NHS Foundation Trusts, including leading teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services.