Overview:

History and International Relations BA brings together the study of historical change with the analysis of contemporary global affairs. At Lancaster University, students examine how political, social and economic forces have shaped societies and continue to influence international relations, developing the ability to assess complex issues through both historical and global perspectives.

What You'll Learn:

• Key concepts and intellectual foundations of International Relations, including states, sovereignty, power and international order.

• Major historical developments and revolutions, with attention to how political change can transform societies and institutions.

• Historical controversies and the evaluation of competing interpretations of the past.

• Global governance and the role of international institutions in addressing shared international concerns.

• The development of the modern world and the historical forces underlying contemporary global affairs.

• Approaches to thinking globally about issues such as governance, trade, conflict, inequality, climate change and human rights.

• Methods for researching, questioning, presenting and communicating ideas clearly in history and international relations.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to connect historical developments with contemporary international issues and explain how events, institutions and political forces interact across different contexts. They will be able to critically assess historical evidence and competing interpretations, while applying theoretical perspectives to questions in global politics. Students will also develop structured approaches to researching complex subjects, evaluating information and constructing well-supported arguments. The course enables them to communicate their conclusions effectively through written and spoken work, engage thoughtfully with contrasting viewpoints, and approach difficult questions about international affairs with greater analytical confidence.