Military and International History with Placement Year

Military and international history is a discipline that examines the role of armed conflict, strategy, intelligence, and defence in shaping the course of human events, but it does so within the broader context of international relations, diplomacy, and the social, economic, and political forces that determine when and how states resort to force and what the consequences are. It is not simply a chronicle of battles; it is the study of how power has been exercised and contested between states and peoples, and why some conflicts become turning points in world history while others remain obscure.

At Brunel University London, this four-year full-time programme with a placement year engages you with the key events, defence challenges, security questions, and strategic issues that have defined the modern world and continue to shape international affairs today. Far from being merely knowledge of the past, the programme builds directly relevant analytical skills: understanding defence, security, intelligence, and strategy is not only intellectually insightful but highly valued by employers in these fields and in many others. You will study military campaigns, intelligence operations, international crises, arms races, the laws of war, and the institutional and strategic frameworks within which states manage conflict and cooperation.

The placement year gives you direct professional experience in relevant settings before graduation.

With a typical entry tariff of 104 UCAS points, this degree attracts students with strong analytical interest in history, international relations, and global affairs. Graduates move into careers in the civil service, defence, intelligence agencies, the armed forces, international organisations, think tanks, journalism, policy research, and security consulting. The analytical, research, and communication skills the degree develops are valued across many professional contexts that require the ability to assess complex situations and communicate clearly about them.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in international relations, strategic studies, intelligence, or history.