International Relations and Military History

This single honours degree scheme offers students excellent teaching across a wide range of modules (around twenty to choose from in years 2 & 3), an intellectually stimulating but friendly environment and a real sense of community. You will study the development of warfare since the time of Napoleon, examining how and why the character of war has changed. You can explore how technology has shaped combat, from the age of steam through to nuclear weapons, drones, and cyberwarfare. You will also learn about the key ideas that shape our understanding of the nature and conduct of war: the principles of military engagement, the role of battle, the importance of leadership and intelligence, and the power of industry. At Aberystwyth, we take an international approach which embeds your knowledge of military matters within the wider context of world politics, and you can study regions such as the Middle East, Russia and the Americas, as well as Europe. 

Military History and IR students are often at the heart of student life in Interpol at Aber (as it’s affectionately known) and some join our local Officer Training Corps. As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after University, like writing policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. Our graduates go into a wide range of careers, such as diplomacy, journalism, teaching and work for international organisations like the UN, as well as other graduate pathways into business, industry and the public sector.

Opportunities – Politics and IR students at Aberystwyth can:

• Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ – a 3-day role playing exercise in political and diplomatic manoeuvres and a highlight of the course.
• Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: an opportunity for second years to spend a six-week internship working alongside an MP in Westminster or an MS in Cardiff.
• Get involved in Department activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal Interstate and our popular pizza & quiz nights. 

Our Staff

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

• effective problem solving and creative thinking skills
• information technology skills
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• time-management, organisational skills
• communication skills both written and oral
• self-motivation and self-reliance.

What opportunities are there for me after I complete my degree?

Our graduates are working in the following areas:

• the development sector
• local and national politics
• the Civil Service
• Government research
• social research
• the third sector such as NGOs
• international organisations
• journalism.

What opportunities are there for me whilst studying at University?

Employability is embedded across our teaching. We teach our students to aim for the career they want, not the job that they can get.

• 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 are also 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.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying?

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department.

I love that I get to explore subjects that are of personal interest to me. The reading can at times be in abundance, but it is always interesting to get new perspectives on things I thought that I already knew. The seminars are good too - discussing the topics and finding out what my fellow classmates have interpreted about the subject-matter really helps me to develop my own answers and understanding, which then enables me get better scores when it comes to essay and exam time!

Adam Curtis