History, Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how global events, political systems, and historical movements have shaped the modern world, De Montfort University’s BA (Hons) History, Politics and International Relations could be a perfect fit. This degree lets you explore the connections between past and present — from revolutions and ideologies to today’s global challenges — while developing the analytical and communication skills that employers really value.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year builds a strong foundation across all three subjects — history, politics, and international relations. You’ll explore themes like power, identity, and global change through modules such as Ideas and Change, Journeys and Places, and Global Challenges. These courses help you understand how ideas shape societies and prepare you to think critically about how today’s world has been influenced by the past.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll start to dive deeper into specialist areas that match your interests. Modules like The Global Cold War and Global Political Economy explore how political tensions and economic systems have influenced international relations. You’ll also develop your research and employability skills through Exploring Work and Society and Political Research in Action — giving you the confidence to apply theory to real-world issues.

Placement Year (optional)
You’ll have the option to take a placement year between your second and final year. This hands-on experience lets you work with employers in areas such as government, NGOs, the media, or the heritage sector — helping you build your CV and gain practical experience before you graduate.

Final Year
Your final year is your chance to specialise and bring everything together. You’ll choose advanced modules like Empire and its Aftermath or Decolonising Politics and complete an independent dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about. This is where you’ll refine your analytical and research skills and develop the kind of independent thinking that employers and postgraduate programs value highly.

Focus Areas

“Colonialism and post-colonial studies, political ideologies and systems, global conflicts and diplomacy, migration and identity, political economy, and applied research.”

Learning Outcomes

“Build strong critical thinking and analytical skills, communicate complex ideas clearly, conduct independent research, understand global and historical contexts, and develop transferable skills for a wide range of careers.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the program isn’t tied to a specific professional body, it’s designed with employability at its core. Through work placements, research projects, and real-world learning, you’ll gain the skills sought after by employers in government, international organisations, NGOs, media, and education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

#1 in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the 2024 International Student Barometer (for arrival, living, learning, and support).
Five-Star QS Rated University for teaching, employability, and global outlook.
DMU’s Careers Team named Employability Team of the Year at the TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At DMU, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience that brings your learning to life. The History, Politics and International Relations degree is full of opportunities to put theory into practice, whether through placements, field trips, or engaging directly with real-world politics and history. You’ll also have access to excellent facilities and support, from research institutes to libraries, helping you develop skills that employers actually want. These experiences make your studies dynamic, interactive, and genuinely career-focused:

Optional Placement Year – Spend a year working with employers in government, NGOs, media, or heritage, gaining real-world experience and building your CV.
DMU Global – Take part in international projects or study abroad opportunities to develop a global perspective.
Campus Events – Hear directly from politicians and experts through initiatives like Congress to Campus and European Parliament to Campus, giving you insider insights into the political world.
Research Centres and Institutes – Work alongside academics at the Institute of History and Politics, getting involved in real research projects.
Libraries and Learning Spaces – Access the Kimberlin Library and other DMU resources for independent research, group work, and project development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the History, Politics and International Relations BA (Hons) at DMU opens doors to a wide range of careers where you can make an impact. Many students go on to exciting roles such as parliamentary assistants, local or national government officers, heritage and museum professionals, or even policy analysts in global organisations. The program equips you with research, communication, and critical thinking skills that employers value, giving you a strong head start in your career:

DMU Careers Service – Offers one-to-one career guidance, CV workshops, and mock interviews to help you feel confident and prepared.
DMU Works and Placement Support – Connects you with internships, part-time roles, and placement opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Industry Partnerships – Work with local and national organisations, including government bodies and NGOs, to build professional networks.
Graduate Outcomes – DMU graduates in this field enjoy strong employability, with many securing roles in politics, international organisations, and heritage sectors.
Long-Term Value – The degree provides a solid foundation for further study or career advancement, with skills that remain relevant across sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA, you can continue your studies with postgraduate options such as a Master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, or History, or even pursue doctoral research (PhD). These pathways allow you to specialise further, contribute to cutting-edge research, and enhance your prospects in academia, research, or specialist professional careers.