Military and International History with Placement

Far from being just knowledge of the past, studying issues related to important world events, defence, security, intelligence and strategy are not only insightful, they’ll be highly valued in a troubled world by employers within these fields, and beyond.

A varied set of core modules will take you into scope of studying history at University, whether you’ve got a history qualification or not. Modules like ‘What is History’ which uncovers the themes and tools used by historians and ‘Total War in the Modern Era’, chronicling key wars and their influence, will help prepare you for the more specialist modes to follow later in the course.

A wide range of optional modules in years two and three will help you decide where your interests lie in preparation for your final year project, including the option to study intelligence and security taught by experts in the University’s internationally renowned Centre of Intelligence and Security Studies (BCISS).

Along the way, you will build a toolkit of transferable skills gained through evidence gathering, analysis, problem solving, drafting and communications, which can be applied to a wide range of industries within the public and private sector.

Opt for a placement year and you’ll be adding a year’s experience in a job role and industry sector that will help to show future employers where you might be a good fit for their organisation. Your placement doesn’t have to be related to history and you’ll get plenty of support from staff and resources in the University’s Professional Development Centre.

Studying military and international history at Brunel has many advantages. Situated in London, the course has established links to world-renowned archives and libraries based in and close to London, including the Caird Library (National Maritime Museum), The National Archives and the Imperial War Museum, among others.

Additionally, the original WWII operations bunker used by Sir Winston Churchill on the former RAF Uxbridge is a walk away from campus where Brunel students regularly volunteer.

Year 1
The Problem of the Past
Europe at War, 1914-1945
Makers of Modern Strategy
Total War in the Modern Era, 1789-1945
Conflict and Diplomacy in the Modern Era
Africa and the World

Year 2
Core
Historians and their Craft
The First World War - Causes, Course, Consequences
War and Geography

Optional
US Foreign Policy from WW2 to the End of the
Cold War
Australia and the Modern World
State and Revolution
Themes in the History of Modern African
National Security Intelligence

Year 3
Core
From Gibraltar to Suez: Britain’s Quest to
Dominate the Mediterranean, 1704-1956
Military and International History Dissertation

Optional
Arab-Israeli Conflict
Terrorism
Violence
Second World War
The British Maritime World, 1660-1815
The Creation of the Western Alliance, 1945-1955