History, politics and international relations courses

What can you do with a History, Politics or International Relations degree?

History, politics, international relations and international development shape our society and help us understand the world past and present.

When you do a History degree with us, you'll study in a city that's been central to key historical events for many centuries. You'll focus on different periods and problems faced by societies over time, and explore how history shapes decisions made today.

On our Politics and International Relations degrees, you'll learn about pressing global issues such as war and conflict, the role of diplomacy and foreign policy, and global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and protecting human rights.

On an International Development course, you'll explore the role and purpose of development, build your understanding of world affairs and put your knowledge to work with not-for-profit organisations in developing countries. You can also opt to learn a language alongside your course if you study BA (Hons) International Development with Languages.

6 reasons to study History, Politics and International Relations with us

• Develop knowledge and research skills to help you succeed in careers such as historian, politician, journalist, civil servant, lobbyist, teacher, communications manager, human resource manager, marketeer and researcher
• Study abroad at one of our partner institutions such as Science Po Strasbourg (France), University of Southern Denmark, Maastricht University (Netherlands), The Hague University (Netherlands), Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium), Palacky University (Czech Republic), Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) and University of Nebraska (Omaha, United States).
• You can do a placement after your second year to get valuable work experience before you graduate. Placement destinations include the Ministry of Defence, Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service, the House of Commons and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
• For History students, Portsmouth is packed with reminders of the important role the city has played in the past, from the D-Day Story museum, to the Historic Dockyard, home to Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory.
• Our teaching staff are members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), the UK's largest research centre of its kind.
• Combine your interests by studying another subject with your primary course such, leading to degrees such as BA (Hons) International Relations with Politics, BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development, BA (Hons) History with Politics or BA (Hons) History with Sociology.

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