Course summary

Are you interested in looking at international history as much more than a sequence of events? Learn how the past has shaped the present with this exciting programme which explores international history from ancient to contemporary times. Based in the historic and vibrant city of London, you’ll have access to some of the world’s top museums and collections. We offer an exceptionally wide range of international history courses covering different regions, such as modern China, the Caribbean, Russia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, locating them within themes of global significance and complementing our International Relations, Politics, Film and American Studies degree programmes which you can combine with your History major. During the first year our students take World Cultural History, and later Myths and Monsters, to give them a strong grounding in traditional historical themes and concepts. As students progress onto the second year we ensure they can take modules of interest to them. We specialise in thematic social and cultural history courses, such as LGBT, propaganda, fashion, film, migration, black London, race and empire and witchcraft, rather than just traditional chronological and periodic history courses. We also focus on political power dynamics with courses such as “Comparative Monarchies: Games of Thrones”, “The Rise of the Right: a History of Fascism”, the Vikings, Race and Empire, “Islam and the West” and US Presidents. At Richmond we encourage debate and discussion of past events and historical controversies, getting students to consider themes such as bias and to question the ‘grand narrative’ that so often ‘belongs to the victor’. Students not only ‘read’ history but they also get to apply what they have learned in a practical sense by conducting their own historical research projects, analysing primary sources, archival data and material objects, and collaborating with our external partners in museums, embassies, and the media in an array of exciting credited internship opportunities. By taking this holistic approach, students develop a range of skills that are readily transferable to an array of postgraduate disciplines as well as to many occupations and careers. Our internationally renowned professors are enthusiastic, approachable and use a variety of innovative teaching styles and materials, ranging from grime videos and historic walks to an analysis of the Cold War through James Bond films. There are also many opportunities to share your love of history with fellow students in our HIRPES (History, International Relations, Politics Education Society) history group. Additionally you can take a semester or a year to study abroad to study history at one of our international partnership universities all over the world. You will not pay more in terms of tuition and you don’t need to add extra time to your degree. Top reasons to study this programme:

• Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts - https://www.richmond.ac.uk/about-richmond/the-liberal-arts/

• London provides the perfect backdrop to study International History – with world-leading museums and collections on the doorstep

• Interdisciplinary programme combining areas of study from the Humanities and other fields ensures breadth of approach with lots of study abroad opportunities all over the world

• Opportunity to learn from enthusiastic professors who are passionate about teaching their subject, active in research, and available to meet students for one-to-one tutoring

• A practical application of the subject through historical research projects and work experience in credited internship schemes with high profile external partners

• Participate in exciting educational trips both in London, around the UK, and internationally