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International Relations and History BA

3-4 years

How did the Cold War divide the world? What is the current state of Britain’s political system? In this degree, you’ll explore the link between history and international relations, and learn how to tackle the most important issues facing world politics.

International Relations and History BA, 3-4 years

How did the Cold War divide the world? What is the current state of Britain’s political system? In this degree, you’ll explore the link between history and international relations, and learn how to tackle the most important issues facing world politics.

Start date:

2025
2026

Course information

Typical offer BBB

UK fee £9,535

UCAS code LV21

International fee £19,700

Institute code L34

Taught by Politics and International Relations

Times Higher Education

Top 10 in the UK for History (The Times Good University Guide 2025)

The Guardian

Top 30 in the UK for Politics (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

National Student Survey logo

Ranked 13th in subjects aligned to History for ‘overall positivity’ in the NSS 2024 (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data).

Course description

Course description

International relations are the product of historical change which means that in order to understand one, you must consider the other. With our International Relations and History BA you will explore the ways in which these two fascinating topics are linked.

You will be able to study the most vital issues affecting the modern world and understand their historical backgrounds - from the world's foremost powers (the United States, the EU, Russia and China) to smaller nations that are impacted by their behaviour.

You will be able to examine the workings and the health of the political system in Britain and other states. You will also explore some of the most important and interesting issues in national and international politics: Who holds power and why? Is there a crisis of political participation? What are the appropriate limits to individual liberty? Is globalisation a positive process?

Flexibility of modules in your second and third years will allow you to delve deeper into the areas of history and international relations that fascinate you the most. Our lecturers have in-depth knowledge across diverse interests, so whichever areas you study, you will receive knowledgeable support and insightful guidance.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

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What our students say

Course structure

Year 1

Year 1

Core modules

Option modules

Choose one option module from:

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2 (History pathway)

Year 2 (International Relations pathway)

Year Abroad or Year in Industry (optional)

Year 3

Why Leicester?

Politics and International Relations at Leicester

A diverse university in an international city, Marija found Leicester the ideal place to study.

We have well-respected research centres covering Medieval History, Urban History, Local History and Genocide and Holocaust Studies.

The academic staff in the department have written or edited dozens of books and publish regularly in major national and international journals. Where other people only get to read what our experts think, you will be working directly with them, learning from them in lectures and questioning them in seminars.

Guest speakers who have visited the University to discuss their lives in politics including MPS, members of the House of Lords, MEPs, members of the US Congress, officials working in UK and EU institutions, diplomats and senior personnel from the armed forces.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught by a variety of methods, ranging from large lectures to seminars to individual tutorials. Lectures are used to provide historical narrative and to raise key historical questions and areas of debate. Seminars are where you share your opinion about those debates and put forward your interpretation of the history. In your first year you will normally have around ten contact hours per week, with more emphasis being placed on small group teaching and independent study as you progress through your degree.

You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they be academic, financial, housing, career or social issues.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods including written examination, assessed essay, reports, briefing papers and presentations.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.

Academic support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

  • study and exam skills
  • academic writing
  • presentations
  • dissertations
  • numerical data skills
  • referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration UCAS Code Availability
Course International Relations and History Qualification BA Duration 3 years full-time UCAS Code LV21 Availability How to apply
Course International Relations and History with Year Abroad Qualification BA Duration 4 year full-time UCAS Code LV21 Availability How to apply

Data about this course

International Relations and History at University of Leicester

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

Make an informed choice.

See course info

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The course challenges your beliefs, forces you to think critically, and makes you more open-minded.

Marija

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