University Of Leicester United Kingdom

International Relations and History BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The International Relations and History BA at the University of Leicester offers you a unique opportunity to explore the intricate connections between historical events and contemporary global challenges. You will delve into the forces that have shaped our world, from the rise and fall of empires to the dynamics of international power structures, gaining a deep understanding of political systems, global economics, and historical causation. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students driven by a curiosity about why the world is the way it is, and who wish to develop analytical skills applicable to a wide range of future careers.

This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over three years, providing a structured yet flexible learning experience. You will engage with core modules in both International Relations and History, with the freedom to select specialist option modules in your second and third years, including areas like European Union politics, international security studies, or specific historical periods and themes. You will develop your research and critical thinking abilities through essay writing, seminar discussions, and the opportunity to undertake a significant dissertation in your final year, preparing you for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, journalism, or further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of international relations and history, examining global dynamics from medieval Europe to contemporary global politics. Students will delve into historical periods and key concepts in international relations, analyzing power, order, and global economies. The curriculum includes in-depth study of specific regions and historical events, culminating in dissertations in either history or international relations.

1 Year 1

Medieval and Early Modern Europe: People, Power, Faith, and Culture
The Shock of the Modern
Key Concepts in International Relations (double module)
Order and Disorder: International Relations from 1989 to the Present
Power in the World Economy
Comparative European Politics
Global History: Connections and Cultures in a Changing World, 1750 to the present
Great Britain: The State We're In
Europe 1861-1991: Emancipation and Subjugation
US History since 1776

2 Year 2 (History dissertation)

Perceiving the Past
Becoming the Historical Researcher
Gender History
Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times
A World Connected: Economy, Wellbeing and Sustainability since 1945
From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941
Fight the Power! Race, Rights and Protest in the USA, 1865-2008
International Theory
The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy
Sex and Gender in Global Politics
Politics of the Global South
The Latin World: Ancient, Medieval and Modern
Class Struggle and the Industrial Revolution
Histories of Violence
Madness, Monarchy and Politics in Georgian Britain
Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History
Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
History in the Classroom
Heritage Field Project
European Union Politics
International Security Studies

3 Year 2 (International Relations dissertation)

Perceiving the Past
Political Analysis 1: Understanding Political Science Research
Political Analysis 2: Preparing for your Dissertation
Gender History
Jack-the-Ripper: Crime, Popular Culture and Policing in Victorian Times
A World Connected: Economy, Wellbeing and Sustainability since 1945
From Beer to Fraternity: Alcohol, Society, and Culture in North America
Living with Dictatorship: European Societies, 1918-1941
Fight the Power! Race, Rights and Protest in the USA, 1865-2008
International Theory
The Making of Contemporary US Foreign Policy
Sex and Gender in Global Politics
Politics of the Global South
The Latin World: Ancient, Medieval and Modern
Class Struggle and the Industrial Revolution
Histories of Violence
Madness, Monarchy and Politics in Georgian Britain
Domestic Revolutions: Women, Men, and the Family in American History
Enter the Dragon: Modern Chinese History, 1839-1989
History in the Classroom
Heritage Field Project
European Union Politics
International Security Studies

4 Year 3 (History dissertation)

History dissertation
The Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968
Clothing and Fashion in Historical Perspective. Case Studies of Modern European History in Transnational Context
The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria
When Two Dragons Fight: China and Japan at War in the Twentieth Century
Gender, Crime and Deviance in Eighteenth Century Britain
The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972
American Political Development
The Politics of Nuclear Weapons
The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy
International Migration in the Age of Securitisation
Political Legacies of Conflict in Northern Ireland
The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914
What Difference Did the War Make? British Society and the Great War, 1900-1939
The USA and the Vietnam War
Crime and Punishment in African American History
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, c1350-1650
From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947
The Changing Character of War
Global Justice and Human Rights
Politics and War in Outer Space

5 Year 3 (International Relations dissertation)

Dissertation
The Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968
Clothing and Fashion in Historical Perspective. Case Studies of Modern European History in Transnational Context
The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria
When Two Dragons Fight: China and Japan at War in the Twentieth Century
Gender, Crime and Deviance in Eighteenth Century Britain
The Politics of War and Peace: Northern Ireland After 1972
American Political Development
The Politics of Nuclear Weapons
The Politics of Contemporary British Foreign Policy
International Migration in the Age of Securitisation
Political Legacies of Conflict in Northern Ireland
The Imperial Economy: Britain and the Wider World, 1815-1914
What Difference Did the War Make? British Society and the Great War, 1900-1939
The USA and the Vietnam War
Crime and Punishment in African American History
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, c1350-1650
From Empire to Nation: Modern South Asia, c. 1857-1947
The Changing Character of War
Global Justice and Human Rights
Politics and War in Outer Space

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,304.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,304.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,304.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 81,913.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 624.00 - USD 867.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 967.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,611.00 - USD 12,179.00
Estimated Total USD 5,800.00 - USD 18,623.00

Living cost estimates are based on Leicester Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Curriculum & Instructional DesignFilm & Television ProductionFood Processing & ManufacturingHealthcare ConsultingLivestock & Animal HusbandryMental Health & CounselingMusic & Performing ArtsReal Estate DevelopmentResidential ConstructionSpecial & Inclusive Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

National Farmers'​ Union

National Trust

United Nations

University of Birmingham

University of Leicester

european council of business education

Why Study International Relations and History BA at University Of Leicester

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

University Of Leicester typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University Of Leicester in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about International Relations and History BA at University Of Leicester

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit scores from several tests. Acceptable scores include Duolingo: 120 overall, IELTS: 6.5 overall, and TOEFL: 90 overall.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Service Officer, International Relations Consultant, and Historian.

What will I actually study in this course?

In the International Relations and History BA, you'll study the connection between historical change and modern issues. Key topics include the political systems of major powers like the US and EU, and the implications of globalization.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The next intake for the International Relations and History BA is in September. Make sure to apply early to secure your place.
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