BA History and International Relations

At the University of Exeter, the BA History and International Relations programme helps students develop practical skills by connecting academic study with real-world historical, political, and global issues. Students build experience in research, analysis, communication, and teamwork through seminars, projects, independent investigations, and opportunities to gain professional or international experience. The programme encourages students to engage with historical sources, political debates, and global challenges while using academic resources and practical learning opportunities to prepare for future careers.

Students develop practical experience through research activities, collaborative learning, professional opportunities, and access to specialist academic resources:

• Develop research skills by analysing historical sources, political ideas, and international issues using different academic methods and approaches.

• Take part in seminars, tutorials, group discussions, presentations, and project-based activities that strengthen communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to present well-supported arguments.

• Complete essays, research assignments, and independent projects that help students develop strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex historical and political topics.

• Gain workplace experience through the optional Employment Experience Year, where students can undertake a graduate-level placement in the UK or overseas and apply their knowledge in a professional environment.

• Broaden international understanding through the optional Study Abroad Year, allowing students to experience different cultures, academic systems, and perspectives on global issues.

• Engage with subject-related activities through student societies such as the History Society and Politics Society, which provide opportunities to attend guest lectures, academic events, trips, and discussions.

• Explore practical applications of history and international relations through opportunities connected with museums, galleries, libraries, schools, and heritage organisations.

• Use digital learning platforms, online research resources, library collections, and academic databases to support coursework, research, and independent study.

• Learn from academics involved in research areas including international history, political history, cultural history, social history, and global politics.

• Access the University of Exeter’s humanities resources and specialist learning facilities that support historical research, academic exploration, and independent projects.

• Receive guidance through personal tutors and student support activities, helping students develop academically and professionally throughout the programme.

The BA History and International Relations at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a wide range of skills that are valued across public, private, and non-profit sectors. By combining historical understanding with international perspectives, research ability, and strong communication skills, graduates can pursue careers such as civil servant, policy researcher, journalist, business analyst, heritage professional, and roles within international organisations.

The programme develops critical thinking, research, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills that help graduates succeed in a variety of professional fields:

• The University of Exeter’s Careers Service provides dedicated support through career guidance, employability workshops, mentoring, skills development sessions, volunteering opportunities, and initiatives such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award to help students prepare for employment.

• The optional Employment Experience Year allows students to complete a graduate-level placement in the UK or overseas, helping them gain practical workplace experience, expand their professional network, and improve their career prospects.

• Students benefit from Exeter’s strong reputation among graduate employers, with History graduates recognised for their ability to research, analyse information, communicate effectively, and understand complex social and global issues.

• The programme prepares graduates for opportunities in areas such as heritage and culture, education, journalism, public service, charities, research, recruitment, finance, communications, and policy-related organisations.

• The combination of History and International Relations provides long-term career value by developing transferable skills that remain relevant across different industries, including independent research, critical analysis, written communication, and understanding global affairs.

• Graduates have progressed into roles such as Account Manager, Archivist, Business Analyst, Civil Servant, Digital Marketing and Events Executive, Event Project Manager, Global Market Researcher, Historian, Parliamentary Researcher, and TV Researcher.

• The University of Exeter’s History subject area has a strong academic reputation, with its research recognised internationally and ranked among leading universities for History.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA History and International Relations, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes that build on their interests in history, politics, international affairs, conflict studies, law, or related disciplines. Graduates may progress to master’s degrees such as MA History, MA Conflict, Security and Development, MSc International Management, or professional qualifications such as Graduate Diploma in Law and PGCE teacher training, creating further opportunities in research, education, policy, and specialist careers.