University of Salford: UG Politics & Contemporary History Study Guide

POLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

POLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

WHY STUDY POLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

Do you ever wonder how our lives are shaped by globalism? Or how events such as financial crises to wars of propaganda affect policies and communities? Consider how technology is changing the intelligence and security sectors? Wherever your interests lie, a Politics and Contemporary History (PCH) degree could be perfect for your learning goals.

When you study a course with us, you’ll be taught by expert tutors with a vast array of experience. You’ll be based at our green Peel Park campus, close to the cultural benefits of Salford and Manchester. And you won’t just be a number, you will be taught in small groups which will provide you with the opportunity for meaningful discussion with your tutors and peers.

You can specialise in the areas of Politics and Contemporary History that interest you, and at the end of it all, you’ll graduate with the confidence and transferable skills needed to make an impact from day one of your new career.

CAREERS IN POLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

Our Politics and Contemporary History courses will prepare you for the world of work. Many of our graduates work for political parties with several currently sitting as elected members of the British parliament and local government authorities. Others have pursued successful careers within Greater Manchester Police (GMP); the National Crime Agency (NCA); the British Army and Royal Navy; British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL); and the United Nations.

Our graduates also choose to put the skills they have gained from our courses to use by entering the education industry as teachers, or explore routes into academia by developing cutting-edge research.

Graduate case studies

When I was medically discharged from the British Army in 2015, I was recovering from a spinal injury sustained in Afghanistan some years earlier. This injury limited my options for physical re-training until I was presented with an academic alternative.

Fortunately, my life experience from 20 years in the infantry enabled me to enrol onto the Contemporary Military and International History course. This course seemed tailored to my passion for both the military and history, yet it was the political aspect of the course that would later supersede these, and my dissertation analysing the Anglo-American Special Relationship is testament to this.

I graduated with First Class Honours, and this was due to the help and support from my lecturers and fellow students. Throughout my time at the University of Salford a consistent highlight was the eagerness and passion of the lecturers. These traits became infectious and rubbed off on all of us, to the extent that we would frequently participate in debates that lasted beyond our seminar and class time.

As a local politician, author, and veterans’ campaigner, I am grateful for my time at Salford as if not for the life experience gained from the lectures and students

as part of my own academic journey, I fundamentally believe that I would not have been able to achieve so much post-graduation.

When I was picking my course I went with my passion! I have always loved history and it’s always been a big part of my life, I figured if I did something I loved I’d never ‘work’ again and it was the best decision I could have made!

The highlight of the course for me was the creative freedom that came with studying at Salford. The choice of modules was wide and catered to lots of different interests which allowed me to pick topics I was genuinely interested in which is why I believe I did so well.

The tutors were all so supportive and are willing to go the extra milethey will be right behind you! I had a few personal health issues during my time at Salford and the tutors were always there to support and

Primary source analysis skills have been really valuable in my role as we are putting information out to the public so it has to be right!

My experience of studying Contemporary History at Salford was life changing! I came in as a slightly older student who has children so was in a slightly different position than the rest of my cohort but the support I received set me up for life after university.

ANDREW GWYNNE

Member of Parliament for Denton and Reddish and Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister, Class of 1998

Contemporary History is all about what events in the 19th and 20th centuries contributed to the society that we live in today.

Contemporary History is as rich as it is broad – it covers the First and Second World Wars, the creation of the BBC, universal suffrage, the birth of the National Health Service and much more. But to fully appreciate how these events shaped modern Britain, you need to understand the political impetus that contributed to their creation.

This was where the University of Salford excelled. I benefitted from fantastic lecturers who taught me to look at historical events in the round and trace political theory to political action. I was encouraged to be inquisitive, to challenge established arguments and to form my own.

In 1996, I became Britain’s youngest Councillor, and at 30 became the youngest Labour MP in the 2005 Parliament. This was a daunting and somewhat overwhelming experience, but I had several skills – instilled in me during my time at Salford – that I could draw upon and which would prove invaluable.

Salford taught me that policy decisions don’t happen in a vacuum. As a legislator, it’s vital that you have a full understanding of how political decisions will impact the communities you represent. If contemporary history teaches us anything, it’s that actions have knock-on consequences. While you can never prepare for every conceivable outcome, history encourages you to study the past and to learn from what has come before. In that way, you stand a chance of avoiding the mistakes of the past, and hopefully build a brighter future in the process.

I am both proud and grateful to have spent three fun, engaging and enlightening years at Salford.

I studied Politics and Contemporary History. I had grown up with a passion for history, and wanted to fuse this with my interest in politics. This course proved the perfect forum to do this, and I learned a huge amount which has benefitted me considerably during the course of my career in politics.

OUR POLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY COURSES

We have five Politics and Contemporary History courses at the University of Salford. Depending on the course you choose to explore, our range of degrees will allow you to specialise in different disciplines, such as international relations, contemporary politics, 20th-century history, military history, and intelligence.

We have smaller class sizes, and in order to keep your learning experience fresh and bespoke, our teaching staff embed their research within our modules, lectures and seminars. We also offer our students the opportunity to apply for a parliamentary Westminster placement, where you can gain experience working with an elected MP.

BA (Hons) Contemporary History and Politics (UCAS code LV21)

Throughout your course, you’ll examine history and politics in a range of contexts, including international history, intelligence and security and the policy decisions that impact our lives. The diversity of modules on offer will enable you to align your studies with the subject area that interests you most, taught by academic staff who are recognised as being internationally excellent in the field of politics and contemporary history.

BA (Hons) Contemporary Military and International History (UCAS code VV13)

From wars of propaganda to weaponry and intelligence, explore the conflicts that have shaped society over the past 200 years with our international and military history degree. You’ll delve into topics as diverse as terrorism and intelligence, and can specialise in modules that cover a broad range of specialist subjects concerning the history of contemporary warfare and conflict.

BA (Hons) Intelligence Analysis (UCAS code L240)

Are you interested in the role intelligence plays in international affairs? Or perhaps you want to explore how technology is changing intelligence and security? Wherever your interests lie, our BA (Hons) Intelligence Analysis degree will provide you with the tools and training you need to establish a professional career.

BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics

(UCAS code L290)

In an age of globalisation, our daily lives are affected by what happens across the world. From the financial crisis to war and conflict, international relations matters. It shapes government policy, affects our job prospects and impacts the lives of people from all parts of the world. If you want to explore the role of state and organisation in an increasingly interconnected world, this international relations and politics degree is the right choice for you.

BA (Hons) Politics

(UCAS code L200)

The pace of change within politics has never moved so quickly. Recent worldwide events have brought about dramatic shifts in our social, economic and political cultures, from Coronavirus and Brexit to the impact of global technologies on presidential elections. This degree explores the latest cutting-edge developments in politics, equipping you with the training you need to step into today’s political landscape.

Scan to explore our Politics and Contemporary History courses

COURSE INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

The below information applies across all of our Politics and Contemporary History courses offered at University of Salford. Please check our website to confirm entry requirements, course details and fees.

LOCATION: Peel Park Campus

INSTITUTION CODE: S03

INSTITUTION CODE NAME: SALF

DURATION: Three years full-time

START DATE: September

TYPICAL ENTRY

UCAS Tariff: 104-112 points.

A-Levels: General Studies accepted, History or Politics desirable. Key skills accepted.

BTEC National Diploma: DMM

TEACHING

Lectures, seminars, presentations, group work, online lectures, study skills workshops.

ASSESSMENT

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as essays, presentations, podcasts, literature reviews, and portfolios. You will get feedback for each module as you progress, prior to taking your final assessment.

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS STUDENT ADDRESSES INFLUENTIAL EU BODY ON ITS YOUTH ACTION PLAN

Third year undergraduate student, Mohamud Jama addressed the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (EU-ACP) Follow-Up Committee of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) via Zoom on Thursday 12 January 2023.

He was selected by the Elman Peace Centre, a Somalia-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting peace in the country to provide the African response and reaction to the EU’s Youth Action Plan. He also briefed the committee on the overall situation of young people in Africa and took part in a panel discussion.

Mohamud had worked with the organisation prior to university and is currently working with the body as part of his final year studies.

In his address, he said: “The lack of access to training, education and finance to upskills and deliver solutions has made us understand that as young Africans, we are disadvantaged by design, not by choice.

“By engaging, empowering and connecting youths across Africa to find the most innovative solutions for the urgent problems we face at Elman Peace, we’ve come to recognise that youth participation is necessary and not optional.”

He said of the experience: “It has been great putting the knowledge and skills gained through my degree to use at the placement. I would

recommend all students who are able and willing to, to take part in the placement module.”

Nicholas Barnett, the programme leader for Contemporary History and Politics said that Mohamud’s work with the centre and his skillset ascertained from his degree made him an ‘excellent candidate’ to represent Elman Peace at the committee.

He said: “Mohamud’s early success on the placement shows that he is a very able student and the skills and knowledge gained as part of his degree at Salford have helped him to develop and gain the confidence to prepare and present his speech at such a globally important institution.”

The Youth Action Plan is the first ever policy framework by the EU for a strategic partnership with young people around the world to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. It is set to help provide meaningful youth participation on international commitments such as the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The EESC consists of EU member states and nominated representatives of interest groups from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

A Salford student has addressed an influential body of the European Union (EU) on its Youth Action Plan and how it can better support young people to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

WHAT COULD MY WEEK LOOK LIKE?

Don’t put this in your calendar just yet as timetables change each year! This is an illustrative guide for what your week could look like when you study a Politics and Contemporary History degree at Salford.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF LECTURES AND SEMINARS

There’s so much to do in your spare time at the University of Salford; from the huge choice of clubs, societies and events on offer at our Students’ Union, to the fitness suites, sports pitches and 25m swimming pool available at our Sports Centre, there’s something for all tastes and abilities!

No lectures, Study day work on upcoming essays and group presentations

Introduction to Security, Intelligence and Terrorism Studies 13:00 - 15:00

Academic writing class at the Library

12:00 - 13:00

Politics and 14:00Democracy - 15:00

OUR COMMUNITY

All our Politics and Contemporary History courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.

Our students, staff and graduates often feature on our social media accounts. You can see the latest updates from our Politics and Contemporary History directorate and the other parts of our school by following these accounts:

Politics and Contemporary History social media accounts

Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology social media accounts

Follow our Salford_pch Instagram account.

Follow our @Salforduni_pch Twitter account.

Follow our uos_artsmedia Instagram account.

Follow our @uos_artsMedia Twitter account.

Follow our /UoSArtsMedia Facebook account.

RECENT RESEARCH PROJECTS LED BY EXPERT RESEARCHERS

In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, the Area Studies submission to which PCH members were returned was adjudged by the panel to have 84% of its published work categorised as world-leading or internationally excellent quality. The remaining 16% were considered to be of national significance.

Staff have a wide range of linguistic expertise and research interests, including Security Studies, British Politics, Military History, American History, German History, International Relations, Terrorism Studies, Intelligence Studies, and European Politics.

Regional expertise covers China, Latin America, the United States and Western/ Eastern Europe, as well as Britain.

The overall score for the Area Studies was the highest overall of those groups returned across the University. Publications were in the top quartile nationally.

Recent successes include articles published in, and accepted by, leading journals, such as Intelligence and National Security, Journal of Military History, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Small Wars and Insurgencies, Historisches Jahrbuch, Journal of Contemporary China, Review of International Political Economy. Last year, Dr Anna Kruglova published a book with Routledge, entitled Terrorist Recruitment, Propaganda and Banding: Selling Terror Online.

TWO CITIES, ONE AMAZING LOCATION TWO CITIES, ONE AMAZING LOCATION

As pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, there’s always been an entrepreneurial spirit here in north-west England – we’ve got big ideas and we make them happen. Thousands of students from over 100 countries have already found that Salford is the place where they can gain skills and knowledge to unlock their career ambitions.

Salford students are part of a 100,000 collective making up one of Europe’s largest student populations. Famous for music, culture, sport, art and science, the cities of Manchester and Salford offer an unrivalled student experience where you can balance your academic studies with a wealth of world-class culture, exciting events and legendary nightlife. It’s no surprise that Manchester regularly features in lists of the best cities in the world!

CAMPUS LIFE

The University of Salford is a unique place to study for many reasons, but especially for our location. Our Peel Park campus is next to one of the UK’s first public parks, a lush green space featuring a play area, sports pitches and two sculptures which form part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. We’re also the only university with a campus in the creative hub at MediaCity, home to BBC, ITV, and the UK’s largest media facilities outside of London. Whichever campus you’re based on, you’ll have the buzzing city of Manchester on your doorstep.

University is a time to make new friends, discover new passions and find your voice. Our Students’ Union runs a range of student-led societies which cover all aspects of student life – from gaming to sports, politics to the environment, performance to faith. You’ll be sure to find your place here. There’s more to our campus than places to study. Fitness fanatics can take advantage of our large sports centre, 3G sports pitches and swimming pool, while culture vultures can revel in Atmosphere Café, the Art Gallery and our New Adelphi Theatre.

There’s lots of options to keep you busy! If you’re travelling from further afield, you can make your first year an even more memorable one by living in our stylish student accommodation right at the heart of campus. If you’re here for the day, our specialist facilities, onsite parking and handy public transport access make commuting a breeze. Our new student lounges feature comfy seating, cooking facilities and extra study space – your home from home when you’re studying on campus.

HOW TO APPLY

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you want to discuss any course or the application process, our dedicated course enquiries team is on hand to answer your queries:

+44 (0)161 295 4545 enquiries@salford.ac.uk salford.ac.uk/enquiries

Making an application

If you are applying directly from school or college, you’ll make your application through UCAS – the organisation which processes applications for UK higher education. If you’re not applying directly from school or college, you can complete our online application form.

Scan or visit to find out more: salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply

Our courses and entry requirements

On each of our CourseFinder pages we have detailed course information and entry requirements. We also have a webpage where we list all of our Politics and Contemporary History courses with handy FAQs where you can find out more.

Find out more: salford.ac.uk/pch-courses

Qualified by life, but not on paper

If you’ve been out of education for a while, want to further your career or simply want to study in a field that you’re passionate about, the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES) could be for you.

Find out more: salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply

International applications

As an international applicant, you are able to apply through UCAS, the organisation which processes applications for UK higher education, or you can apply directly through our regional offices or approved education consultant in your country. To find out more and for help with your application, you can visit our website where you will find advice on how to apply, entry and English language requirements, documents required, help and advice with visa requirements, and much more.

Find out more: salford.ac.uk/international

Receive your enrolment pack and start life as a Salford student!

* Dates subject to change