International Relations, Politics and History

Democratic instabilities, political and international violence, and contested histories are some of the topics we study to understand our world and how it is challenged by factors such as climate breakdown, geopolitical insecurities, and technological innovation. Part of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Top 5 in the UK for International Relations

Guardian University Guide 2025

Top 15 in the UK for History

Complete University Guide 2026

Top 10 in the UK for Politics

Guardian University Guide 2025

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

We are renowned for our interdisciplinary and collaborative work on security, peace and political violence, different forms of engaged political theory that focus on pressing political difficulties and our work with policymakers in different countries.

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News and events View all

A group of students standing at the front of a large wood panelled room doing a presentation

International Security Master's students deliver real-world innovation at ‘Hacking for’ Government' showcase

The Department for International Relations, Politics and History recently hosted the final showcase of its 'Hacking for MoD and Government' module, part of the UK’s national Common Mission programme.

Ian Fraser (1962 - 2025)

We are shocked and saddened to share the news of Ian’s death in February 2025. 
A japanese man writing on a whiteboard

Make a new year resolution for 2025: Learn Japanese!

We are offering an in-person Japanese course for beginners, open to anyone aged 18 and over at Loughborough University.

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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