Objectives and competences

The master's degree in Contemporary History and Today's World, which is organized by the University of Barcelona, seeks to train students and professionals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the history and dynamics of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the complexity of today's world.
The master's degree examines the processes of evolution and rupture that have occurred from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present day. The degree takes a broad view of history in order to develop the students' ability to analyse and comprehend the historical and cultural diversity of the world in which we live and, through this understanding, to foster respect for the values of others and greater concern for civic-mindedness.

The course is intended for students trained in historical research who want to analyse in greater depth contemporary historical study, diverse lines of research, and the latest trends in the field of contemporary historical science. In addition, the degree seeks to prepare professionals who can apply their knowledge of history to professional activities in the areas of culture and communication. The master's degree in Contemporary History and Today's World qualifies students to enter the doctoral programme.

Basic information

TypeMaster's degree
Faculty or schoolFaculty of Geography and History
Branch of knowledge
  • History, archaeology, geography, philosophy and humanities
Mode of delivery
  • On line
  • Face-to-face
Credits60
Number of places available20 of face-to-face learning and 20 of distance learning
Length of course1 academic year
Approximate price per credit27.67 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2024-2025
CoordinationJORDI ROCA VERNET
Course detailsIndicators
Open pre-enrolmentNo
Open enrolmentNo
Lead to doctoral studiesYes
Admission for applicants not holding a degree qualificationNo
Bridging coursesYes
Specializations
  • Contemporary History and Today's World

Objectives and competences

Objectives

  • Develop a detailed, critical understanding of the fundamental theoretical and methodological aspects of the study of history, the evolution of different theories of historical analysis, and the main problems and areas of discussion in this field of study.
  • Acquire the analytical problem-solving skills to transform diverse types of information and data into valuable historical knowledge.
  • Acquire a detailed, diachronic understanding of the major events and processes of change and continuity in human history from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present day, focusing particularly on historical and cultural diversity and developing a respect for the values of others.
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the theoretical and methodological principles underlying the study of societies, particularly in times of change (crisis, conflict, transformation, etc.), involving the ability to critically examine any kind of source or document.
  • Acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the concepts, categories, theories, interpretative models and issues that shape the study of contemporary history.
  • Develop a critical approach to the study of history and the ability to summarize and critically appraise the major periods, processes and events of contemporary history.
  • Consolidate and improve the capacity for spoken and written expression and the accurate use of specialized terminology.
  • Transmit and disseminate the knowledge acquired in a clear manner, to specialists and non-specialists.
  • Demonstrate the learning skills to facilitate further learning requiring a self-directed approach.

Competences

Access and admission

Applicant profile and access requirements

Recommended applicant profile

Access requirements and conditions

General requirements
In accordance with Article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, of 29 October, students wishing to be admitted to a university master's degree must hold one of the following qualifications:

  • Official Spanish university degree.

  • A degree issued by a higher education institution within the European Higher Education Area framework that authorizes the holder to access university master's degree courses in the country of issue.

  • A qualification issued by an institution outside the framework of the European Higher Education Area. In this case, applicants must request homologation of the degree to its equivalent official Spanish university qualification or obtain express approval from the University of Barcelona, which will conduct a study of equivalence to ensure that the degree is of a comparable level to an official Spanish university qualification and that it grants access to university master's degree study in the country of issue. Admission shall not, in any case, imply that prior qualifications have been recognized as equivalent to a Spanish master's degree and does not confer recognition for any purposes other than that of admission to the master's degree course.

Pre-enrolment

Calendar

First period: 16 February'16 April 2024.
Notification of resolutions: 30 April.

Second period: 18 April'20 June 2024.
Notification of resolutions: 1 July.

Second period: 26 June'20 July 2024.
Notification of resolutions: 29 July.

Notes:

  • Pre-enrolment fee: A pre-enrolment fee of 30,21 euros is charged. Students who apply to more than one master's degree must pay the fee for each pre-enrolment request. Pre-enrolment requests cannot be processed until this fee has been paid.Fees will only be refunded if the master's degree in question is suspended.
  • Reserved places: A maximum of 5% of the new places of the master's degree are reserved for students who meet the general and specific access requirements and accredit the recognition of a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.

Required documentation

Selection criteria

The Admissions Committee selects candidates based on the following criteria:
  • Weighted average grade for previous studies.
    Maximum score: 4
  • Academic profile: credit is given from previous studies in history, social and political sciences and related subjects.
    Maximum score: 3
  • Suitability of professional record: taking into account experience in historical research, cultural management and education.
    Maximum score: 2
  • Other criteria (grants, participation in projects).
    Maximum score: 1

Notification

Once the application period has expired, and within a maximum of 15 days, the Admissions Committee will publish an admissions list and notify individual candidates. Unsuccessful candidates will have a period of 10 days in which to lodge an appeal or request a review of the decision.

Enrolment

As a general rule, at the UB you will be required to enrol online. Remember that you can lose your place if you do not enrol on the day you have been assigned

Course curriculum

Subjects and course plans

Distribution of credits

Type ECTS
Compulsory 15
Optional 30
Compulsory placements
Compulsory final project 15
TOTAL 60

List of subjects

Subject Type Language Credits
Specialization: Contemporary History and Today's World
Archives of the Contemporary World in the Digital Age Compulsory 1st semester 5
Company or Institutional Placement Optional 2nd semester 5
Cultures of Work, Syndicalism, Anarchism and Socialism Optional 1st semester 5
Debates of the Contemporary World Compulsory 1st semester 5
Economic and Material Foundations of the Contemporary World Optional 1st semester 5
Final Project Compulsory 1st semester
2nd semester
15
Gender Identities and Mobilization in the Twenty-First Century Optional 2nd semester 5
Globalization and Power Relations after the Cold War Optional 2nd semester 5
Methodology of Research and Knowledge Transfer Compulsory 1st semester 5
Political Violence and Civil Wars in Contemporary Catalonia Optional 2nd semester 5
Processes of National Construction. Catalonia and Spain Optional 2nd semester 5
Rise and Decadence of Modernity. The Outbreak of Mass Culture (1870-1945) Optional 1st semester 5
The Franco Dictatorship Optional 1st semester 5
Transition, Democracy and Systemic Crisis in Spain Optional 2nd semester 5
Transition, Democracy and Systemic Crisis in Spain Optional 2nd semester 5
Specialization: Contemporary History and Today's World
Archives of the Contemporary World in the Digital Age Compulsory 1st semester 5
Company or Institutional Placement Optional 2nd semester 5
Cultures of Work, Syndicalism, Anarchism and Socialism Optional 1st semester 5
Debates of the Contemporary World Compulsory 1st semester 5
Economic and Material Foundations of the Contemporary World Optional 1st semester 5
Final Project Compulsory 1st semester
2nd semester
15
Gender Identities and Mobilization in the Twenty-First Century Optional 2nd semester 5
Globalization and Power Relations after the Cold War Optional 2nd semester 5
Methodology of Research and Knowledge Transfer Compulsory 1st semester 5
Political Violence and Civil Wars in Contemporary Catalonia Optional 2nd semester 5
Processes of National Construction. Catalonia and Spain Optional 2nd semester 5
Rise and Decadence of Modernity. The Outbreak of Mass Culture (1870-1945) Optional 1st semester 5
The Franco Dictatorship Optional 1st semester 5
Transition, Democracy and Systemic Crisis in Spain Optional 2nd semester 5

Bridging courses

Subject Type Language Credits
Specialization: BC for admission to the Master's Degree in Contemporary History and Today's World
Contemporary History of Catalonia Optional 1st semester 6
Contemporary History of Spain Optional 1st semester 6
Specialization: BC for admission to the Master's Degree in Contemporary History and Today's World
Contemporary History of Catalonia Optional 1st semester 6
Contemporary History of Spain Optional 1st semester 6

Previous years

Placements

Placements in a company or another type of organization are an integral part of university studies, providing first-hand experience of working methodologies in students' chosen professional fields. They offer invaluable practical experience for the transition into work after graduation.



Placements are supervised by tutors and subject to assessment. They are therefore included in the academic record.  There is also an option to complete non-curricular placements of up to 500 hours, which can be extended to 900 hours. For both curricular and non-curricular placements, an educational cooperation agreement is signed between the UB and the company, institution or other organization at which the placement will be carried out.



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