University of Leicester

What you'll study

This joint honours degree integrates core themes from international relations—such as diplomacy, conflict, security, international organisations and global governance—with historical study of periods, processes and events that shaped the modern world. Teaching balances theoretical grounding in IR (realism, liberalism, constructivism), empirical case studies and archival-informed historical analysis.

Typical course structure spans three years and includes a combination of compulsory and optional modules. Key elements you can expect include:

• Core International Relations modules covering IR theory, international security, foreign policy analysis, international law and institutions, and global political economy.
• Core History modules exploring thematic and period-based topics such as diplomatic history, empire and decolonisation, the Cold War, modern Europe, and global or transnational histories.
• Research and methods training in historical methods, archival research, historiography and social science research techniques, culminating in a dissertation or extended research project that allows interdisciplinary work across both subjects.
• Optional modules that let you specialise—for example: human rights and humanitarianism, nationalism and identity, security and intelligence, the politics of development, economic history, gender and empire, and regional studies (e.g. Middle East, East Asia, Africa).
• Skills development including essay and report writing, critical source analysis, oral presentation, quantitative and qualitative research skills, and independent project management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels, such as the International Baccalaureate, BTEC, or other recognised national qualifications. Typical offers will refer to attainment across three advanced-level subjects; no single subject is universally required, but applicants from humanities, social science or languages backgrounds are particularly well prepared.

The University also considers mature students, Access to Higher Education diplomas and relevant work or voluntary experience. GCSE-level English and mathematics (or equivalents) are normally expected. International applicants should meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with combined skills in international relations and history are well placed for a wide range of careers. Common destinations include:

• Diplomatic service and foreign ministries
• Public sector roles, including national and local government and policy analysis
• International organisations and NGOs working on development, human rights or humanitarian response
• Think tanks, research institutes and consultancy
• Journalism, media and communications roles focused on international affairs
• Heritage, museums and archival work, and further academic study at postgraduate level
• Private sector roles in international business, risk analysis and corporate affairs

The degree develops transferable skills valued by employers: critical thinking, research and evidence evaluation, written and oral communication, and the ability to contextualise contemporary problems historically.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester’s provision in history and politics/international relations is delivered by academic staff active in research across modern and global history and contemporary international politics. Students benefit from small-group seminars, access to specialist archives and research-led teaching.

Leicester offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, optional work placements and study-abroad exchanges that complement campus teaching. The School supports dissertation supervision tailored to interdisciplinary topics, and careers support services help translate your degree into internships and graduate roles.

Located in a diverse city with cultural institutions and civic organisations, the university provides a strong environment for studying the historical roots of international issues alongside practical insights into contemporary global politics.