International Relations and History with a Year in Industry

International Relations and History explores globalization, human rights, international and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies. You will also cover history through subjects including women’s history and gender, memory of war and conflict, and British social history.

This course offers you the opportunity to spend a Year In Industry, in the UK or overseas, giving valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for only paid placements which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Based at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, our International Relations and History course at Swansea University is highly regarded by students and employers:

Studying International Relations and History at Swansea you can:

• Choose a level 3 module The National Assembly for Wales Internship and work one morning a week for a semester at the National Assembly in Cardiff • Participate in workshops and seminars run by guest speakers • Study Welsh Medium modules

International Relations at Swansea is ranked: • Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025) • Top 15 in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)

History at Swansea is ranked: • Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)

You’ll be taught by History research and teaching experts who specialize in the medieval, early modern and modern history of the UK, Europe and the world.

You have the option of a semester abroad in your second year. You can choose to go East and study in Hong Kong, China or Singapore or West and study in North America.

If you prefer to stay closer to home, and want to enhance your student experience and career prospects, The Swansea University Work Placement Programmes offer three work place programmes: Week of Work (WOW); Swansea paid Internship Programme (SPIN) and Santander Universities Funded Placements.

You can also link up with the Swansea Employability Academy (SEA). It provides a network connecting students with employers. You can attend talks and workshops as well as student led networking events.

Students on this course typically develop excellent oral and writing skills and you will also learn to develop your ideas in a wide range of formats, along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our graduates are truly international and enter careers in a wide range of sectors including: • Education • Government and Politics • Recruitment • Media and Public Relations • Heritage and Museums • Business • Business and Management • Law and Public Services