Course Details

The course helps you to expand your knowledge and understanding of many of the major trends relating to war and diplomacy over the last 200 years. Visiting speakers from Britain and abroad provide specialist guest lectures. A military history field trip during the first year is part of a range of possibilities which supplement the lectures and seminars.

Course Structure

Year 1

Modules at year 1 provide you with an introduction to the study of military and international history at university level. They enable you to analyse the work of historians and political scientists in a variety of genres and to use a range of sources in order to do so appropriate to undergraduate study. You will also be introduced to the necessary study skills which you will build upon during your undergraduate course.

Year 2

Modules at year 2 provide you with knowledge of central themes in military and international history. The modules focus on a variety of subject areas which will expand your knowledge of key areas; it will also assist you in understanding how contemporary theoretical and historical debates affect the ways in which historians and political scientists engage with their subjects. In particular, you will receive training for the dissertation which you must write in semester 1 of year 3. You will use the study skills acquired at year 1, and will develop these through your classes, your individual research and your assessments.

Year 3

Modules in year 3 provide you with knowledge of specific case studies of more specialised areas. The modules encourage you to develop independence of mind in critically assessing primary and secondary sources, and expect a high level of analytic skills in discussing texts and contexts. You will further develop your study and presentational skills, researching topics independently and presenting work professionally. A key aspect of study at this level is the dissertation. This double-weighted module gives you the opportunity to study with the assistance of a supervisor, one subject of your choice in considerable depth.

Year 1

Core modules

• Introduction to Contemporary Military History
• International History 1 1890-1945
• Issues in Contemporary History
• Introduction to Intelligence and Security
• International History 2 1945-Present

Year 2

Core modules

• Theories of War
• Researching in History
• International History 1789-1914

Optional Modules

Choose four from:

• Technology, Warfare and Strategy
• Armoured Warfare
• Intelligence, Security and Politics in Britain
• The United States and Vietnam
• Air Power
• 20th Century European Fascism
• Contemporary Security Studies

Year 3

Core Module

• Dissertation - a 12,000 word dissertation on a research topic of your own choosing under the guidance of a dedicated supervisor.

Year 3

Optional Modules

Choose four from:

• Sea Power
• Pacific War 1931-45
• Kennedy, Johnson and the World
• US Foreign Relations, 1961-69
• The First World War
• Asia-Pacific Security
• Conflicts, Refugees and Humanitarian Intervention
• British Foreign and Strategic Policy
• Britain and the European Resistance

Part-time structure

Year 1

Semester 1

• Introduction to Contemporary Military History
• International History

Semester 2

• Origins of the World Wars

Year 2

Semester 1

• Issues in Contemporary History

Semester 2

• Introduction to Contemporary Military History (continued)
• International History (continued)

Year 3

Semester 1

• Two year 2 optional modules

Semester 2

• Theories of War module

Year 4

Semester 1

• One year 2 optional module

Semester 2

• Researching in History
• One year 2 optional module

Year 5

Semester 1

• Two year 3 optional modules

Semester 2

• Two year 3 optional modules

Year 6

Semester 1

• Dissertation

Semester 2

• One year 3 optional module

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Employability

The degree can lead to a career in journalism, teaching, Government and non-governmental organisations, the police, the Armed Forces, business management and other areas.

The degree will provide you with a whole range of intellectual and transferable skills, and can lead to a career in journalism, teaching, the Government and non-governmental organisations, the police, the Armed Forces, management, and other areas. Many graduates go on to further study at postgraduate level.

Career Prospects

Alumni Profile

I thoroughly enjoyed studying Contemporary Military and International History at the University of Salford. In particular, my final year modules helped me expand my knowledge on my most passionate subject: the Second World War. The knowledge I gained helped me to secure a placement on HMS Belfast, where I contribute to the restoration and upkeep of this historic warship.

Rachel Whalley, BA (Hons) Contemporary Military and International History

Links with Industry

The course offers the chance to be taught and supervised by staff who have links to many academic and professional organisations, such as:

• The Royal Navy
• The British Army
• The Royal Air Force
• The British International History Group
• The Army Record Society
• The Navy Records Society
• Swedish National Defence College, Stockholm
• German Armed Forces Military History Research Office, Potsdam

Other placements have included the NHS, the education sector, environmental, arts and cultural organisations.

Placement Opportunities

There is also the opportunity to participate in a military history archival work placement in semester two of year 3. There is a choice of venues in the North West and beyond. The placement does not extend the duration of the degree course and you will complete assignments based on your placement activities. The placements are of great value to your CV.

Further Study

• MA Terrorism and Security
• MA/PgDip Intelligence and Security Studies

Fees and Funding