Swansea University

What you'll study

This joint degree brings together core themes from International Relations and History. You will study theories of international politics, global security, foreign policy analysis, and international organisations alongside historical approaches to diplomacy, empires, war, and social and cultural change. Teaching typically combines lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials, supported by independent research and assessed by essays, presentations and research projects.

• Core International Relations topics: International Relations theory, security and conflict studies, global governance, foreign policy and diplomacy, international political economy.
• Core History topics: Modern European and global history, imperial and post‑colonial histories, war and society, cultural and social history, and historical methods and historiography.
• Skills and methods: source analysis, archival research, statistical literacy for social science, critical writing, oral communication, and dissertation supervision.
• Final-year project: an independent dissertation or extended research project drawing on primary and secondary sources, supervised by academic staff from either discipline.
• Optional experiences: opportunities for placements, study abroad modules or short field visits to political and heritage institutions, depending on availability and student choice.

Entry requirements

Admissions look for academic achievement and potential for independent study. Typical offers for UK applicants are within a standard A‑level band, with alternative qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers or equivalent accepted. Specific required subjects are not usually imposed, but qualifications in history, politics, economics or a social science are advantageous.

• International applicants should demonstrate equivalent academic achievement and English language proficiency.
• Mature applicants and those with relevant experience are welcome and considered on an individual basis.
• All applicants should check the university's published entry criteria and contact admissions for clarification about acceptable qualifications and English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates combine historical understanding with international-political analysis, making them suitable for a wide range of careers. Common destinations include national and local government, civil service and policy work, international organisations, non‑governmental organisations, journalism and media, heritage and museums, education, and private‑sector roles in public affairs, consultancy or international business.

• Many students progress to employer graduate schemes or professional training; others pursue postgraduate study in international relations, public policy, history or law.
• The course develops transferable skills valued by employers: critical thinking, research and analysis, written and oral communication, and project management.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers a campus environment on the coast of Wales with access to subject specialists in politics, international relations and history. Teaching is research‑informed and shaped by staff expertise across historical and political fields, allowing interdisciplinary supervision for student projects. The university provides careers support, dissertation supervision and research training, plus library and archival resources to support primary‑source work.

• Small‑group teaching and staff accessibility help you develop independent research and employability skills.
• Opportunities for placements, study abroad and field trips complement classroom learning and broaden practical experience.
• Proximity to Welsh cultural and civic institutions provides additional avenues for work experience and community engagement.