777ӰԺ

Clearing is open

Call us on +44 (0)116 257 7000 or WhatsApp on  to find out if you're eligible for an offer to start this September.

DMU Clearing

Key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DMM

Full entry requirements

UCAS code

V1T1

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

3 years full-time, 4 years with placement, 6 years part-time.

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition fees:
£16,250

Additional costs

Entry requirements

UCAS code

V1T1

Duration

3 years full-time, 4 years with placement, 6 years part-time.

We offer more than a degree — every course is designed with employability and real-world experience at its core.

Enhance your studies and broaden your horizons, and develop new skills with our international experience programme, DMU Global.

DMU is one of the few universities where you’ll benefit from a unique block teaching approach.

"The staff were clearly enthusiastic about their subjects, and it felt like a vibrant department to be part of.” Jessica, History graduate

The History course is diverse, international in focus, and innovative. Primarily exploring modern and contemporary history, it equips you with the skills needed for effective research and analysis, honing the ability to absorb, communicate, and critically analyse complex information.

Reflecting the globalised world we live in, the curriculum covers British, South Asian, European, African, and North and South American histories. Key topics include colonialism, decolonisation, immigration, ethnic minorities, gender, photographic history, and the history of sport and leisure.

Alongside the History curriculum, you will study Mandarin at either beginner or post-beginner level. This component develops linguistic skills while also providing an understanding of social, cultural, political, historical, and artistic contexts.

  • Tailor your degree with a specialist route in distinctive areas such as photographic history, the history of sport and leisure, war and conflict, migration, ethnicity and racism broadening your expertise and career options.

  • Gain a competitive edge with recognised competence in Mandarin. Study Mandarin at a level and pace suited to your needs, while expanding your understanding of the country, its society, culture, and people.
  • Take part in organised visits to archives and museums such as the National Archives in London, as well as access to DMU’s historical collections, including the Stephen Lawrence Papers, the Ski Club of GB archive, and the Kodak collection held at Kimberlin Library.

Follow us on and for updates.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.

Our next Open Day is on
Saturday 04 October

Join us in 66 days and 1 hour.

Student ambassador waiting to welcome guests with a sign that reads here to help.

What you will study

Block 1: Modern Britain since 1800

This module introduces students to the social, cultural, economic, and political history of Britain from the mid-eighteenth century to the end of the twentieth century. Through close reading of primary source material and the assessment of historiographical debates and trends, students will develop key analytical skills and become confident in identifying change and continuity across the time period. Topics covered may include industrialisation and decline, poverty and the rise of the welfare state, political and electoral change, culture and leisure, social class and social change, and multi-ethnic Britain.

Assessment: Primary Source Analysis (30%) and Portfolio (70%)

Block 2: Journeys and Places

This module, with its focus on journeys and places, offers an opportunity for you to explore some of the key concepts underpinning your History, Politics and International Relations studies. You will take a post-disciplinary approach to your subject area, using techniques from diverse areas to address key questions related to journeys and places.

You will attend interactive lectures with students from across the School of Humanities and Performing Arts. You will have opportunities to apply the concepts addressed in these lectures to History within subject specific workshops, and through History writing assessments.

The themes covered during the module may include journeys, spaces and the concept of welcome; (im)mobilities and journeys through time and space; representation and imaginative geographies; gender and placemaking; belonging and place attachment; journeys, places and identities; as well as themes related to sustainability and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Assessment: Subject-specific Coursework: 1 (30%) and 2 (70%).

Block 3: Mandarin Beginner/Post-Beginner

Mandarin Beginner

This module introduces Mandarin language at A1 level by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing. The learning is based on introductory and basic words, phrases and structures about oneself, family, immediate surroundings and daily activities and routine. Students will also be introduced to basic social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world taken from authentic material. A two-hour practice and conversation session will be held weekly throughout blocks 1 and 2, and intensive workshops will happen during block 3.

Assessment: Reading Test (30%), Listening Test (20%), Speaking (25%), Writing Test (25%)

OR

Mandarin Post-Beginner

This module further develops the learning of Mandarin language at A2 level by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing. The focus is on enhancing basic and personal communication skills and moving to more and more general topics. You will also be introduced to basic social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world taken from authentic material. A one-hour practice and conversation session will be held weekly throughout blocks 1 and 2, and intensive workshops will happen during block 3.

Assessment: Reading Test (30%), Listening Test (20%), Reading Test (25%), Writing Test (25%).

Block 4: Ideology, War and Society in the 20th century

This module introduces you to the way the world has evolved throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. It does so by focusing upon specific events such as the First and Second World Wars, the collapse of European empires, and revolutions in Europe. The module will also explore key ideologies and themes related to rise of extremism and terrorism, socialism, capitalism, genocide, and the development of new world order through the spread and clash of civilisations and globalisation. You will also be introduced to the key historiographical approaches which have shaped historical writing over the past two centuries, such as empiricism, Marxism, postmodernism, and history from below.

Assessment: e.g., Essay (40%) and Exam (60%).

Block 1: Global Cold War

This module introduces you to the history of the Cold War in a global context. It explores the roots of the Cold War and how it played out in specific theatres such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. The course deals with a variety of historical topics, which aside from global geopolitics might include sport and diplomacy, the nuclear arms race, the space race, and culture and society in the Cold War era. It also explores the ideological underpinnings of the Cold War, the role of propaganda as a weapon of the conflict and how these ideologies functioned in practice in different societies.

The module will also address historiography and the competing interpretations of the Cold War by scholars and practitioners and assess the global legacy of the conflict. You will study a broad range of themes, issues and controversies related to the Cold War and its legacies and gain an understanding of the parameters of it.

Assessment: Essay (50%) and Digital Presentation (50%)

Block 2: Exploring Work and Society

This module is designed to prepare and support you towards the pursuit of post-degree pathways. It will focus on the specific skills, capabilities and knowledge needed to adapt and flourish in professional environments and contexts. There will be an emphasis on enhancement of core attributes, competencies and transferable skills as well as developing familiarity with the world and politics of work. The module will prepare you for diverse and dynamic working environments beyond university by introducing reflective practices to support your long-term professional development.

You will be introduced to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and invited to engage critically around themes including race, gender, identity, and geopolitical issues, to conceptualize a more equitable society, and environmentally sustainable world, as relevant to your career aspirations.

You will engage with History workshops to gain greater understanding of worlds of work connected to History and related fields. You will take part in lectures, seminars, group discussion, independent learning, tutorial support and engagement with your peers.

Supported independent learning activities may include responding to real-world briefs, placements/shadowing, engagement with community projects or initiatives, creating proposals for projects or initiatives in a professional setting. These activities will be tailored to your History, Politics and International Relations course.

Assessment: Written Portfolio or Recorded Presentation (100%)

Block 3: Mandarin Post-Beginner/Intermediate

Mandarin Post-Beginner

This module further develops the learning of Mandarin language at A2 level by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing. The focus is on enhancing basic and personal communication skills and moving to more and more general topics. You will also be introduced to basic social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world taken from authentic material. A one-hour practice and conversation session will be held weekly throughout blocks 1 and 2, and intensive workshops will happen during block 3.

Assessment: Reading Test (30%), Listening Test (20%), Reading Test (25%), Writing Test (25%)

OR

Mandarin Intermediate

This module reinforces the learning of Mandarin language at B1/B2 levels, by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing beyond basic level. The focus will be on the use of a wider range of vocabulary and more complex structures and various means of communication. You will be able to understand, without difficulty, the most familiar topics and enhance their ability to discuss and comprehend general social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world, taken from authentic material. A one-hour practice and conversation session will be held weekly throughout blocks 1 and 2, and intensive workshops will happen during block 3.

Assessment: Reading Test 1.0, Listening Test 0.50, Reading Test 0.17, Writing Test 0.75.

Block 4: Investigating the Past: Theory and Method

The module will introduce you to a range of historical sources and research methods used in project work. The module will examine core themes in history and the sources/methods associated with them. The methodologies studied will then be adapted to a personal research project, which will lead to the Level 6 dissertation. Study of sources may include maps; economic data; census; national and local government records; diplomatic and military records; press and media; records of education, health, poverty/charity and criminality; church and religious history; oral history; visual sources. There will be visits to archives and relevant research depositories.

Assessment: Primary Source Analysis (40%) and Project Portfolio (60%)

As part of this course, you will have the option to complete a paid placement year which offers invaluable professional experience.

Our award-winning Careers Team can help you secure a placement through activities such as mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and you will be assigned a personal tutor to support you throughout your placement.

Block 1: Special subject

This module will introduce you to cutting-edge research drawn from the expertise available in the History team. Two subjects will be drawn from the following: Photography and Medicine in the Nineteenth Century; the Disintegration of Yugoslavia; the Olympic Games; the United States Empire; the United States and the First World War; the Zimbabwean Diaspora in the UK; the Partition of India/Pakistan; History and Memory in Post-colonial Africa; The Ottoman Empire in Europe: Disintegration and Legacies; Sport in Britain, 1850-1945.

The module will be led by members of the teaching team on a rotating basis and will provide you with the opportunity to discuss specialised research topics with leading experts on those topics. You will acquire in-depth knowledge of those topics, as well as first-hand experience on the research process, including the identification of suitable archives, the interpretation of the archival evidence and the current historiographical debates and controversies related to the subject. You will study two topics and will specialise on one of them through to the final assignment.

Assessment: Portfolio (50%) and Essay (50%).

Block 2: Empire and its Aftermath

This module introduces you to the history of anti-imperialist independence movements and the creation of new nation-states through case studies drawn from South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South America. It will explore different case studies in the decolonization processes across time and space. The module also explores the relationships between ideologies and resistance against imperial rule, as well as post-colonial conflicts in nation-building and the social and economic legacies of imperial rule in the post-colonial world. You will study these processes in a broad and theoretical way in lectures, seminars, and workshops, as they deepen their understanding of specific case studies. You will develop an understanding of the key factors instrumental in developing post-independence relations of neo-colonialism in post-colonial nation-states as a historical unit of analysis in the context of global politics The module will further introduce you to relevant historiographical approaches such as post-colonialism and Subaltern Studies.

Assessment: Essay (40%) and Portfolio (60%)

Block 3: Mandarin Intermediate/Advanced

Mandarin Intermediate

This module reinforces the learning of Mandarin language at B1/B2 levels, by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing beyond basic level. The focus will be on the use of a wider range of vocabulary and more complex structures and various means of communication. You will be able to understand, without difficulty, the most familiar topics and enhance their ability to discuss and comprehend general social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world, taken from authentic material. A one-hour practice and conversation session will be held weekly throughout blocks 1 and 2, and intensive workshops will happen during block 3.

Assessment: Assessment: Reading Test (30%), Listening Test (20%), Reading Test (25%), Writing Test (25%)

OR

Mandarin Advanced

This module refines and perfects the learning of the Mandarin language to the highest advanced C1/C2 levels, by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing. This level will require the use of a wider range of vocabulary and complex structures. The material covered will enable communication to a high level of competence and the understanding of general and semi-specialised social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Mandarin-speaking world, taken from authentic material. A one-hour practice and conversation session will be held weekly throughout blocks 1 and 2, and intensive workshops will happen during block 3.

Assessment: Assessment: Reading Test (30%), Listening Test (20%), Reading Test (25%), Writing Test (25%).

Block 4: Dissertation

The dissertation provides an opportunity for sustained work of an independent nature in an area of personal interest, allowing the exploration a particular issue, topic or problem in considerable depth. You will define and analyse a question or problem, or test a hypothesis, arising from their historical interest. The dissertation provides an opportunity to look beyond the textbooks and other secondary sources and to get to grips with primary evidence including textual, material or visual sources. The dissertation will draw out research, critical and writing skills in several ways.

Assessment: Presentation (10%) and Dissertation (90%).

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Overview

Teaching is interactive and engaging, encouraging the development of independent thoughts, ideas, and viewpoints. You will build the skills necessary to excel in both historical study and the modern workplace.

Modules are designed to improve skills as effective historians, covering areas such as analysis, research, reasoning, and evaluation, with a focus on developing aptitudes that enhance employability across a wide range of careers.

Taught by experts renowned nationally and internationally for the quality of their teaching and research, you will receive a high-quality academic experience.

A varied mix of assessments includes pair and group work, primary source analysis, presentations, portfolios, podcasts or videos, essay writing, exams, and individual project work, culminating in a dissertation. Assessments build progressively, with opportunities for feedback throughout the course. This range of assessment methods allows you to build on your individual strengths while developing key skills in creativity, project management, teamwork, verbal communication, writing for diverse audiences, and using different technologies.

Mandarin language classes are offered throughout the year, with this continuous approach being recognised as the most effective way to learn a language. Mandarin language modules assess competence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as knowledge of the cultural, social, and historical context.

Contact hours

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, group work, and self-directed study. You will normally attend around 9 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 28 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

Open Days at DMU
Join us on-campus, find your new home at DMU at our Open Day 4 October
Book Now

Our facilities

Library and learning zones

The main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.
As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including LearningZone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Take a s c r o l l through campus

Experience a virtual tour of campus at your own pace.

Jump in

Our expertise

Profile picture for Alex Bryne

Alex Bryne

Lecturer in History

Alex is a historian of the United States of America. He specialises in the early twentieth century and the nation’s foreign relations. He has written on topics including the Monroe Doctrine, Pan-Americanism, and aviation.

Profile picture for Beatriz Pichel

Beatriz Pichel

Associate Professor

Beatriz is an interdisciplinary historian, researching and teaching across the history of photography, the history of medicine and the history of war, among others. She currently leads a project that is rethinking how museums and archives present medical photographs in an ethical way.

Profile picture for Christopher Roy-Zembe

Christopher Roy-Zembe

Senior Lecturer and History BA Programme Leader

Chris’ expertise is in the African Diaspora in Britain, and Colonial and Post-Colonial Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa. He is also co-editor of Taylor and Francis “Black Histories: Dialogues” journal.

Profile picture for David Dee

David Dee

Associate Professor/Reader in Modern History

Dave is an expert on British migration and ethnic history (particularly as regards the British Jewish community) and the history of British sport and leisure. He is currently the Sports History and Culture MA Programme Leader.

Profile picture for Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor

Professor of History

Matthew is a member of the International Centre for Sports History and Culture. His research expertise lies in the history of sport and leisure in Britain and beyond from the mid-nineteenth century. He also writes and teaches on global and transnational history, imperial history and labour history.

Profile picture for Panikos Panayi

Panikos Panayi

Professor of European History

Panikos has published widely and his research fits into the following areas: the history of immigration and interethnic relations; the history of food; the First World War; German history; the history of London; and the history of the Cypriot people.

Profile picture for Pippa Virdee

Pippa Virdee

Professor of Modern South Asian History

Pippa has written extensively on the Partition of Punjab and has research interests in colonial and postcolonial India/Pakistan, the South Asian Diaspora in the UK, women’s history and more recently the relationship between new technologies, memory, and history.

Where we could take you

Image of four students working together at a desk

Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice.

Previous history students have completed placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts. Students Kayleigh Cardy and Cory Hancock secured year-long placements as English language teaching assistants in Spain through DMU’s Erasmus+ programme.

Kayleigh said: “It’s been so much more than a placement. I’ve travelled, I’ve learned about a whole new culture and I’ve grown as a person. It’s highlighted what I can achieve when I set my mind to something and I feel better prepared for my final year of university as I’m more independent and confident.”

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

graduate-careers

Graduate careers

Employability skills are embedded in the curriculum to prepare you for a range of careers both related to your subject and in wider industries.

Our graduates have gone on to forge successful careers in various professions, such as in teaching, law, public relations, marketing, journalism, civil service and the heritage and museum sectors. They currently excel in roles such as deputy manager at the National Waterways Museum, communication and marketing executive at Cambridge University Press, associate at multinational law firm Eversheds Sutherland and head of history at a high school, among many others.

Graduates also have the opportunity to undertake further studies such as Sports History and Culture MA at DMU.

Recent History graduate, Jessica, is now undertaking a PhD at DMU. She said: “I felt supported by my personal tutor and subject tutors; they were always there to ask about further reading or something I wasn't clear on, as well as individual support.”

Course specifications

Course title

History with Mandarin

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

V1T1

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Part-time

Start date

September

Duration

3 years full-time, 4 years with placement, 6 years part-time.

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,250

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

  • 112 points from at least 2 A levels or
  • BTEC Extended Diploma DMM or
  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points or
  • T Levels Merit

Plus five GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above.

  • Pass Access with 30 level 3 credits at Merit and GCSE English (Language or Literature) at grade 4 or above.

We will normally require students to have had a break from education from full-time education before undertaking the Access course.

  • We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Interview and portfolio

Interview required: No

Portfolio required: No

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find out more about contextual offers.

Additional costs

Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs, which for this programme could include the following:

Reading materials: £20-50

Research, Study Trips and Field visits: £10 per year in your first two years of study, rising to £50-100 if you choose to visit National or Local Archives, and/or British Library in your final year dissertation research.