Program Overview

The International Relations and Military History degree in the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University enables you to study warfare as it has developed since the time of Napoleon, reflecting changes in society and technology. You will consider how and why the nature of war has changed, 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.

You will have the opportunity to engage with key debates about the changing character of war and its impact on civilian populations, as well as on the variety of ways that scholars interpret military history. You will analyse militaries and military operations from a variety of perspectives, such as the role of leadership, the significance of strategic thought and the lessons that can be learned from battles and wars. You will also reflect on the relationship of wars and militaries with political institutions, economic issues and ideologies such as nationalism.

Why study International Relations and Military History at Aberystwyth University?

• You will become a student in the world’s first department of international politics, founded in 1919 after the end of World War I to help the world understand the world;
• You will be guided and mentored by lecturers who are enthusiastic and committed to providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment;
• All students will have the opportunity to participate in our renowned ‘Crisis Games’; a three-day role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvre, developing negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills;
• We operate a prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues;
• We also run an International Student Exchange Programme based on close links with carefully selected universities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, offering you an excellent opportunity to expand your academic and social horizons by spending a part of your university experience abroad;
• We are home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball;
• Last, but not least, we also offer a number of degree schemes and modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. See our 'Studying through the medium of Welsh' page for further information.