History and International Relations BA (Hons)

Our BA History and International Relations meets the rising demand to study the history of the twentieth century alongside international relations. It is a joint degree, offered by our Department of History, Classics and Archaeology and our Department of Politics, so you will be taught by world-class academics across two research-active departments. The course examines the global evolution of international relations, with an emphasis on in-depth historical studies supported by political and sociological analysis.You will take introductory modules in international relations and modern and contemporary history (particularly related to Asia and Africa) in the first part of your degree. You will then take modules that offer both contemporary and historical approaches to Africa, Middle East, Asia (South Asia and East Asia in particular), as well as European countries. These choices are supported by a compulsory advanced module addressing conflict and war through the lens of international relations theory, as well as option modules on foreign policy and historical studies of cases which have been central to the development of international relations such as the Cold War.**Highlights**- The Department of History, Classics and Archaeology was ranked top in the UK for intellectual stimulation in the 2019 National Student Survey and first in London for teaching quality. It is an international centre of excellence. Since 2001 it has consistently been in the top ten departments evaluated by the Research Excellence Framework (REF).- Birkbeck is also a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. The Department of Politics is over 40 years old and has a reputation for the excellence of its teaching and its internationally significant research.- Our academic staff are international authorities in their respective fields, delivering stimulating teaching.- Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects; encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.- We are home to thriving student societies and a number of affiliated research centres that actively run seminars, conferences and other events where some of the world's best scholars present their latest research.