About us
The Institute of Contemporary British History (ICBH) is the UK's leading centre for research and study into the contemporary history of the United Kingdom. It has particular strengths in the fields of social welfare, politics and government, and finance and the City, as well as British foreign policy and diplomatic relations with (especially) the USA and Europe.
The Institute, which is new to King’s but carries on the work of the former Centre for Contemporary British History at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, aims to foster co-operation with other academic and cultural institutions, and raise the profile of contemporary history generally through its range of distinctive research activities, annual programme of events, and publications.
The Institute contains a large archive of oral source material derived from its well-established series of Witness Seminars involving key participants in events of historical significance. Enhancing the public policy relevance of contemporary history is an important objective of the Institute, which houses History & Policy, engaging in the dissemination of historical research to governmental bodies, the media, and public at large.
The Institute offers MA degrees in Contemporary History, and Politics and Contemporary History, and supervises a lively group of over 20 PhD students.