Politics and Contemporary History MA

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MA Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Nottingham lets you explore how recent political events and historical movements continue to shape the world today, learning directly from experts in both Politics and History. It is perfect for curious thinkers who want to combine political analysis with historical insight while developing advanced research skills that are highly valued by employers.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1 (Full-time – Core and optional study):
You will start by building a solid understanding of major political and contemporary historical themes through core and optional modules. Topics include Covert Action and Unacknowledged Interventions, where you explore propaganda, influence operations, and political strategy, and International Political Economy in the Era of Globalisation and Geopolitics, which gives you insight into global political and economic forces. You can also choose modules like Terrorism and Insurgencies to understand modern security challenges or The Theory and Practice of Diplomacy to see how international relations operate in practice.

Focus areas: Politics and International Relations, Contemporary History, global security, diplomacy, political economy, research, and applied practice

Learning outcomes: Graduates gain advanced analytical understanding of modern politics and history, research and writing expertise through a dissertation, critical thinking skills, and practical experience through placements and optional modules

Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is offered through two strong and recognized schools – Politics and International Relations and History – with research excellence and opportunities for practical experience to support employability

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked Top 20 in the UK for Politics (Complete University Guide Subject Rankings 2026)
University of Nottingham is among the QS World University Top 100 in 2026
Recognized as the 3rd most targeted UK university by top employers (High Fliers Research 2024)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Nottingham, this MA goes beyond lectures, encouraging you to apply theory in practical settings from the start. The programme offers opportunities to take part in real placements with external organisations, giving you hands-on experience of political systems and contemporary history in professional environments. You’ll benefit from workshops and events led by experts in the School of Politics and International Relations, helping you build confidence, professional networks, and insights from guest speakers who have worked in government, international affairs, and policy. On campus, extensive library collections and dedicated postgraduate study spaces support in-depth research, while careers services and placement teams help turn your experience into future opportunities.

These practical experiences include:

Part-time professional placements, such as the International Relations in Practice placement module, allowing you to gain real-world work experience with external organisations and develop professional skills.
Work placements and the Politics Placement Module, offering structured experience that can be integrated alongside your studies and strengthen your CV.
Workshops, guest lectures, and conferences organised by the School of Politics and International Relations, where practitioners and specialists — including former politicians and defence experts — share insights and encourage dialogue on current issues.
University library and research facilities, including the Hallward and George Green libraries with silent, group, and research areas, rich humanities and social sciences collections, and Manuscripts and Special Collections for archival research.
Postgraduate-focused study spaces and support, including dedicated graduate centres where you can collaborate with peers and pursue independent research with academic guidance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MA Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Nottingham leave with strong analytical, research, and communication skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers in both public and private sectors. Typical roles include work in government and public policy, international organisations and diplomacy, media and journalism, and research or analysis positions. Many alumni have gone on to work with organisations such as Channel 4, the European Union, GCHQ, Reuters, and the Thailand National Police Department. The University supports your transition into professional life in several ways:

Careers support services: You have access to individual guidance to explore career options, prepare your CV, practise interviews, and connect with employers through fairs and job vacancies. Students can also use the online service where hundreds of employers advertise graduate jobs and internships each year.
Employment outcomes and salary: Around two-thirds of postgraduates in the School of Politics and International Relations secure graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, with starting salaries for politics-related Masters graduates often around £30,000.
University–industry partnerships: The school hosts workshops and guest lectures with practitioners from government, think tanks, and policy sectors, giving you networking opportunities and direct insights from professionals in your field.
Accreditation value and long-term prospects: Nottingham is a Russell Group university ranked among the top 100 worldwide and top 20 in the UK for politics, giving your degree strong recognition and credibility.
Graduate destinations: Graduates find roles in national government, international organisations, media, marketing, teaching, broadcasting, policy, and research, both in the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students use this MA as a stepping stone to research-focused pathways, including PhD study in politics, international relations, or history. The programme’s emphasis on independent research and dissertation work equips you with the foundation needed for doctoral study or positions in academia and think tanks.