,Why Lancaster?

• Study the only degree in the UK to combine international and military history at Master’s level
• Gain a truly global perspective with modules that cover Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East
• Join our supportive research community and work alongside scholars who are experts in their field
• Engage with world-leading specialists, as well as politicians, diplomats and military leaders through Lancaster University’s Centre for War and Diplomacy
• Boost your expertise and prepare to take your career in a new direction.

From the rise and fall of great powers to peace-making and weaponry, join us to explore the major themes of international and military history from the Middle Ages to the modern day. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready for exciting opportunities in research, the Civil Service and more.

Discuss, debate and discover

Study a course that uniquely combines two fascinating areas. The field of international history is transforming as it moves away from a western-centric perspective, while military history covers the different dimensions of war. You’ll go beyond the strategy and battles, looking at political, economic and social factors.

Our international outlook means this course suits students from anywhere in the world. You’ll explore the making of war and peace on the global stage – one day you could be discussing the increasing militarisation of the Asia-Pacific, the next you could be debating the military resurgence of Russia.

Unpicking the past

This course draws upon our History Department's expertise, as well as research from our Centre for War and Diplomacy, which confronts today’s challenges by examining the past.

Analysing data and developing arguments will be a key part of your postgraduate studies. So, as well as learning from our research, you’ll carry out your own with support from our experts. Past students have looked at everything from the history of battleships to civil wars in Africa.

Careers

Whether you want to develop your expertise and research skills, change career paths or return to education after being in the military, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to engage with key debates. You’ll also be able to advance new arguments, informed by a global perspective.

Your historical understanding of current challenges is something employers will value. Being able to deal with large amounts of data and think analytically will help you stand out too.

Our students have the expertise needed for rewarding careers in the Civil Service and international organisations. Recent alumni have gone on to work in the museums and heritage sector, including at the Army Flying Museum.

You might also find roles within journalism, risk consultancy or intelligence analysis. Some of our students also continue their journey in academia with a PhD.

Student view

"I completed my undergraduate degree in 2019 and, unsure of where I wanted to go with my career, I enrolled with Lancaster on the MA International and Military History, which I completed in 2020.
I am now Lecturer in Policing at the University of Salford. I knew I wanted to work in counterterrorism but was unaware of how best to apply the knowledge and skills I'd gained from studying History at BA Level.

This MA programme allowed me to flesh out my interest for the area and study in far more detail the subjects that interested me, and I was able to combine my fledgling experience on contemporary national security matters, with a historical bank of knowledge that has assisted me in in my day-to-day work life ever since!" - Travis, MA International and Military History, 2020