University of Hull

What you'll study

This programme combines history, politics and international relations to explore war, strategy and security from both historical and contemporary perspectives. You will study the origins and conduct of conflict, strategic thought, intelligence and counter-intelligence, crisis management, and the politics of defence and security policy.

• Core themes: origins of war, grand strategy, military doctrine, the changing character of warfare, and ethical and legal issues in armed conflict.
• Methodology and skills: research methods for security studies, critical analysis of primary sources, quantitative and qualitative approaches, and communication skills for policy environments.
• Contemporary security: terrorism and counter-terrorism, cyber security and information operations, migration and human security, post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding.
• Historical modules: campaigns and commanders, the military revolution debate, war and society, and case studies in twentieth-century warfare.
• Applied learning: war-gaming and simulation exercises, scenario planning, internships or placement opportunities with regional organisations, and a final-year dissertation or research project.

The programme is delivered through lectures, small-group seminars, archival and source-based classes, workshops and guest lectures from practitioners. Optional modules allow you to tailor the degree towards history, policy analysis, intelligence studies or contemporary security issues.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study. Typical entrants hold a combination of recognised qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs, international secondary qualifications, or completion of an appropriate foundation or access course. Admissions take a holistic view and consider academic achievement, personal statement, references and any relevant experience.

International applicants must meet the University’s requirements for overseas qualifications and English language proficiency. Mature students and those with alternative qualifications or relevant professional experience are welcome and assessed on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates from this degree go on to a wide range of careers in the public, private and third sectors. The analytical, research and communication skills developed on the course are valued by employers in areas such as:

• national and international government services, including defence and foreign affairs
• intelligence and security agencies, and law enforcement
• policy analysis, think tanks and research institutes
• security consulting and risk analysis in the private sector
• journalism, media and communications focusing on defence and international affairs
• charities and NGOs working in conflict resolution, humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery
• further study at postgraduate level (MA, MSc, PhD) in security studies, international relations, history or related fields

Hull’s Careers Service and academic staff support students with placement sourcing, CV development and interview preparation to help bridge study and employment.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers this programme within a supportive departmental environment with staff actively researching military history, strategic studies and contemporary security challenges. You will benefit from small-group teaching, access to the University library collections and local archives, and regular talks from visiting scholars and practitioners.

Hull’s location provides a distinct regional perspective and opportunities for partnered placements with public organisations and non-governmental bodies. The University also emphasises employability and research-led learning, ensuring that students gain both theoretical grounding and practical skills relevant to careers in security, defence, policy and academia.