BA International Relations and Military History (with integrated year studying abroad)

Why study

International Relations and Military History at Aberystwyth University? This single honours degree scheme offers students excellent teaching across a wide range of modules (around 20 to choose from in years 2 & 3), an intellectually stimulating but friendly environment with a strong sense of community. You'll study the development of warfare since the time of Napoleon, examining how and why the character of war has changed.

You can explore how technology has shaped combat, from the age of steam through to nuclear weapons, drones, and cyberwarfare. You'll also learn about the key ideas that shape our understanding of the nature and conduct of war: the principles of military engagement, the role of battle, the importance of leadership and intelligence, and the power of industry. At Aberystwyth, we take an international approach which embeds your knowledge of military matters within the wider context of world politics, and you can study regions such as the Middle East, Russia and the Americas, as well as Europe.

Military History and IR students are often at the heart of student life in Interpol at Aber (as it’s affectionately known) and some join our local Officer Training Corps. As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after university, like writing policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. In addition, we offer a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh.

Our graduates go into a wide range of career pathways, from diplomacy to journalism, civil service or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, defence as well as other graduate pathways into business, industry, education and the public sector. Opportunities - IR and Military History students at Aberystwyth can: Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP in Westminster) or an MS in Cardiff. Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

A highlight of the course. Get involved and feel part of our departmental community through activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal Interstate, Student Diversity Group and our popular social events. Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.