War Studies and History

War is one of the most significant and persistent features of human history, and war studies examines it rigorously, asking not only how wars are fought but why they begin, how they end, what they mean to those who experience them, and how they reshape societies and political orders. Combined with history, war studies gains the depth of empirical grounding and long-term perspective that the subject demands: understanding any particular conflict requires understanding the world in which it took place, and history provides the contextual knowledge to situate military and strategic events within their social, cultural, and political environments.

This joint honours degree at York St John University explores how wars have been fought across time and what the wider implications of conflict have been for politics, society, culture, and ethics. You will study war through the varied lenses of history, politics, sociology, and philosophy, examining both specific conflicts and the broader patterns and theories that scholars use to understand warfare as a human phenomenon. A foundation year is included, providing academic preparation before the main degree begins.

The programme also incorporates a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, giving you the chance to develop professionally and gain experience in international or relevant professional contexts alongside your studies. The typical entry tariff is 120 points.

Graduates from war studies and history programmes pursue careers in the civil service, diplomatic service, defence policy, journalism, think tanks, international organisations, heritage and museums, teaching, and the armed forces. The analytical and communication skills the degree develops are valued in any context where understanding complex events and constructing clear, evidence-based arguments matters. Postgraduate study in war studies, strategic studies, history, security studies, or international relations is a natural continuation.