Contemporary History

The Institute of Contemporary British History offers a wide range of supervisor expertise in contemporary (recent) history, including politics, government, economics, law, gender, demography and social history. The 20 current students working with these supervisors are researching subjects including voluntary action, the monarchy, Britain and Northern Ireland, and representations of women in museums, taking full advantage of the rich archives available in and near London. Studying both part-time and full-time, they form a vibrant and lively student body, participating in the seminars, conferences, and events organised by the ICBH including an annual research workshop for students at Cumberland Lodge. Students form a lively group of contemporary historians at King's, and organise a regular reading group for PhD students interested in this area, as well as occasional conferences on relevant subjects. ICBH staff are also co-convenors of IHR seminars on Contemporary British History, International History, and British History 1815-1945 and all students are encouraged to attend the most appropriate one for their studies as well as attending King's seminars in the History department and elsewhere and contributing to these. ICBH staff currently hold AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Awards with the British Postal Museum and Archive and the Rothschild Archive, and are looking to develop further applications in this area under the new Programme.

Students are members of the Institute of Contemporary British History, and are also involved with relevant departments within King's, such as History or War Studies. They are encouraged to attend the fortnightly IHR seminar on Contemporary British History, convened by Pat Thane, Richard Roberts and others, and to participate in the ICBH's wide variety of conferences and events. The ICBH is noted for its witness seminar programme and expertise in oral history, and many students get involved in this during their studies.

ICBH is able to offer training in oral history to postgraduates, who also have access to History & Policy courses, and Graduate School skills training.