International Relations and History with a Year Abroad

International Relations and History explores big questions of state formation, globalisation, human rights, security studies, or peace and conflict and asks how past events shape today’s world. You will learn about theories of International Relations and real-world case studies alike, such as wars and revolutions, decolonisation, or migration in the past and present. You will also cover history through subjects including women’s history and gender, memory of war and conflict, and race and racism.

Studying this degree course opens up a range of exciting career opportunities by helping you develop skills such as working with primary sources, applying concepts to real-world scenarios, and interpreting complex events, which are all highly valued by employers.

Based at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, our International Relations and History course at Swansea University is highly regarded by students and employers:

Studying International Relations and History at Swansea you can:

• Select the final year British Parliamentary Studies module, where you will be taught by our specialist academic staff and Members of the Houses Parliament.

• Participate in workshops and seminars run by guest speakers.

• Publish your excellent papers in Populo – the student journal, or become part of the editorial team

International Relations at Swansea is ranked:

• Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)

History at Swansea is ranked:

• 94% of History graduates are in employment and/or study, or doing other activities such as travelling 15 months after leaving Swansea University (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)

You will be taught by expert academics across both disciplines. Our History team includes specialists in medieval, early modern and modern history across the UK, Europe and the wider world. Alongside this, you will learn from internationally connected scholars in international relations, global politics, intelligence and security studies, giving you a broad and engaging learning experience.

To enhance your student experience and strengthen your career prospects, you can take part in the Swansea University Work Placement Programmes, including the Swansea Paid Internship Programme and Santander Universities Funded Placements.

You have the option of a semester abroad in your second year. You can choose to go East and study in Hong Kong, China or Singapore or West and study in North America.

If you prefer to stay closer to home, and want to enhance your student experience and career prospects, The Swansea University Work Placement Programmes offer three work place programmes: Week of Work (WOW); Swansea paid Internship Programme (SPIN) and Santander Universities Funded Placements.

You can also link up with the Swansea Employability Academy (SEA). It provides a network connecting students with employers. You can attend talks and workshops as well as student led networking events.

Students on this course typically develop excellent oral and writing skills and you will also learn to develop your ideas in a wide range of formats, along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our graduates are truly international and enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:
• Education
• Government and Politics
• Recruitment
• Media and Public Relations
• Heritage and Museums
• Business
• Business and Management
• Law and Public Services

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Making History, Introduction to International Relations, War and Peace in the Nuclear Age, Europe of Extremes, 1789-1989, Politics and the People

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations, Globalisation, The Practice of History, Global Justice and Human Rights, America in Crisis: From the Tet Offensive to Trump, The History of Political Thought

You will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experiencing different cultures. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year

In your final year you will complete an independent dissertation project or you have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Senedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament.

You will also complete a compulsory group work project plus optional modules chosen from a wide variety of subject areas including:
Philosophy, Mental Health and Illness, Capitalism and Justice, Digital Futures, Africa in International Relations, The Story of the USA on Film and Television, 1865-2008, The Rise and Fall of Wales? Politics, Culture and Society, 1847-1939, A History of Sex and Gender

Throughout your undergraduate International Relations and History with a Year Abroad BA (Hons) degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:

• Reading diary
• Literature/ article review
• Case study
• Critical review

For a full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-international-relations-history/ or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk