International History and Politics, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

Introductory modules in international history and politics will give you a firm foundation during your first year, as we help you adjust to university study. You'll also be free to choose from a variety of discovery modules within and outside the School to start building a broader knowledge base.

In Year 2 you'll build on this understanding by choosing from a range of optional modules to suit your specific interests, whether they focus on imperial Germany, the Cold War or the Arab-Israeli conflict. You'll also practise your research skills in a long essay on a topic of your choice in international history and politics.

All of this will help to prepare you for your final year, when you'll continue to choose from optional modules spanning topics such as genocide, refugee crises and European security. You'll also apply what you've learned and focus heavily on as special subject such as Nazi Germany, transnational war volunteers or the British secret services, while researching a topic of your choice for your dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA including History if taken, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A degree as wide-ranging and demanding as International History and Politics will equip you with a combination of specialist subject knowledge and valuable skills to build a career in many different sectors.

    You'll be able to think critically about information from a range of sources to form your own conclusions. You'll also be able to present them clearly, either verbally or in writing. As a motivated, independent learner, you'll have organisational, time management and research skills that will really appeal to employers.

    Recent graduates have gone on to work in careers as diverse as diplomacy, international finance and investment, journalism, the civil service, law, education and even the Armed Forces.

    Read more about Graduate destinations

    The School of History is committed to helping you reach your goals. Student-run career groups allow you to meet other students with similar plans, while you could also become a peer mentor or apply for one of our paid internships. We offer career-related modules to help you develop your employability or explore your options.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.