History and International Relations

Explore history and international relations to encounter diverse societies, explain cultural changes and explore the issues causing tension between countries. With new discoveries every day, combined with advancements in technology, you’ll uncover hidden details about the world around you.

A degree in history and international relations is a fantastic launchpad into many careers. You could apply your historical knowledge directly in a museum or heritage role. Or use your communication and analytical skills in a career in publishing, policy making, social research or the Civil Service.

Explore the latest thinking

We’ve designed this course to cover key areas such as the state system, security and globalisation. You'll study through the lens of historical and contemporary examples, from the 1870s Scramble for Africa to the global financial crisis, while learning how to apply theory to the real world.

At the same time, you’ll expand your knowledge as you explore different histories and perspectives from Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. You’ll learn from experts who care about providing impactful research. One of our professors wrote and presented the BBC series ‘Suffragettes Forever! The Story of Women and Power’.

Through events, conferences, and our research centres, you’ll hear from high-profile people working in Westminster and Whitehall and be part of conversations on the latest thinking in the area.

Compulsory Modules
Year 1:
History in Practice
Introduction to International Relations
And at least one from:
Unravelling Britain: British History since 1801
Global Encounters: Conquest and Culture in World History
Remaining choices from:
Background to British Politics
Building the American Nation 1756-1900
Controversies of Science and Technology in the Making of the Modern World
Europe 1000-1500: The Middle Ages and their legacy
Europe in a Global Context since 1800
Global Histories
Reformation to Revolution: Europe and the World 1500-1800
Screening History: Representing the Past in the Contemporary Historical Film
The Foundations of Modern Thought: Introduction to Intellectual History
Political Analysis
Introduction to International Relations
Politics in Action

Please note that remaining modules should be split equally between both schools. All modules are subject to change.

Assessment typically involves a combination of examinations and coursework, or coursework only. Coursework may include essays, diaries, case-studies and oral presentations.

In your final year you’ll work on a dissertation, researching a specialised area of history that particularly interests you.