International Relations with History BA (Hons) with work placement

At Portsmouth, you won’t just study politics and history from a textbook — you’ll live it. This degree gives you plenty of chances to explore how the past connects with today’s global issues through real experiences, projects, and professional environments. From debates and digital archives to your year-long work placement, everything you do is designed to help you think critically, research deeply, and build skills that employers genuinely value.

You’ll learn in a vibrant, supportive setting with access to cutting-edge digital tools, world-class library collections, and expert lecturers who bring real-world insight into every seminar. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Professional work placement (year 3): Spend up to a year working in a government office, NGO, media outlet, museum, or international organisation. It’s a chance to put your knowledge to work, make professional connections, and gain confidence in real-world settings.

• Pop-up seminars and guest talks: Take part in informal “pop-up” discussions where you and your lecturers debate the latest political events or historical discoveries — helping you develop your voice and think on your feet.

• Access to exclusive digital archives: You’ll use incredible online resources such as the Churchill Archive, Mass Observation Online, and Women, War and Society collections — giving you first-hand access to original historical materials for essays and projects.

• World-class library and archives: The University Library offers group study rooms, digital labs, rare archives, maps, and special collections — everything you need to carry out in-depth historical and political research.

• Digital learning tools: Through the University’s online platform Moodle, you’ll access recorded lectures, readings, and discussions anytime, anywhere. You’ll also collaborate with peers through online forums and shared workspaces.

• Language learning opportunities: You can choose to study a new language (like French, Spanish, or Mandarin) alongside your main degree — a great advantage if you’re aiming for an international career.

• Links with local institutions: Thanks to the University’s partnerships with places like the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Portsmouth Records Office, and the D-Day Story Museum, you’ll get to see how history is researched, preserved, and presented to the public.

Together, these experiences ensure you graduate not only with knowledge but with the confidence, research skills, and professional experience that make you stand out in any field.

Graduating from the BA (Hons) International Relations with History at Portsmouth opens up a world of possibilities. You’ll leave with the skills to think critically, research effectively, and understand how history shapes modern global affairs — making you ready for roles in government, international organizations, NGOs, or even museums. Many of our graduates step straight into careers that put their knowledge and analytical skills to work:

• Government and Public Policy – influencing decisions that affect communities locally and globally.

• International Organisations – working with bodies like the United Nations or the European Union.

• NGOs and Humanitarian Work – helping tackle global challenges and development issues.

• Museums and Heritage Institutions – curating, managing, and interpreting historical collections.

Here’s how Portsmouth supports you in making that leap into your career:

• Career and Employability Services – personalised guidance, CV workshops, interview practice, and employer events to boost your confidence and employability.

• Placement Year – a full-year work placement in Year 3, letting you gain hands-on experience and build professional networks before you graduate.

• Industry Partnerships – connections with institutions like the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Records Service, and the D-Day Museum offer real-world exposure and project opportunities.

• Graduate Outcomes – most of our students find employment within six months, with competitive starting salaries reflecting the value of your degree.

• Long-term Value – the combination of historical knowledge and international relations expertise is highly regarded by employers, giving you flexibility across sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue learning after your degree, there are plenty of options:

• Master’s Degrees – in International Relations, History, Political Science, or related fields, to deepen your expertise.

• Research Opportunities – MRes or other research-focused programs in Humanities & Social Sciences.

• PhD Programs – for those aiming at academic or advanced research careers, leading to teaching, publishing, and specialist consultancy roles.

By combining practical experience, expert guidance, and academic depth, Portsmouth ensures you graduate ready to step confidently into your chosen career or further studies.