Program Overview

Introduction to International Relations and History BSc (Hons)

The International Relations and History BSc (Hons) program at Brunel University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international relations, history, and their interconnectedness. This program equips students with the tools to analyze contemporary international relations and understand the historical context that shapes global events.

Key Information

• Course Code: LV21 (or LV2P with placement)
• Start Date: September
• Mode of Study: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement
• Fees (2026/27): ｣9,535 (UK), ｣17,400 (International)

Overview

This degree program delves into world history, training students in the latest techniques to understand contemporary international affairs. It combines a deep understanding of history with methodological developments in the quantitative study of global issues, enabling students to understand the relationship between numerous factors such as war, conflict, democracy, and inequality.

Course Content

The course content is divided into strands that can be studied across all three years, including:

• International Relations (compulsory elements): Focuses on understanding contemporary international relations, including tools to analyze the international system and research design.
• International Relations (elective elements): Allows for specialization in areas like war and peace, Africa, Europe, the US, terrorism, and intelligence.
• History (compulsory elements): Explores world history, including social, cultural, and political dimensions, and introduces students to historical research methods.
• History (elective elements): Offers specialisms in the history of Africa and America, diplomacy, war, and issues of race, gender, and identity.

Year 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Africa and the World
  • Conflict in the Modern World
  • Introduction to World Politics
  • Migration and the Settler World
  • Modern South Asian History
  • Global London

Year 2

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Explaining Politics: Quantitative Political Science in Practice
  • From Student to Scholar: Successful Research in the Modern World
  • Theories of International Relations
• Optional Modules:
  • A range of modules including Australia and The Modern World, Climate Politics, Colonialism and Decolonization in Africa, among others.

Year 3

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Dissertation in International Relations and History
  • Advanced Research Skills for Politics and International Politics
  • Advanced Research Skills for History
• Optional Modules:
  • Advanced Applied Quantitative Methods, Apocalypse! Crisis and Society, Borders, Nations and Belonging in Modern Europe, among others.

Careers and Your Future

Graduates pursue a wide variety of jobs, including roles in politics, the civil service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, NGOs, and private sectors. The program prepares students for careers that require an understanding of international relations, history, and research skills.

Entry Requirements

• UK Entry Requirements (2026/7):
  • A minimum of five GCSEs, including English Language (grade C/4) or English Literature (grade B/5).
  • Standard Offer: GCE A level BBB, Contextual Offer: GCE A level BCC.
  • BTEC requirements and other qualifications are also accepted.
• EU and International Entry Requirements:
  • English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas), Pearson 59 (59 in all subscores), BrunELT 63% (min 55% in all areas), TOEFL 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17).
  • Please check the university's website for the most current information on international qualifications and English language requirements.

Fees and Funding

• Fees (2026/27): ｣9,535 (UK), ｣17,400 (International).
• Scholarships: Available for undergraduate students. Please refer to the university's scholarships pages for more information.

Teaching and Learning

• Taught by academic staff internationally known for their research and publications.
• Proximity to central London provides access to world-class research facilities and political arenas.
• Support from the Student Support and Welfare Team for non-academic needs.

Assessment and Feedback

• Assessed through a combination of coursework and time-limited assessments.
• Final year dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor.
• Feedback provided to support learning and improvement.

Location of Study

Brunel University, located in Uxbridge, Middlesex, offers a unique blend of academic and professional opportunities, given its proximity to London.