International Relations and History

How did the world become a system of states? Why is war an enduring feature of world politics? How does colonialism shape the political possibilities of globalisation? To unpack the complexities of today’s world, we first need to understand how the past becomes the present. Our International Relations and History degree will help you to develop the knowledge and gain the practical skills required to engage meaningfully with the world, for a wide range of future career paths.

From the European 'discovery' of the Americas in the 15th century to the collapse of the USSR and the rise of China, you’ll explore both western and non-western political traditions and assess their relevance to contemporary global structures. There has never been a better time to address these questions, as the world grapples with its difficult histories while facing the climate crisis. This course will help you to become a conscious, informed citizen of the world, equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to collectively build better futures.

You’ll be taught by our team of approachable tutors, whose research crosses continents and embraces past, present and future. You'll analyse big data and tiny fragments of text. You’ll explore objects and images, and examine the contrasts between powerful institutions and the voices of ordinary people.

Why study International Relations and History? Combining International Relations with History will deepen your understanding of world politics. International Relations gives you a broader global perspective on key developments and the nature of historical change, allowing you to make connections between events separated by time and place. History allows you to understand how the world came to be as it is, how and why it has changed over time, and where it might be going in the future.