History and International Relations

History and International Relations is a combination for students who want to understand the contemporary world through the depth of historical perspective and the analytical tools of political science. History gives you the contextual knowledge to understand why the current international order looks the way it does, how states have interacted in the past, and how the consequences of historical decisions continue to shape present realities. International Relations gives you the theoretical frameworks to analyse how states, international organisations, and other actors behave, what drives conflict and cooperation, and how global problems from climate change to migration are governed.

At the University of Sussex, this three-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and a work placement, making it one of the most experience-rich programmes of its kind. The foundation year supports entry for students whose prior qualifications or academic preparation benefit from this additional year of development. You will then study history and international relations in a balanced way, developing skills in research, source analysis, and argument alongside the theoretical and empirical knowledge of both disciplines.

The placement year and work placement give you professional experience in roles relevant to international affairs, policy, or historical research, and the year abroad broadens your perspective by placing you in a different political and academic context.

Graduates are well placed for careers in the foreign service, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, policy research, law, the civil service, and advocacy. Many pursue postgraduate study in history, international relations, law, or area studies. The combination of historical depth and international analytical perspective is valued wherever organisations need people who can think beyond the immediate moment and understand global context.