BA (Hons) International Relations and History
- UCAS code: LV21
- Mode of study: Full time
- Duration: 3 years
- Entry requirements 2013: 240-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent to include 100 points from A level History.
- Please see details of the range of other qualifications that will also be considered on the 'Entry Requirements' tab below. Please do contact us for advice on other qualifications that aren't listed here.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies
Course overview
Why did the US invade Iraq? What is terrorism and where did it come from? Why is it that some people in the world do not have enough to eat? How do societies change over time? What are the social and cultural origins of the contemporary international political system? What are the key ideas, social movements and cultural developments that have shaped the modern world?
If these questions interest you, then combining the study of international relations and history is the right course for you.
The history you will study in this degree is cultural and social history – the history of societies as opposed, for example, to political or military history. This will provide you with a deep cultural context in which to place the international relations and politics that you will also study.
The international relations component is contemporary and global in nature, focusing on conflict, international institutions, foreign policy-making and the changing character of, and issues in, world politics arising from globalisation.
You can choose to 'major' in either half of your degree by choosing your options and dissertation from either politics or international relations.
We welcome applicants with many different sorts of qualifications who can demonstrate evidence of competence to succeed on our programmes. We particularly welcome applications from mature students over the age of 21 and/or applicants who have an Access qualification or equivalent.
Study abroad
You can spend your second year studying at Moorhead State University in the USA.
Placements
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.
How do I apply?
All undergraduate applicants should apply through UCAS by 15 January each year. Late applicants should contact the Admissions Centre first for advice.
For further information and advice, please contact our Admissions Centre (details below). As the support base for all our students, the Admissions Centre is happy to help you with your enquiry, through to completion of application forms and offer.
Both subject areas are based in the School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies which has an established reputation for providing excellent student support. In the most recent external review of our teaching we scored 23 out of 24, putting us in the 'premier league' in the country for this degree.
Both subject areas contributed strongly to the Centre for European and International Studies Research which received the top grade of five in the most recent review of University research.
Course content
Year one
All year one units are compulsory.
- Introduction to Political Thought
- International Relations: States, Conflict and Cooperation
- Current Political Issues
- Historical Methods
- Society and Culture in Twentieth Century Europe
- History Skills Development
Year two
Alongside year two's core study, you are able to select options that tailor your degree to the issues that most interest you.
- International Politics
- Modernity and Masses 1750 - 1914
- Options chosen from a range including:
- Comparing Extremism in Europe
- Conflict and Disaster
- Culture and Ideas in Europe
- Europe and Identities 1750 - 1914
- Global Environmental Issues and Concerns
- In Darkest England: Culture and Conflict in the City 1790 - 1860
- International Politics of the Middle East
- International Relations Theory
- Introduction to Historical Research
- Politics and Economics of Development
- Politics of Democratisation in Latin America
- Languages (University Wide Option)
- Learning from Experience
Year three
In year three, you will write your dissertation (or undertake a work-based project) on a topic drawn from your preferred field of study, alongside further core and optional study.
- Dissertation / Project
- Global Political Economy
- History Special Subject 1 and 2
- International Relations options, including:
- Democracy and Democratisation
- Strategic and Security Studies in International Politics
Please note that whilst a wide range of options will be offered in every year, there will inevitably be some variation in the availability of individual units at any given time.
Teaching and assessment
You will meet your personal tutor in your first week and will maintain a personal tutor at every level of study. In your first and second year you will have regular timetabled tutorial groups with your personal tutor, which encourage your personal and academic development.
All staff also offer weekly office hours - where they are available to support you with all aspects of your academic study. Our teaching approach involves a range of small and large group learning environments with lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You will be encouraged to participate fully in group discussions in order to develop your communication skills.
We use a range of assessment methods including article reviews, essays, projects, close textual analysis, documentary commentaries, briefing papers, individual and group presentations and a 10,000-word dissertation.
Examinations include open, pre-seen papers and closed traditional examinations. This diversity of assessment will allow you to develop a range of writing styles. Our strong tradition of providing a high standard of guidance and support, whilst encouraging you to develop as an independent learner through the later stages of your degree, will help you develop the techniques necessary for the assessed work.
Career prospects
You will be given the opportunity to practise and develop various skills such as team working, time and project management, presentational skills and skills of analysis and argument. These skills open up a range of careers for graduates studying this degree.
As a result, many of our graduates go into areas related to the degree such as teaching, research, heritage and local, national and international government and politics. Others enter areas such as advertising and marketing, the media, banking and financial services, and personnel management.
Facilities and features
Over the last four years, the University has invested substantially in teaching its facilities. Our teaching rooms at Milldam are equipped with multimedia and audiovisual facilities. In addition, we provide quiet rooms and a dedicated IT teaching room and facilities.
The School has a large archive of documentary films in its multimedia resources area and the University library is currently undergoing significant investment and expansion to further enhance the range of resources available to you.