How have societies interacted with one and other over time? How do we manage the relationships and conflicts between nations? What impact has globalisation had on our political economies and cultures? These are all profound questions of the modern world we live in.

To understand the contemporary challenges that exist in our world, we must understand the geographies, politics, histories and relations that have shaped our environment. In this course, you will investigate how democracies operate, how our world is shaped by dominant ideas of capitalism and colonialism, and how historical events affect current affairs.

You will study topics including but not limited to:

War, and the war on terror

International relations

Political power

Globalisation

Migration

At Essex we train our students to be fearless and independent, to question everything and to draw on the broadest possible range of facts and ideas.

Based in our School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies, you will be taught by experts from a range of disciplines across the humanities and social sciences.

You will also be taught by academics from our Department of Government – one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university.

Placement year

When you arrive at Essex, you can decide whether you would like to combine your course with a placement year. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.