History and International Relations

History and international relations offer complementary lenses on the world as it currently exists. Without history, international relations risks treating the current international order as natural or inevitable, missing the contingent choices, conflicts and accidents that produced it. Without international relations theory, history can struggle to move beyond description to analysis of why events unfolded as they did and what patterns connect them across time and place.

Studied together, they provide both the narrative depth and the analytical framework needed to engage seriously with global affairs.

At Brunel University London you will explore how historical events and processes have shaped the contemporary international system, tracing the development of modern state structures, international institutions, alliances and conflicts. You will engage with the theoretical traditions of international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical approaches, alongside historical methodology and primary source analysis. The programme runs full time over three years, covering both the depth of historical understanding and the analytical sophistication needed to think carefully about contemporary global politics.

You will develop skills in historical research and primary source analysis, political theory, comparative argument, extended academic writing and the critical evaluation of competing interpretations. These are transferable intellectual skills that employers across many sectors recognise and value.

Graduates from history and international relations programmes pursue careers in the civil service, the diplomatic service, international development, journalism, politics, think tanks, the charity sector, law and education. The ability to situate contemporary events in their historical context and to analyse political dynamics with theoretical rigour is valued by employers across public, private and voluntary sectors. Postgraduate study in history, international relations, security studies, law or public policy is also a well-established route for graduates seeking specialist or research-oriented careers.