This exciting course reviews the evidence for conflict from the medieval period through to the present day across a breadth of geographical situations. Armed conflict has shaped states, societies and economies from ancient times through to the present day. The study of military history is a fascinating topic and includes much more than learning just about weapons and battles. Taking this course will help you to develop an understanding of the wider social, ethical and political contexts of warfare.

Although questions of technological advances are important, the study of military history is more than just learning about weapons and battles. Our Military History programme is designed to offer you a course of critical historical study with a significant focus on the scope and chronological development, experience and impact of conflict from the medieval period through to the present day and across a breadth of geographical situations. It aims to equip you with a range of critical and analytical skills through a wide-ranging study of the incidence, formation and operation of military institutions and organizational structures in naval, land-based, airborne and civilian contexts.

The course will engage you in understanding the wider social, ethical and political context of war. You will engage in real historical research, working side-by-side with members of academic staff and also during your final year when working on your personal research-based dissertation. You will gain skills that will help you to research and analyse sources and data, and to construct and defend thought provoking arguments.

You will encounter a wider variety of historical study as you participate in modules, and in learning activities shared by students following other history-based pathways, including our pre-existing single honours History programme. The significant focus on Military History is enhanced during the final year of study through a Special Subject module and a personal research-based dissertation.

During the course of your studies you will study modules which are designed to engage you in a broad survey of the academic character and identity of military history, along with exploring the wide range and origins of historical sources. You will also use a range of case-studies to introduce yourself to the practice of military history from the medieval to modern periods, with modules designed to deepen your understanding of specific approaches to historical study and widen your area of historical knowledge beyond Britain.

Careers & Further study

The study of Military History teaches you how to assemble and assess evidence from a wide range of sources – archival and digital, textual and visual. It teaches transferable skills in the analysis of data and the robust construction of arguments using critical reasoning supported by evidence. This course will equip you with a wide range of critical and analytical skills through the in-depth study of the incidence, formation and operation of military institutions and organisational structures in naval, land-based, airborne and civilian contexts. Possible future careers for Military History graduates may include serving as an Armed Forces Officer, Intelligence Officer, within the civil service or security and policing, law and public policy, information research and management, journalism and publishing, or education.