Undergraduate

Politics and International Studies at Loughborough University is a lively and supportive community in which you will be challenged to review and question not just your knowledge, but how you acquire knowledge.

Committed to providing the best possible student experience, we have established an excellent reputation for student satisfaction and for enabling students to access valuable experiences outside of academia.

As well as furthering your understanding of politics, history and international relations, we will help you to develop the skills and knowledge to build a successful career in a diverse range of professions and industries.

Our students have gone on to work in journalism, business and the media, and for pressure groups, political organisations, charities, NGOs and political institutions in the EU and all around the world. 

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

Top 10 in the UK

for Student Experience in Politics

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

Our courses

History BA (Hons)

This degree spans the period from 1600 to the present, focusing mostly on the modern era. Its subject matter includes Britain and mainland Europe, but extends further afield to North America, the British Empire, Soviet Russia, South Asia, Australia and China.

History and International Relations BA (Hons)

Our History and International Relations degree is split equally between the two subject areas. Its structure provides you with the ability to choose from an extensive range of optional modules tailoring the course to suit your interests and career aspirations.

History and Politics BA (Hons)

The course is split equally between the two subject areas. Its structure provides you with the ability to choose from an extensive range of optional modules tailoring the course to suit your interests and career aspirations.

International Relations BA (Hons)

Our International Relations degree will develop your understanding surrounding the conflicts between states and their ability - or inability - to co-operate. If you are interested in going beyond the headlines on international affairs, this is the course for you.

Liberal Arts BA (Hons)

This uniquely interdisciplinary programme cuts across subject areas for an exploration of what it means to be human in a modern world. It equips you with general knowledge about the social and cultural conditions, past and present, that make us who we are.

Politics BA (Hons)

Political change and political argument are at the centre of our rapidly changing world. Our BA Politics degree focuses on the key issues and ideas which drive these often controversial developments.

Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

Our degree offers a fantastic opportunity to study domestic, international and global challenges that states and citizens face in the 21st Century, and to contribute to debates about the theory and practice of politics in the contemporary era.

Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA (Hons)

Drawing on the insights of the key fields of study, this course provides students with the skills necessary to understand complex problems, evaluate available solutions, and advance their ideas persuasively through robust argumentation.

Politics with Economics BA (Hons)

Our degree will provide you with an opportunity to pursue your interest in domestic and international politics, and tackle some of the big questions in modern politics, while developing a rich grasp of major debates that have shaped the economics.

Our foundation courses

International Relations with a Foundation Year

Primarily for candidates who have not studied the pre-requisite subjects needed for first year entry, not met their expected entrance requirements due to adverse situations, a mature student returning to education or a care leaver.

IR with an International Foundation Year

Designed for high-calibre international students who have not studied the pre-requisite subjects needed for first year entry or those that have successfully completed 12 years of school education, and need an extra year of study.

Programme brochures

Undergraduate course brochure

Student research blog

Read about our innovative student research.

Meet our students

Hear from our current students about their experiences on their courses.

Further information

Placements Study exchange Employability Student work