Master of Arts in Contemporary History and International Politics

at University of York United Kingdom

Our flexible course has exceptional historical and geographical breadth and depth, encompassing architecture, art objects and their related visual practices from the antique to the contemporary.

You’ll have the choice of a wide range of modules giving you the opportunity to study art by time period, to focus on a specific medium, or to pursue a specific methodological perspective.

The course caters for generalists with broad interests, and those who are coming to art history from another discipline. You can also specialise at a later stage in your degree, with your dissertation topic choice.

Chemistry is often referred to as the 'central science'. It covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human Genome Project.

This degree will give you a strong grounding in fundamental chemistry. You'll also develop specialist knowledge of green chemistry, which is increasingly important in industry as regulations tighten and chemical resources become harder to find.

Course Highlights

• Raw materials and life cycle assessment
• Benefits of green chemistry to human health
• Catalytic methods in asymmetric synthesis
• Technological challenges in process development
• Structure, function and action of biocatalysts
• Biofuels and fuel cells

With improved access to the internet we have become more connected to each other and to what is happening in the world around us.

At the same time social media and information applications are transforming business.

This course will give you an understanding of existing and emerging technology and the ability to assess the impact of social media on commercial, public, and third sector organisations in the UK and worldwide.

Astrophysicists look to the skies to discover more about the nature of our Universe.

From the nuclear reactions that power our sun to the mysteries of dark matter, you'll study the great challenges of cosmology in topics aligned with our active research.

To explore the cosmos you'll need grounding in many disciplines of physics, from optics to electromagnetism, quantum physics to classical mechanics. You'll gain foundational understanding of fundamental physics, scientific principles and methods. You'll learn key skills for analysing real-life problems, write scientific reports to industry standards, communicate complex concepts, and solve mind-bending astronomical puzzles.

Gain unique global experiences spending a year at one of our partner universities. Boost your confidence by immersing yourself in a different culture and gain valuable language skills for your CV.

Combine the study of German and Italian with investigations into the nature of language itself. Spend a year abroad studying, working or teaching in Italy and German-speaking countries, consolidating your language skills.

You'll be taught in German and Italian, so you'll become confident using your languages as a means of communication, and for critical thinking. You'll gain an understanding of German and Italian culture and societies which will underpin your abilities as a high-level communicator in both languages.

Your communication skills will be complemented by investigations into the science and structure of language through a range of linguistics modules. The course has flexibility in terms of how much German, Italian and linguistics content you study over the four years. By the end of your studies, you will be equipped for a range of professional roles that call for expertise in language, linguistics and culture.

Computer Science is founded upon Maths, and the study of the two together allows you to explore topics core to both whilst gaining an insight into how they intersect.

Maths influences Computer Science, from designing and analysing efficient computer programs to developing formal proofs that a piece of software does what was intended. This is especially important, for example, if the software is being used to fly a plane.

Increasingly, Computer Science is also being used to find solutions to mathematical issues. Computers are used to solve long-standing mathematical problems, as they can help visualise complex numerical data, search for solutions, and make number manipulation faster.

We have fantastic links with industry, and this allows us to give you exposure to the latest developments in the real world, as well as in our research. You may work on projects that have been specified by companies such as IBM or BT, who will then take any solutions and could use them within their business.

Our Industrial Advisory Board helps to steer our courses to make sure that what we teach is up-to-date and relevant to today's workplace. This means that when the time comes for you to get a job, you will be able to adapt quickly in the workplace, due to our principled and relevant teaching.

This course provides an important overview of the European Mesolithic, exploring the ways in which the period has been interpreted from the 19th century up to the present day. You'll have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research on several Mesolithic excavation projects, including nearby Star Carr, site of the oldest house and oldest carpentry in Europe; Howick in Northumberland; and coastal shell middens in Europe.

The lack of research in this area means that there is a huge amount waiting to be discovered, and you could find yourself becoming a leading specialist in the field and getting involved with pioneering projects and research. You'll even have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of experimental archaeology in our Mesolithic camp. You'll also learn about cutting-edge techniques, such as ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis and climate-change reconstruction.

Historical Archaeology explores the material remains of the last 2,000 years - the period for which texts and document sources exist.

Understanding and analysing these sources enables us to understand human lives, from the spread of the Roman Empire to everyday life for the Vikings.

If you are considering a degree in History, but want a course which will make you stand out from the crowd, our BA Historical Archaeology could be for you. Many of our students have studied history, but also have a passion for historic sites, material culture or museums. With Historical Archaeology, you get the best of both worlds.

Our department is renowned for being friendly and welcoming, meaning you'll get to know your lecturers, and they'll get to know you. You'll have endless opportunities to get involved, from joining the Archaeology Society to working abroad on a research project. We're based in the King's Manor in the city centre - a beautiful and truly unique Medieval building, with additional state-of-the-art facilities on the main campus.

York is the UK’s archaeological capital, with historic buildings and significant remains from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods. You'll find it a great place to call home.

Astrophysicists look to the skies to discover more about the nature of our Universe.

From the nuclear reactions that power our sun to the mysteries of dark matter, you'll study the great challenges of cosmology in topics aligned with our active research.

To explore the cosmos you'll need grounding in many disciplines of physics, from optics to electromagnetism, quantum physics to classical mechanics. You'll gain foundational understanding of fundamental physics, scientific principles and methods. You'll learn key skills for analysing real-life problems, write scientific reports to industry standards, communicate complex concepts, and solve mind-bending astronomical puzzles.

Explore the ethical implications of financial decisions and train your mind as you question the fundamental principles that underpin society.

Economic forces affect every aspect of our lives, from the price of coffee to our structures of our government. Study these pressures under the guidance of world-class researchers and analyse the philosophical implications of economic theory. Who bears the burden of financial stability? Can great wealth ever be ethical? Is it permissible to weigh the poverty of some against the greater happiness of the whole?

You'll learn with a diverse and international student body and with opportunities to study abroad you can develop a truly global perspective. Our active Club of Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP) encourages debate beyond the classroom. The skills you will develop in thinking across boundaries and engaging critically with a range of material are highly valued by employers.