Course overview

The BSc (Hons) History and International Relations programme is an excellent choice for those looking to broaden their horizons and make the most of their potential. It perfectly balances contemporary history with international relations to introduce you to topics such as nationalism, state-building and inter-state relations.

You will delve into topics such as the history of war and peace along with religious and ethnic conflict. The programme offers plenty of opportunity to gain practical experience through field trips and the integrated placement year. You will dig through local archives to practice first-hand research to provide you with a flying start to your career.

“My course was amazing. I learnt a lot of skills ranging from research to analytical skills. I made great friends who supported me throughout my time at Aston, and the lectures also provided me with great help and support. I was excited to graduate as I had learnt so much and was ready to apply what I had learnt to the real world!”

Aiyesha Swarnn

BSc (Hons) History and International Relations

Co-editor, Journal of Intersectional Social Justice

Why History and International Relations at Aston University?

Experiential learning

Experience learning by doing with innovative modules like the award-winning EuroSim module

Highly ranked

Aston University ranked 15th overall in the UK for International Relations (Guardian, 2026)

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £37,600 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)

Highly ranked

Ranked 4th in the UK for ‘student experience’ (History; Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026)

Global history in the heart of Birmingham

Hear all about our undergraduate history programmes at Aston University from Dr Brian Sudlow, Professor Stefan Manz, and history student Hinna Awan.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Gain insights into global politics

Hear from Dr Balazs Szent-Ivanyi as he discusses the key benefits of studying politics and/or international relations at Aston University.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) History and International Relations

Our BSc (Hons) History and International Relations degree will equip you the fundamental knowledge and transferable skills needed to excel in a wide range of careers.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will be taught by experienced historians and will benefit from research-led teaching. We will provide a teaching environment which enables open discussions and collaborative learning to develop and solidify your theoretical knowledge and practical analysis.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself. You must have drive and be willing to grow as an independent learner to take advantage of our resources and truly accelerate your potential.

What skills we teach
Through a range of teaching methods, you will develop and perfect core skills such as your critical thinking and teamwork. You will become a great communicator and learn how to present your ideas effectively. Throughout your degree you will be encouraged to find your own voice as a researcher and writer of history – expertise which will prepare you for your final year and thereafter.

Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) History and International Relations students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

Career prospects
As an Aston University History and International Relations graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: IBM, Interserve, Capgemini, Virgin Active and the BBC.

How you will learn

At Aston University, you will learn history and international relations through immersive experiences, not just textbooks. You will engage in lively discussions, analyse primary sources and explore diverse viewpoints. Study trips, digital tools and hands-on projects will bring history to life. Our interactive approach fosters deep understanding and critical thinking, making learning an exciting journey.

You will be involved in lectures, tutorials, seminars, e-seminars, small group work, project work and independent study. Many of your modules will be in a workshop format, alternating theoretical input with practical analysis and allowing you to test out your understanding in discussion with other students and your tutor. There are also opportunities for group and collaborative work.

Applied modules and the integrated placement year will provide hands-on experience and enable you to explore everyday issues, preparing you to tackle the complexities of a rapidly changing world. At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry and individuals, our course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts surrounding history and international relations and an ability to critically analyse these, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of history and international relations that interest you.

First year

In your first year, you will gain a solid foundation in the concepts of history and international relations. Working with real-world material and case studies, you will explore and adopt different theoretical and methodological approaches to your studies. You will develop a thorough understanding of ways to think about the past and its dynamic connections to contemporary global challenges, drawing on insights from history, politics, culture, and society.

Second year

In second year, you will delve further into the theories of international relations and explore the methods and practices needed for researching and communicating the past in the digital age. You will be able choose optional modules covering critical historical events including slavery and emancipation along with global politics from Europe to the Middle East.

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Final year

In your final year, you will take our flagship module History Workshop, learning about public exhibitions, history-based VR experiences, and digital stories, and select from a range of international relations options. You will complete a research dissertation on a historical or international relations topic of your choice to showcase your ability to conduct independent research with clear consideration for ethics, theory, and methods.

Bart Stawera history and international relations student

My placement year at City Year UK

Bart Stawera spoke to us and reflected on his placement experience and his journey after graduating.

Discover Bart's journey

Course objectives

Enhances your resilience in a continuously changing world of work through a deep understanding of historical and contemporary development, and the role of human, political, social, cultural and economic factors therein.
Gives you an understanding of the theories, values, structures, relationships and decision-making procedures of government and society at regional, national and international or global level.
Develops your problem-solving skills by highlighting crucial junctures in history and international relations and the way humans have confronted different crises.
Develops your intellectual and cognitive skills by enabling you to engage with, reflect on and effectively handle the ambivalences, contradictions and complexities of modern historical and political developments across different global regions.
Develops your critical and research skills by enabling you to find, assess, contextualise and critically engage with various types of primary source materials, using methods of data analysis, processing and interpretation, including digital approaches.
Enables you to develop and carry out independent research projects and to find your own voice as researchers, writers and presenters of history and international relations.
Enables you to apply and transform your knowledge of history and international relations into different formats and platforms, with an emphasis on digital skills and authentic assessment (e.g. producing virtual exhibitions, policy briefs, websites, apps and podcasts).

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Learning and Working in a Digital World	15
Ideas that Shape Society	15
Rewriting History: Narrative Genres and Techniques	15
Understanding International Relations	15
Investigating Society and Culture	15
The Making of the Modern World	15
What's Trending? Debating the Challenges of Our Time	15
Making Sense of Politics	15
Total	120

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Case Studies in Global History	30
Making Histories: Methods, Theories, Controversies	15
Theories and Issues in International Relations	15
Global Security Studies	15
Total	75

In term 1 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
International Climate Politics	15
International Political Economy	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Humanitarian Action and Foreign Intervention, 1915-Today	15
The Atlantic World: Slavery and Emancipation	15

You will also choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
East Asian Politics and Society	15
European Politics and Society	15
North American Politics and Society	15
Politics and Society of the Middle East	15
South Asian Politics and Society	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Final year modules

In your final year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Research Dissertation OR Research Skills and International Relations Dissertation	30
History Workshop	30
Total	60

If Research Skills and International Relations Dissertation is selected, you will choose two History optional modules and two International Relations optional modules. If Research Dissertation is selected, you will choose four International Relations/Politics optional modules, of which at least three of these must be from International Relations.

History

Module Title	Credits
Emotions, International Politics, and Culture, from the 19th Century to the Present	15
Reinventing the World: Industrial and Technological Transitions	15
Teaching History in the 21st Century	15
The History of Internationalism: From Karl Marx to Greta Thunberg	15
The History and Politics of Decolonisation	15
Twin Periods? The Interwar Years and post-1989 History	15

International Relations

Module Title	Credits
EuroSim: Learning Negotiation Through Simulation Games	15
Technology and Digital Politics	15
Understanding Foreign Policy	15
African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day	15
Politics of Development	15
Writing and Reporting of Conflict and Violence	15

Politics

Module Title	Credits
Debates in Contemporary British Politics	15
Political Actors: From Ideas to Influence	15
Politics and Islam: Past and Present	15
Gender and Politics	15
Sport and Politics	15
The American Presidency	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBC (standard offer)
BCC (with EPQ minimum grade B)
BCC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (standard offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,4 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 15 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

GCSE Maths – grade C/4

GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

First year tuition fee:	£10,050*
During placement year:	£1,250*

International students
(2026/27)

First year tuition fee:	£22,575**
During placement year:	£2,500**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments. In addition, you will also be assessed on your portfolio that will be produced as part of your placement experience. You will reflect on your experience and evidence your analysis of a situation identified within the placement organisation which draws on learning from your previous studies.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) History and International Relations programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £37,600 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025).

The transferable skills that our history and international relations programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

Academic librarian
Archivist
Broadcast journalist
Conservation officer
Editorial assistant
Civil service administrator
Human resources manager
Museum education officer
Policy officer
Solicitor
Teacher

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as IBM, Interserve, Capgemini, Virgin Active and the BBC.

Dreams do come true

Maggie Krasteva had always dreamt of working in New York City. Aston University supported her to achieve this ambition.

Discover Maggie's journey

Our students achieve some amazing things during their time with us and after they graduate - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study history?

Why study history? Isn’t it a bit narrow? Dr Brian Sudlow, a history lecturer at Aston University, explains the benefits of studying history.

Read more

Why study politics or international relations?

Why study politics and international relations? Dr Laura Southgate, a lecturer at Aston University, explains the benefits of studying this discipline.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham