Overview

International relations scholars ask questions about how the world works today. Historians look to the past to make sense of the present. When studied together, these complementary disciplines can give you the fullest understanding of global politics: past, present and future.

About This Course

On this course, you’ll explore current global political events, connections and decisions. At the same time, you’ll establish a ‘long view’ of the events and processes that have given rise to these current situations. You’ll come to understand how things that happen in one place can have major consequences for people and communities living on the other side of the world. You’ll become familiar with the vast range of actors involved, from states and their governments to stateless organisations such as Greenpeace or Al Qaeda, to international bodies such as the European Union and United Nations, to corporations, social classes, diasporas, and even individuals. Alongside all of this, you’ll examine how the contemporary international system of separate states has roots going back more than three hundred years. You’ll be equipped to make sense of today’s global order, and to debate, argue and think about how it has developed throughout recent history. You’ll have the opportunity to explore how these two disciplines relate to one another, allowing you to gain a fascinating perspective on the world around you today. The two disciplines of International Relations and History are taught across two Schools at the University, both of which are very well known for the quality of their teaching and research. During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements in Britain and Europe as well as having the option of a semester abroad in your second year.