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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Loughborough UniversityIf you’re passionate about understanding how the past shapes the present — and how global events, politics, and ideas influence our future — this degree is designed for you. Loughborough’s BA (Hons) History and International Relations blends historical insight with political analysis, giving you the tools to make sense of the complex challenges facing our world today, from conflict and diplomacy to inequality and global development.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building the Foundations
Your first year is all about developing the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need in both history and international relations. Through modules like The Atlantic World: The Americas, Europe and Africa since the 15th Century, Power, Politics & Ideology in Modern Europe, and What is History?, you’ll learn how to think like a historian — analysing sources, building arguments, and understanding the forces that have shaped societies. On the politics side, classes such as International Political Theory and Politics and Government introduce you to the key ideas, systems, and debates that underpin global affairs.
Year 2 – Expanding Your Perspective
In your second year, you’ll explore more specialised topics and refine your research skills. Modules like Modern China in a Global Perspective and African States and Nations: Before and After Colonialism help you examine major historical transformations, while Theories and Methods in Political Research and Research Design teach you how to approach complex political questions. This year is where you start connecting historical context to contemporary issues — from colonial legacies to global power dynamics.
Final Year – Specialising and Creating Original Work
Your final year gives you the freedom to focus on the areas that interest you most. You’ll undertake an independent Dissertation, allowing you to research a topic you’re passionate about, and choose advanced modules like War in the 21st Century, Politics of the Middle East, After Empire: South Asia since 1945, and International Conflict Management. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to think critically, argue persuasively, and tackle complex global issues with depth and confidence.
Focus areas: Global history, political theory, postcolonial studies, conflict and security, diplomacy, development, and global inequality
Learning outcomes: Critically analyse historical and political events, apply advanced research methods, connect past and present global issues, construct well-reasoned arguments, and communicate complex ideas effectively
Professional alignment: While not a vocational qualification, this degree includes an optional professional placement year, where students gain hands-on experience with leading employers such as PwC, IBM, Volkswagen, and government departments. This experience, combined with strong analytical and communication skills developed throughout the course, makes you highly employable across many sectors.
Reputation (employability & rankings):
6th in the UK for International Relations – The Guardian University Guide 2026
Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects in History – Complete University Guide 2026
12th in the UK for History – Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
At Loughborough, studying History and International Relations is far more than classroom learning — it’s about applying what you learn in the real world. Throughout your degree, you’ll have opportunities to gain hands-on experience, work with specialist resources, and build the kind of practical skills employers value. From professional placements to archival research and digital tools, the programme is designed to help you think, investigate, and solve problems like a historian and a political analyst.
Here’s how your learning experience goes beyond the textbook:
Professional placement year – Take a year out between your second and final year to work full-time in a relevant organisation, gaining valuable industry experience and earning a Diploma in Professional Studies. Students have secured placements with top employers including Volkswagen, PwC, IBM, and government agencies.
Study abroad or combined 6+6 option – Choose to spend part of your placement year studying overseas or split it between work and study abroad to gain both global perspective and professional experience.
Work directly with historical sources – Access rare books, manuscripts, journals, and institutional records in the Special Collections and the Loughborough University Archive (LUA), located in the Pilkington Library.
Use professional digital tools and databases – Learn to analyse historical events and political trends using resources like Gale Primary Sources, historic newspaper archives, digitised maps, and manuscript databases — tools that professional researchers and analysts rely on.
Collaborative projects and seminars – Engage in group work, debates, and research projects in small seminar settings, developing critical communication, teamwork, and analytical skills.
Access to world-class learning spaces – Benefit from modern seminar rooms, collaborative workspaces, and computer labs across campus, all designed to support research, discussion, and project work.
A level offer ABBIB offer 34 (6,5,5 HL)Indian 78%–88% in the best four subjects (or 83%–93% for other state boards), with specific subject marks at Standard X or XII required for some courses.American Curriculum 3.2/4.0 GPA in the High School Graduation Diploma, AP scores of 5,4,4, and either SAT I Math ≥ 570 or ACT ≥ 27 overall with 26 in each component.IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each componentTOEFL iBT 92 (with minimum 22 in each subtest)4 years full-time with placement yearEmbark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
