The History and International Relations BA at Queen's University Belfast equips you to understand the forces that shape our world, from ancient empires to contemporary global politics. You will explore fundamental questions about gender, race, class, religion, and the state, while developing the analytical tools to dissect international relations, conflict studies, and comparative politics. This joint honours degree is ideal for curious minds who seek to connect historical context with present-day challenges, offering a comprehensive understanding of societies across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. You will be taught in small groups by expert historians from your first year, fostering critical engagement with diverse historical periods and methodologies.
This full-time, on-campus undergraduate programme is studied over three years, providing a systematic introduction to historical inquiry and international relations theory in Stage 1. As you progress, you will engage with survey modules covering significant historical trends and choose specialist international relations topics. In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation, conducting in-depth research on a topic of your choice under expert supervision, or gain practical experience through a work-placement module. You will graduate with a strong foundation in historical analysis and political science, prepared for diverse career paths in government, NGOs, journalism, policy, and beyond.