International History and Politics BA

Studying International History and Politics at Leeds is not just about reading books—it’s about immersing yourself in the real work of historians and political thinkers. From your very first year, you’ll be challenged to go beyond the classroom, working directly with original documents, debating ideas with your peers, and testing your research skills on live projects. The university makes sure you have access to world-class resources, tailored workshops, and supportive staff who will guide you in developing the skills that employers truly value.

Here’s how your learning experience comes to life:

• Hands-on with history: You won’t just learn about events from textbooks—you’ll study rare letters, diaries, and official papers housed in the University’s Special Collections, including the Leeds Russian Archive and the Liddle Collection. This lets you think and write like a real historian.

• Practical research and digital tools: Leeds’ three main libraries—Brotherton, Laidlaw, and Edward Boyle—offer dedicated training on using digital databases, archives, and specialist tools. The Skills@Library service also provides one-to-one guidance on everything from essay writing to handling statistics.

• Real research projects: By your second year, you’ll be writing a long essay based on primary sources. In your final year, you’ll design and lead your own research project, supported by expert tutors—an experience that mirrors professional academic or policy research.

• Work placements and internships: The School of History runs its own paid internships, giving you the chance to support induction activities, work on student publications like the History Student Times, or gain experience in marketing and mentoring.

• Beyond the classroom: You’ll be encouraged to take part in the Undergraduate Research Experience and other events where students present their work, mentor peers, and even take on leadership roles as ambassadors for Leeds Loves History.

• A global perspective: Many students choose to spend a year abroad, studying at partner universities across Europe, North America, or Australia. This not only broadens your worldview but also makes your degree stand out to employers.

• Customised learning journey: Discovery Modules let you branch out beyond history and politics—whether that means studying a new language or exploring areas like sociology or international relations. This flexibility helps you tailor your degree to your career goals.

One of the real strengths of this degree is how versatile your future options are. Leeds graduates don’t just walk away with a degree—they leave with a track record of strong employability. Around 86% of students are working or in further study within 15 months, and most are in professional or highly skilled roles. Typical pathways include working as a policy analyst, joining the civil service or diplomatic service, moving into international NGOs, or carving out a career in journalism and research.

And the support doesn’t stop when classes finish—here’s how Leeds helps you turn your studies into a career:

• Tailored careers guidance through the University’s Careers Centre, including one-to-one advice, CV and interview prep, and access to the exclusive MyCareer jobs database.

• School-specific employability events where you’ll meet alumni and employers from sectors like politics, law, media, heritage, and education.

• Proven results: graduates report median earnings of around £28,000 within 15 months, rising to over £31,000 within five years.

• Strong employer links, with Leeds graduates going on to work at the UK Parliament, BBC, Home Office, British Council, Deloitte, and international NGOs.

• Work placements and study abroad options, opening doors to internships and professional experience in over 50 countries.

Choosing Leeds also gives you long-term credibility—the University’s reputation, world-class libraries, and unique archives like the Liddle Collection and Leeds Russian Archive give your degree real weight with employers and academic institutions worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to take your studies further, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. Many graduates progress to Master’s programs in International Relations, Global History, Diplomacy, or Public Policy. Others move on to PhD research, while some use this degree as a foundation for professional pathways such as law, teaching, or journalism.