BA (Hons) International Relations and History

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Relations and History program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a vibrant and intellectually engaging learning environment. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in historical concepts and international relations theories in the first year, explore diverse historical periods and key areas of international politics in the second, and culminate in specialized studies at the intersection of history and international relations, along with an interdisciplinary research project in the final year. Students benefit from engaging lectures and seminars in both disciplines, opportunities for historical research and analysis, and lively debates on contemporary international issues informed by historical context. A key element involves fostering a deep understanding of how historical developments shape the current global order and how international political dynamics influence historical trajectories. The program encourages students to develop their analytical skills, research proficiency, and the ability to connect historical understanding with contemporary global challenges.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) International Relations and History program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the core areas of both disciplines. Core modules typically cover British history, European history, international relations theory, global politics, and research methods in both history and political science. As students progress, they often have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as diplomatic history, conflict and security studies, international political economy, the history of globalization, and specific regional studies through elective modules that bridge the two disciplines. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, research methodologies relevant to both the humanities and social sciences, and the ability to synthesize historical and international relations perspectives. Students will engage in historical research using primary and secondary sources, analyze international political events and theories, participate in debates on historical and contemporary global issues, and undertake interdisciplinary projects that require them to integrate knowledge from both fields. The final year often includes advanced seminars on current historical and international relations debates and a significant interdisciplinary research project or dissertation.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) International Relations and History program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries and the wider Faculty of Business and Law. Faculty members in both disciplines are actively engaged in research related to areas such as diplomatic history, the history of international relations, conflict studies, international political economy, and the historical roots of contemporary global challenges. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical advancements, and empirical findings in both history and international relations. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests at the intersection of these fields through assignments and their final year interdisciplinary project, fostering independent learning and critical inquiry.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) International Relations and History program fosters connections with relevant organizations within government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and media outlets. The program may facilitate guest lectures by diplomats, policy analysts, representatives from international bodies, historians specializing in international affairs, and journalists covering global issues. Students may have opportunities for visits to embassies, international organizations, and research institutions. While formal placements may vary, the program emphasizes the development of transferable skills relevant to these sectors, such as communication, critical analysis, research skills, and understanding of international and historical contexts. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and policy challenges to enhance students' understanding of professional practice at the intersection of history and international relations.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) International Relations and History program at Bath Spa University inherently embraces a global perspective by examining historical developments and international political dynamics from around the world. The curriculum includes the study of non-Western history, comparative foreign policy, international law, global governance, and the impact of globalization on both historical trajectories and contemporary international relations. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on history and international politics. Furthermore, the program directly addresses topics such as global conflict, international development, human rights, and the historical evolution of the international system, preparing graduates to understand and engage with complex global issues with both historical depth and political awareness.