Our innovative and diverse MA focuses on key themes in the history of Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East from the late 19th century onwards. Some of the themes that you may explore include:

• the emergence of modern human rights
• religious conflict
• the relationship between empire and environmental change
• historical explanations for the extraordinary violence that afflicted the world in the first half of the 20th century.

You’re introduced to historical methodology and practice – especially the ‘cultural turn’ and ‘global turn’ in historiography – and how they might be used in devising and researching your individual research project.

You can also take part in our world-leading work on contemporary Britain. Our approach places everyday experiences within their social, cultural, economic and political contexts. We draw on the unparalleled resources of the renowned Mass Observation Archive. We are also home to innovative research centres, including the Centre for German-Jewish Studies, the Centre for Intellectual History and the Centre for World Environmental History. You’ll immerse yourself in the field’s literature and integrate the historical perspective with that of other social sciences. 

As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to undertake doctoral research and have the ability to critically understand the modern world – valuable skills for a variety of careers and employment opportunities.

Studying for a Contemporary History MA at Sussex will develop your skills in attention to detail, research, written communication and teamwork. Many of our graduates have gone on to careers in areas such as:

• teaching, research and publishing
• law and the Civil Service,
• museums, libraries and archives.

Others have gone on to further study.