History and International Relations (with placement year)

Our History and International Relations course is an exciting joint honours degree that allows you to gain first-class exposure to both disciplines in equal measure.

You will benefit from learning the approaches of both subjects and will acquire a broad range of skills, with the option of specialising as you progress through the course.

The historical component of our History and International Relations degree offers a modern, global and relevant curriculum that aims to help you answer two key questions: how do we make sense of the past? And how has the past shaped the present? Many of our modules look at the roots of contemporary concerns such as war, international relations, racism and global inequality. The International Relations component of our course enables you to understand how key global factors have responded to international political, economic and social challenges since the Second World War.

The first year provides a grounding in global history from the 15th century to the present, and an introduction to the methods and practice of international relations. Core modules equip students with the key skills for studying both history and international relations, including developing research skills, engaging with primary sources and historiography, engaging with detailed case studies and applying theoretical frameworks.

Optional modules typically cover the 19th to 21st centuries and range widely across the globe (including the United States, Britain, Germany, China, India, Russia, the Middle East and the continent of Africa), allowing you to learn about the diverse histories and contemporary politics of much of the world. You will have the opportunity to study politics in regional and global contexts, examine challenges to foreign policy decision making and consider problems of security, conflict, war, terrorism, international development and the international politics of dynamic regions.

For further insight into what you can expect to study on our History and International Relations BA (Hons) degree, please take a look at the modules listed below.

Course Modules

For a full list of areas studied, see the 'What You'll Study' section of the course page on our website.

During your degree, you will be assessed through a variety of innovative and diverse assessments.

As well as writing essays and exams, you might give oral presentations, write blog posts, record vlogs, design posters, write policy reports or engage in political simulations. You may also engage in group work for some assessments.

Students all complete a dissertation on a subject of their choice, allowing them to develop the skills of a researcher and pursue their specific interests. This could focus on history or international relations or incorporate elements of both.