International Relations, Politics and History

Migration, populism, war and peace-building and international history are some of the topics we study to understand our world and how it is challenged by factors such as climate change, urbanisation and technological innovation. Part of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

3rd in the UK for Student Experience in History

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

Top 5 in the UK for Research Intensity in Politics

Complete University Guide 2022

Top 5 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in History

Complete University Guide 2022

Undergraduate

Master's degrees

Research degrees

"I was interested in the field of security, and this course provided me with the teaching and skills that helped me achieve my ambition of working in that field. I will soon be starting a role within the Tactical Partnerships Team for the National Crime Agency within their National Cyber Crime Unit. My role will involve helping enhance the NCCU's tactical engagement with the private sector to enable external partners to directly contribute the NCCU's objective to disrupt serious and organised crime."

Tasha Allin, MA Security Dissertation topic: 'The securitisation of Islam in EU Counter-terrorism policy documents after 9/11.'
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Research

From war and terrorism, protest politics, human rights, and contemporary challenges to democracy, to migration, international security, populism, and anarchism, our research covers the breadth of political theory and practice.

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News and events View all

International Relations, Politics and History achieves success in Research Excellence Framework 2021

International Relations, Politics and History have achieved excellent results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 with 100% of our Politics and International Studies research impact assessed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Ukraine war: Sweden and Finland eye the Nato option, but it’s a security dilemma for the west

The Kremlin has issued an ominous warning to Nato about the consequences for the Baltic if it allows Sweden and Finland to join the alliance, as has been widely reported.

Dignity, Strategy, Regret – Putin's actions explained

Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an attempt to regain dignity and stave off the threat he sees moving in from the West, according to international relations expert Dr Afzal Ashraf.

Staff

Our academic staff are all internationally recognised in their field of expertise. We are also home to a dynamic community of research fellows and research students and support staff providing outstanding services for teaching and research.

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