BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern History

Course Overview

International relations scholars ask questions about how the world works today. Historians decode the past to make sense of the present. When studied together, these complementary disciplines can give you the fullest understanding of global politics: past, present and future. Our BA International Relations and Modern History course offers a thrilling journey across time and into the heart of world affairs. Our graduates go on to rewarding careers in politics, international relations, and other related fields in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

At UEA, you’ll explore current global political institutions, events and issues, from how international organisations work, to the causes of war and global economic crises. At the same time, you’ll establish a ‘long view’ of the history of global politics that has given rise to these current situations.

You’ll examine how the contemporary international system of separate states has roots going back more than three hundred years, and how current challenges such as international cooperation on fighting climate change, competition between world powers and international conflicts across the globe from Europe to the Asia Pacific, are deeply rooted in history.

The two disciplines of International Relations and History are taught by experts across two Schools at UEA, both of which are renowned for the quality of their teaching and research. Our International Relations and Modern History course will prepare you for a variety of career paths in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Your personal adviser and dedicated School career adviser will work with you to provide guidance and support to ensure you have access to the right opportunities to pursue your passion and make a difference.

During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements in the UK and Europe. You’ll also have the option of a semester abroad in your second year.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4

In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

A levels

ABB

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study: 

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA 

Academic English at INTO UEA 

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.  We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application. 

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study: 

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA 

Academic English at INTO UEA 

Employability

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a range of careers. These might include working for different political organisations such as international organisations, parliaments or political parties. You could work with charities, non-government organisations (NGOs), think-tanks, universities or other research organisations, or even with bodies like the civil or diplomatic service or armed forces. You could also go into business, marketing, media, and teaching. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a postgraduate degree.

To help you make the transition from student to working life, our Careers Service organises a range of popular events, such as Working in Politics and Government or Working in Charities and NGOs. Here, you’ll have the chance to make valuable contacts and get advice and insights from successful UEA alumni.

Examples of careers you could enter include:

• Political careers, such as working in Parliaments or for political parties
• International organisations
• Charities and NGOs
• Think tanks and other research careers
• Civil service
• Armed forces

Discover more on our Careers webpages.