Programs of Birkbeck, University of London

Global Governance and Emerging Powers MSc

London , United Kingdom

This Master's degree combines international public policy and cutting-edge issues in the study of world politics; it brings together a unique body of UK and international students with a passion for world politics and, in many cases, relevant policy experience. We explore key international institutions, such as the World Bank and the Group of Twenty (G20), as well as non-governmental actors such as Amnesty International. The programme uses concepts, theories and evidence from the study of international relations, comparative politics and public policy to understand real-world policy problems across different sectors of the global economic and political system. Core modules examine two increasingly interconnected phenomena in world politics: the responses of states, international institutions and non-governmental organisations to the opportunities and challenges of globalisation; and the enhanced international, economic and political influence of emerging powers such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

£15,200 International

£8,350 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

Global Politics and International Relations BA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

The Great Recession, the Chinese economic boom, the Syrian Civil War, the annexation of the Crimea by Russia, Brexit, the election of Donald Trump. What ties all of these events together? This kind of question is at the heart of our BA Global Politics and International Relations, a degree that provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to give an answer that others will listen to. BA Global Politics and International Relations is concerned with both the political changes that are sweeping across the globe, transforming politics across countries and regions, as well as relations between states in the international system - a system that itself is undergoing profound transformation. Yet this is not the first time in human history that global political relations have undergone such extensive change, and an important aspect of the degree is the goal of understanding this history, and particularly the history of the modern world. Without this political-historical understanding, we cannot make sense of the momentous developments we see around us.

£13,675 International

£9,250 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

Global Politics MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

This Master's degree in politics explores the history of global political and economic forces and the ideas that have shaped them. We will consider and evaluate the genesis and transmission of neoliberal economic orthodoxy, the development of global politics and global structures of governance, including the creation and operation of institutions such as the World Trade Organization, foreign direct investment, migration, and the idea and reality of globalisation. You will develop your ability to analyse political debates and issues in a critical manner and you will be taught by academics with expertise in global history and politics. The course combines theoretical approaches with empirical knowledge and real-world case studies. The core modules explore the history, politics and institutions of global governance as a response to the challenges of globalisation, and introduce you to the key issues and policy debates in international political economy. You then choose two option modules from a wide variety of topics including international security, American foreign policy, globalisation, political theory and sociology, nationalism and religion, and war and conflict. You will also learn research methods that will enable you to specialise and write a dissertation on the subject that interests you most.

£15,200 International

£8,350 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

Government, Policy and Politics MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

This Master's degree in politics examines the day-to-day practice and reality of government by analysing post-war politics and public policy in the UK and around the world. You will develop your ability to analyse political debates and issues in a critical manner and you will be taught by academics with expertise in researching, writing about and participating in politics. The course combines theoretical approaches with empirical knowledge and real-world case studies, and you will explore topics in political theory, political science and sociology. You will be given the opportunity to debate and engage with the everyday practicalities of politics through class discussions and meetings with experienced practitioners. The core modules explore the history, politics and institutions of global governance as a response to the challenges of globalisation, and introduce you to the key issues and policy debates in international political economy. You then choose two option modules from a wide variety of topics including international security, American foreign policy, globalisation, political theory and sociology, nationalism and religion, and war and conflict. You will also learn research techniques that will enable you to specialise and write a dissertation on the subject that interests you most.

£15,200 International

£8,350 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

Historical Research MA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

This Master’s degree in history will provide you with the advanced conceptual, theoretical and practical skills necessary for undertaking historical research, whether at PhD level, professionally or independently. It will give you the intellectual foundations, practical techniques and confidence to pursue your own research in the historical subject or period that most interests you. We will critically examine problems of historical theory and practice, with an emphasis on debates around key topics such as historical narrative, objectivity and relativism, causation, the relationship of history to other disciplines, the rise and impact of social and cultural histories, and new directions in historical research and writing. We will consider some of the key methodological and theoretical approaches to history of the past 100 years, including the Annales School, Marxist historiography and postmodernism.

£15,200 International

£8,350 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

History and International Relations BA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

This course meets the rising demand to study the history of the twentieth century alongside international relations. It is a joint degree, offered by our Department of History, Classics and Archaeology and our Department of Politics, so you will be taught by world-class academics across two research-active departments. The course examines the global evolution of international relations, with an emphasis on in-depth historical studies supported by political and sociological analysis. You will take introductory modules in international relations and modern and contemporary history (particularly related to Asia and Africa) in the first part of your degree. You will then take modules that offer both contemporary and historical approaches to Africa, Middle East, Asia (South Asia and East Asia in particular), as well as European countries. These choices are supported by a compulsory advanced module addressing conflict and war through the lens of international relations theory, as well as option modules on foreign policy and historical studies of cases which have been central to the development of international relations such as the Cold War.

£13,675 International

£9,250 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

History BA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

Join us at London’s top-ranked history department to study the human experience from prehistory to the present across continents and cultures. We are one of the very few departments in the UK to include archaeologists, classicists and historians working on every period from prehistoric humans to Ancient Greece to medieval, early modern and modern societies. Our expertise encompasses much of the globe, with over 40 specialists in - for example - medieval Byzantium, colonial India and modern China, as well as Ancient Rome, Tudor London, Nazi Germany and much more. For students, this means that our BA History programme offers a huge range of modules, stretching around the globe and across thousands of years. As well as deepening your knowledge of the past, you will take a series of 'How to' modules. They provide the hub where students come together with staff to explore the study of the past together. This is where you join the conversation and develop the skills needed to research and write history.

£13,675 International

£9,250 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

History of Architecture MA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

Our MA History of Architecture explores built and designed objects, their social, economic and political contexts, their connections to culture and thought, and their urban and landscape settings. This course will train you at a high level to look at, think and write about, and research architecture and its fascinating histories. You will discover varied approaches to the study of architecture and the course allows you to focus in depth on areas and periods that you find particularly interesting. Through option modules, you can choose to study the early and modern - including contemporary - periods and range across a variety of geographic places. You will improve your visual and spatial acuity, deepen your knowledge of architecture's histories, and hone your ability to understand and contribute to stimulating critical debates. You will also improve your research skills.

£15,200 International

£8,350 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

History of Art BA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

The BA History of Art at Birkbeck offers you the chance to study all kinds of artworks, from buildings to installations, sculpture to digital media, paintings to photography. You will take a range of courses, from medieval to contemporary art, learning how to place artworks within their historical and cultural context, and to think more broadly about the role of images within society. If you are contemplating a career in the arts, this course will give you the chance to develop a range of key skills, from critical thinking and writing, to effective visual analysis. While some of our students have studied art history at school or have completed short courses, most haven’t studied the subject in any depth prior to starting this course. The first-year modules are therefore intended to provide you with academic skills and a good grounding in the discipline. As you progress through the course, you will have opportunities to explore different types of visual culture in more detail. Studying at Birkbeck you are based in the heart of London, close to museums and galleries, while being part of a vibrant and stimulating student community.

£13,675 International

£9,250 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost

History of Art MA

Birkbeck, University of London

London , United Kingdom

History of art is a rich and dynamic discipline, combining the rigorous investigation of the visual arts with the creative exploration of their connections to culture, politics and society. Postgraduate study in this area trains you at a high level in looking at, thinking about and researching art and its histories. Our MA History of Art exposes you to key art historical approaches and allows you to focus in depth on areas and periods of particular interest to you, in early and modern (including contemporary) periods, through taught options (see an indicative list of modules under 'Course structure' below) and independent research. It develops your visual acuity and your understanding of art's histories, while stimulating critical debate and stretching your research skills. This degree offers you the opportunity to study with internationally recognised experts. Our teaching staff are defining the field, conducting ground-breaking research in periods from medieval to contemporary, focusing on painting, sculpture, print culture, architecture, photography, digital art and museology. You will work closely with our staff while also benefiting from our diverse and vibrant student body of all ages and backgrounds. The teaching programme is enriched by museum and site visits, visiting speakers, screenings and opportunities to get involved as volunteers in research and community outreach activities.

£15,200 International

£8,350 Domestic

£12,500 Living cost