What makes countries, ethnic groups or individuals go to war? How has new technology changed warfare? How has propaganda been used? Addressing such questions, you assess the influence of war on the development of human societies and discover if we can learn anything from history.

In Kent’s School of History, you are taught by top academic staff who value your opinions and encourage you to study widely. Military history forms the main thrust of the programme, an area often sidelined by similar courses, with modules reflecting our research interests, which range from war and culture to the evolution of tank warfare.

The University of Kent is in a unique geographic position to study war and its effects. Canterbury and Kent have been ‘Frontline Britain’ in British military history and contain significant military sites, ranging from Roman forts to Cold War nuclear bunkers. We have easy access to the continent, particularly the battlefields of the First and Second World Wars.

Our degree programme

In addition to Military History modules, you can select modules from our diverse pool of History modules.

In your first year, you take introductory modules on military history. You choose further options from a wide selection which includes modules on medieval Europe, Vikings, the history of empires, and the ‘Home Front’ in the Second World War.

In your second and final years, there are no compulsory modules, which means you can focus on areas of particular interest to you. Modules available cover topics from the Crusades to the decline and fall of the Soviet Union, and include options on Napoleon and Europe, the British army and empire, and the origins of the Second World War. It is also possible to apply for a work placement at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham.

In your final year, you complete a dissertation within the field of military history on a subject of your choice. This gives you the opportunity to independently design a project and conduct research under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

Year on professional placement

It is possible to take this programme with a work placement between the second and final year of your degree – this can provide valuable work experience and the chance to gain new skills. You don’t have to make a decision before you enrol at Kent but certain conditions apply. See Course structure.

Study resources

The University library has a vast collection of relevant material, including:

• a rare, complete set of British official histories of both world wars
• a complete run of Second World War Ministry of Information pamphlets on the armed services
• a comprehensive collection of Nazi, Soviet, American and British propaganda films.

Extra activities

You can get involved with the student-run Military History and History societies, which in previous years have organised lectures, social events and trips across Europe.

The School of History also organises talks from visiting speakers that you are welcome to attend. In addition, there are regular careers workshops and visits from successful alumni.

Professional partnerships

Over the years, the School has forged close relationships with historians at several institutions, including:

• Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham
• Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
• Centre for First World War Studies, Birmingham

We also have close links with the National Army Museum and the Royal Engineers Museum Library and Archive.

Military History video

Hear from one of our students what it’s like to study Military History at Kent.