Study a BSc (Hons) History and International Relations degree course at Aston University togrow your understanding of the world we live in and learn about the past to build a better future for all. Make the most of your potential by combiningyour studies in global contemporary history with international relations, and completing an integrated placement year fora flying start to your career.
History and International Relations BSc - Undergraduate degrees
History and International Relations BSc - Undergraduate degrees
About
What youll learn
Working closely with experienced historians, youll have opportunities to study topics such as nationalism, state-building and inter-state relations; the history of war and peace; religious and ethnic conflict; trauma and memory; and issues of globalisation in the present that can only be understood by looking to the past. For example, youll learn how the British Empire helped to create the NHS, why Britain voted to stay in the EU in 1975 and why Margaret Thatcher became the first pop star of British international relations.
With a global outlook, our teaching is informed by exciting historical research. As part of the course, youll participate in field trips to historical sites and get your hands dirty by digging into local archives, as well as conducting original research on a topic of your choosing. Studying cutting-edge techniques such as digital and oral history will give you new insights and further boost your employment prospects.
Combine your passion for history with study of international relations to broaden your horizons and boost your employability.
In your third year, you will spend an integrated placement year either working or studying in the UK or abroad, to add further value to your degree. Unlike some other universities, the placement year at Aston is not a ‘bolt-on year, it is an integral part of your degree and in your second year well make sure youre ready to get the most from this opportunity.
We are extremely proud of the high level of preparation, orientation and support that we provide before and during your year abroad. We have a full-time Careers and Placements Team who will give you plenty of individual help and advice, and even come and visit you during your time away.
International students
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, its also a great place to live.
Astons professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, youll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability and our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme in social science will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course. During your foundation year, youll have excellent support from academics and group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey. We also have a Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support and offer pre-sessional English language programmes.
Post-study work visa
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. The new post-study work visa will apply to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020 at universities with a track record of compliance with immigration policy. Click here for more information on post-work visas.
Modules
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Final Year
Core modules:
- Global History in Perspective
- Making Histories I: Methods, Theories, Controversies
- Contemporary Britain: from the Boer War to Brexit
- Introduction to Concepts and Methods of International Relations
- Introduction to the European Union
Optional modules:
- The Making of the Modern World
- What's Trending (Current Affairs in Politics and International Relations
Core modules:
- Case Studies in Global History
- Making Histories II: Oral and Digital Methods
- International Relations: Theories
- Critical Approaches to Security Studies
Optional modules:
- Humanitarian Action and Foreign Intervention, 1915 - today
- The Atlantic World: Slavery and Emancipation
- History of Internationalism: From Karl Marx to Greta Thunberg
- West European Politics and Society
- Russian and East European Politics and Society
- North American Politics and Society
- East Asian Politics and Society: China and Japan
- South Asian Politics and Society
- International Relations in Political Thought
- Security Studies: Theories and Issues
- The Politics and Policies of the European Union
- International Political Economy
The Aston placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and iscompulsoryfor all home students. International/EU students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.
Find out more about the Aston placement year.
Core modules:
- History Workshop
- Dissertation (International Relations or History)
Optional modules:
- Teaching History in the 21st Century
- Twin Periods: The Interwar Years and post-1989 History
- Bullets, Bombsand Bitcoin: History and Technology since 1990
- Rage, Shame, and Hope: Emotions and Politics from the 19th to the 21st Century
- A Great Misunderstanding: Britain and the EU
- African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day
- Americain the World
- The American Presidency
- BRICS and Emerging Power Shifts in World Politics
- Chinese Politics and Society
- Conflict and Intervention
- Democracy, Authoritarianism and Regime Change
- Diplomacy and Soft Power
- Ethics and International Relations
- EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games
- Gender and Politics
- Interest Groups and Lobbying
- International Institutions
- Nationalism and Political Power
- Political Communication
- Leaders and Leadership: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives
- Politics and Islam: Past and Present
- Politics and Protest in a Globalised World
- Politics of Development
- Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe
- Sport and Politics
- The International Relations of East Asia
- The Populist Radical Right in Europe
- Understanding Foreign Policy
- Debates in Contemporary British Politics
- Changing Patterns of Warfare
- Intelligence Agencies and the Modern World - MI6, CIA and ISI
- Political Parties
Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
BBC (standard offer)
BCC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
BCC (contextual offer*)
English Program Requirements
To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. The level required will depend on the programme you are applying for. We strive to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.
We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Password
- Duolingo English Test (for entry onto Pre-Sessional English programmes, and direct entry courses starting in January 2022 and September 2022, excluding Aston Medical School, OSPAP, and Postgraduate Research degree programmes).
- Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE)
Career
History graduates go on to a range of professions with recent roles including Academic Librarian, Archivist, Broadcast Journalist, Conservation Officer, Editorial assistant, Civil Service Administrator, Heritage Manager, Human Resources Officer, Marketing Trainee, Museum Education Officer, Museum/Gallery Curator, Policy Officer, Research Assistant, Solicitor and Languages Teacher.
Potential employers include IBM, Interserve, Capgemini, Virgin Active, and the BBC.
Aston University was recognised as the 'Best University Careers/Employability Service'.
The Careers and Placements team at Aston University won the 'Best University Careers/Employability Service' category at the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards 2020 for its use of innovative ideas to engage a high number of students with the service in order to support them with their career planning.
Aston University has strong links with national and international organisations with over 200 employers interacting with students on campus each year.
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,300 / yearHistory and International Relations BSc - Undergraduate degrees
Aston University
United Kingdom,
Birmingham
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