BSc Econ International Politics & Military History

Military history is about how wars are fought and thought about. It is the study of military conflict and the strategies behind wars. It is about how war has evolved from the time of Napoleon, reflecting changes in society and technology: how we have moved from nations in arms through the age of total war to wars of choice; and how technology has changed war, from steam through nuclear power to computers and nano-technology. It is also about how war has been studied and ideas about the nature and conduct of war: the principles of war, the role of battle, the importance of leadership and the power of industry. The focus is on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries placed in the context of the international political world.

Degree Structure

Year One

During their first year (known as ‘Part One') students are introduced to the study of International Politics and to some of the major areas of the discipline. The Department offers six modules for first year undergraduates.

Single Honours students are encouraged to take all six of these modules, but it is possible to take some modules from other Departments if you prefer.

Years Two and Three (Part 2)

During their either their second or third year students are required to take the core module for their degree scheme.

In their final year students are required to complete a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic related to their chosen degree scheme.

n addition to these core elements, Single Honours students take up to nine optional modules from the Department of International Politics over years two and three. The range of options on offer changes from year to year.