History and International Relations

We teach social, cultural, and political history from the early modern period through to the present day, focusing in particular on the British Isles, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and India.

Our emphasis is very much on 'doing history'. You'll use primary sources from the very beginning of your studies, and analyse various kinds of historical evidence, including written and oral materials, maps, visual images, feature films, art, and music.

You will consider how the use of sources and media representations inform our reconstructions of the past. You will reflect critically on key debates in history, looking at how they have developed over time, and how they have shaped our understanding of the world. You will also learn how historians 'make' history, and evaluate their roles in today's public life, media, and the heritage industry.

International Relations is the process by which two or more nations work together to establish trade links and how they interact politically, culturally, and economically. Conflict, cooperation, and the increased significance of non-state actors are all hallmarks of the world today. We aim to help you develop skills and tools to make sense of these complex interrelationships.