World History (MA) - 2013/2014 entry
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Overview
This programme focuses on the rapidly developing connections between different human societies from the later eighteenth century and the emergence of novel cultures, ideologies and forms of global economic activities.
Drawing on the spread of expertise within the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology and other departments, the programme features a wide range of comparative and interdisciplinary study. You will be encouraged to develop both conceptual and theoretical approaches to the understanding of the modern world, as well as learning research methodologies appropriate to your chosen fields of specialisation.
Find out more about studying in the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology.
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Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Unique programme exploring the making of the modern world from a global point of view.
- Conveniently located for the British Museum, the British Library and a range of specialist research centres.
- Watch our video: Professor Catharine Edwards talks about studying in the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology.
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Course structure
The introductory core module (Mastering Historical Research: Birkbeck Approaches) aims to equip you with the conceptual background necessary for historical study at postgraduate level. It includes 10 broad lectures and 10 weekly seminars dedicated to exploring specific topics and questions in world history.
You may choose from a wide variety of option modules, but those wishing to take a more focused pathway through the degree may specialise in Asian History, Africa and the Middle East, Imperialism and Post-Colonial Societies. Option modules may include:
- Africa in the European Imagination
- An Empire of Knowledge – Science, Colonialism and Power in British India, 1750–1950
- Arab-Israeli Question
- China and the West, 1600–2000
- Climate Change and World History
- Disease and Society in Africa in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
- Empires in Modern East Asia
- Gandhi and Non-Violence in Comparative Perspective
- Immigration and Society since 1945
- Internationalism and International Organisations
- Jews and Antisemitism in Modern Europe: Histories and Approaches
- Literature and Modern Chinese Nationalism
- London and Berlin in the Age of Empire
- Migrants and Minorities in Asia
- Politics and Islam
- Politics of Globalisation
- Post-Colonial Discourse and the Novel
- Race and the Victorians
- Religion in Society and Politics: Britain and Ireland, 1801–2001
- Western Images of Japan 1868–1912.
You will also write a dissertation
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Study resources
You will find the British Museum and the British Library just a few minutes' walk from Birkbeck. Other nearby specialist centres of research include the Institute of Archaeology, the Insitute of Classical Studies and the Institute of Historical Research, all of which offer regular seminars on research areas covered by the department.
Birkbeck also has active history and archaeology societies.
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Further study opportunities
If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in History.
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Careers information
Graduates go on to careers as researchers, as archivists, in museums and galleries, in education, and as journalists.
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Further details
Teaching staff
Course directors: Dr Sunil Amrith and Dr Hilary Sapire
Other staff who teach on this MA programme include:
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Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
- You should apply as early as possible.
- Interviews from January.
- Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews