Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) History and International Relations with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BA (Hons) History and International Relations with Study Abroad	Programme code	UFA4HPSHPSCF
Study mode(s)	Part Time Full Time	Academic year	2025/6
Campus(es)	Cornwall Campus	NQF Level of the Final Award	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The globalising world in which we live presents us with a multitude of opportunities and challenges. Urgent issues such as conflict, development, marginalised communities, poverty and the environment require creative solutions. In this dynamic programme you will explore, understand and engage critically with contemporary socio-political problems through an examination of the past, present and future.

History and International Relations at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus is a unique, integrated degree programme that genuinely combines the research expertise of staff in both disciplines. This programme is committed to using both historical practice and political analysis to gain multiple perspectives on contemporary problems. We offer a diverse range of modules from the Early Modern period to the present day. Module choices include the politics of war and counterinsurgency; British imperialism in the Middle East; race relations in North America; Israel and Palestine; propaganda; foreign policy; protest and NGOs; environmental change; gender; science and technology; security and intelligence; critical military studies; comparative electoral politics; media; political psychology; political theory; and the politics of the European Union.

This programme will equip you with graduate skills sought after by the most competitive employers in the public and private sectors. Our degree in History and International Relations is particularly relevant for those interested in a career in diplomacy, NGOs, law and advocacy, teaching, journalism, the Civil Service and international development.

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.

Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme aims to:

Offer an excellent Honours-level education in History and International Relations that explores the interface between the disciplines.
Introduce you to a wide range of historical and political problems and the main analytical and critical approaches of the two disciplines
Produce graduates who can engage imaginatively in the process of understanding and analysing complex and sophisticated problems in the two disciplines by critical approaches that blend detailed and broad levels of analysis.
Develop your independent critical thinking and judgement.

The Study Abroad option will provide you with the opportunity to study some aspects of English in a university abroad and to give you an insight into the culture of the host country.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass-cornwall

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. You can weight your modules primarily in one discipline in stage 2 but if you choose to do more History than International Relations at stage 2 you must do the reverse in the final stage (and vice versa) so that across your degree you will have an equal number of credits from History and International Relations.

You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

Stage 1

75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of History optional modules and 15 credits of Politics and International Relations optional modules)

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HIC1602	Crafts of Research and Writing	15	No
HIC1604	New Approaches to History	15	No
POC1021	Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations	15	No
POC1033	Political Communication	30	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
History & IR Stage 1 History Option modules 2025-6
HIC1007	People's History: Sources and Skills	15	No
HIC1010	Foundations of Environmental Humanities	15	No
HIC1605	European History: Politics and Society	15	No
HIC1610	An Introduction to Histories of Science and the Environment	15	No
HIC1611	Global History: Twentieth Century Transformations	15	No
HUM1005	Climate Emergency - An Introduction to Environmental Humanities	15	No
History & IR Stage 1 Politics Option modules 2025-6
POC1003	British Government and Politics	15	No
POC1014	The Public Policy Process	15	No
POC1022	Violence in World Politics	15	No
POC1026	Power, Inequality and Global Justice	15	No
POC1028	Modern Political Theory	15	No
POC1029	Work Placement	15	No

Stage 2

30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

You will select either Pathway A or B.

a - Under Pathway A, you will take the 30-credit compulsory module HIC2039 The Practice of History.

b - Under Pathway B, you will take the 15-credit compulsory modules POC2124 Political Analysis and POC2087 Security Studies.

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HIC2039	The Practice of History [See note a above]	30	No
POC2124	Political Analysis [See note b above]	15	No
POC2087	Security Studies [See note b above]	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HIC Stage 2 History Option Modules 2025-6
HIC2007	Apocalyptic Narratives: Disaster Writing	15	No
HIC2009	Ecology and Empire	15	No
HIC2028	Art and Archaeology in Post-Colonial Nations	15	No
HIC2029	Histories of Everyday Life in Modern Cornwall	15	No
HIC2038	Caribbean Histories: Colonialism, Resistance and Environmental Crisis	15	No
HIC2324	Organised Crime in USA	15	No
HUC2001	Humanities in the Workplace (Penryn)	15	No
HUC2013	Enlightenment and the Age of Reason: Philosophy, Politics, Society	15	No
HUC2015	Revolution and Abolition: History and Legacies of the Atlantic Slave Trade	15	No
HAP2001	Elements of Environmental Humanities	30	No
HIC2338	Germany 1500-Present: Cultural and Political Histories	15	No
HIC2040	Stolen Histories: Colonialism, Looting, and the Illicit Trade of Cultural Heritage	15	No
History & IR Stage 2 Politics Option modules 2025-6
POC2018	National and Community Identity	15	No
POC2047	Work Placement	15	No
POC2098	Comparative Politics	15	No
POC2103	Introduction to Postcolonialism	15	No
POC2108	Political Geographies: Local to Global	15	No
POC2114	Green Politics in Theory and Practice	15	No
POC2120	Power and Democracy	15	No
POC2123	Politics of the Middle East	15	No
POC2130	Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course	15	No
POC2131	Political Economy	15	No
POC2151	Parliamentary Studies	15	No
POC2085	Imagining the Good Life: From Agora to the American Dream	15	No
POC2087	Security Studies	15	No
POC2124	Political Analysis	15	No
POC2133	Politics of Gender, Sex and Sexuality	15	No
POC2150	The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment	15	No

Stage 3

120 credit compulsory placement module

For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules with the Faculty Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/exchange/where and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HAS3999	Study Abroad (HASS)	120	Yes

Stage 4

30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules that closely match staff research projects

You can weight your modules primarily in one discipline at stage 2 but if you choose to do more History than International Relations at stage 2 you must do the reverse in the final stage (and vice versa) so that across your degree you will have an equal number of credits from History and International Relations.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HAP3000	Dissertation	30	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HIC Final Stage History Option Modules 2025-6
HIC3004	Hippies: The US Counterculture of the 1960s	30	No
HUC3016	Irish Stories: History, Politics, Literature and Heritage	30	No
HUC3045	Myth in the Modern World: From the Classics to Conspiracies	30	No
HUC3048	Writing Nature	30	No
HIC3006	Indigenous Heritage and Belief	30	No
HIC3010	Pacific Histories: Environment, People and Politics	30	No
HIC3310	Regionalism, Localism and Ideas of Home in Modern European History	30	No
HIC3043	Boffins: Scientists, War, Politics and Culture in the Twentieth Century	30	No
HAP3002	Mapping and the Environmental Imagination	15	No
HAP3001	Environmental Humanities: Futures	15	No
POC Final Stage Politics Option Modules 2025-6
POC3094	Global Policy Challenges	15	No
POC3095	Environmental Knowledge Controversies	15	No
POC3103	The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse?	15	No
POC3105	Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India	15	No
POC3120	Political Thinkers of the Early Twentieth Century	15	No
POC3130	Controversies in American Politics	15	No
POC3141	Displacement and Migration in the Middle East	15	No
POC3146	Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain	15	No
POC3151	Parliamentary Studies	15	No
POC3153	Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity	15	No
POC3154	Environment and Conflict in the Middle East	15	No
POC3137	The Politics of Knowledge and Ignorance	15	No
POC3138	Field Trip	15	No
POC3142	Social and Islamist Armed Movements	15	No
POC3143	Global Sustainability Challenges	15	No
POC3144	Gender and Politics in Africa	15	No
POC3157	The Endless War on Terror	15	No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. Describe core subject areas in History and International Relations, and demonstrate a specialised knowledge in certain areas. 2. Understand a range of political theories, their significance and the major critical positions adopted towards them. 3. Describe the variety of approaches taken to historical and social science research, evaluate the professionalism and scholarly value of historical texts, and evaluate the reasons for changes in historiographical approaches. 4. Use different types of historical and social science sources; evaluate different and complex types of historical and social science sources; use primary sources in a professional manner. 5. Appreciate the different approaches to evidence and argument in the two disciplines and be aware of the potential of interdisciplinary work. 6. Define a suitable interdisciplinary research topic and pursue it to completion.	ILOs 1-4 are developed in stages 1 and 2 of the programme through lectures and tutorials. Specialisation is developed in the final stage in small-group teaching. ILOs 5-6 are developed in project work and the Interdisciplinary Dissertation respectively. In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university.	ILOs 1-4 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment essays, oral presentations and group project work. ILO 5 is assessed by project work. ILO 6 is assessed by the dissertation. In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...

...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):

...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Describe core subject areas in History and International Relations, and demonstrate a specialised knowledge in certain areas.
2. Understand a range of political theories, their significance and the major critical positions adopted towards them.
3. Describe the variety of approaches taken to historical and social science research, evaluate the professionalism and scholarly value of historical texts, and evaluate the reasons for changes in historiographical approaches.
4. Use different types of historical and social science sources; evaluate different and complex types of historical and social science sources; use primary sources in a professional manner.
5. Appreciate the different approaches to evidence and argument in the two disciplines and be aware of the potential of interdisciplinary work.
6. Define a suitable interdisciplinary research topic and pursue it to completion.

ILOs 1-4 are developed in stages 1 and 2 of the programme through lectures and tutorials. Specialisation is developed in the final stage in small-group teaching.

ILOs 5-6 are developed in project work and the Interdisciplinary Dissertation respectively.

In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university.

ILOs 1-4 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment essays, oral presentations and group project work.

ILO 5 is assessed by project work.

ILO 6 is assessed by the dissertation.

In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
7. Answer questions concisely and persuasively both orally and in writing. 8. Evaluate critically theoretical models and competing views. 9. Summarise the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research. 10. Comprehend complex terminology and discourses, and deploy such terminology in a comprehensible manner. 11. Plan, execute and present an extended piece of original research.	ILOs 7-8 form the backbone of all modules taken at all stages, but the level of complexity develops according to stage. ILOs 9-10 are developed throughout the programme in lectures, seminars and continuous assessment. You are encouraged to use the stage 2 project work as a way of addressing ILO 11 and concentrate on doing so in the final stage Dissertation. In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university.	These skills are assessed through a combination of term-time essays and other assignments, oral presentations, project and dissertation work, and examinations. The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined. In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...

...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):

...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

7. Answer questions concisely and persuasively both orally and in writing.
8. Evaluate critically theoretical models and competing views.
9. Summarise the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
10. Comprehend complex terminology and discourses, and deploy such terminology in a comprehensible manner.
11. Plan, execute and present an extended piece of original research.

ILOs 7-8 form the backbone of all modules taken at all stages, but the level of complexity develops according to stage.

ILOs 9-10 are developed throughout the programme in lectures, seminars and continuous assessment.

You are encouraged to use the stage 2 project work as a way of addressing ILO 11 and concentrate on doing so in the final stage Dissertation.

In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university.

These skills are assessed through a combination of term-time essays and other assignments, oral presentations, project and dissertation work, and examinations. The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined.

In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
12. Think critically, creatively and independently. 13. Identify and solve complex problems with confidence and flexibility. 14. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools proficiently; access information from a variety of sources. 15. Interact effectively within a group. 16. Self-manage effectively (autonomy, time management, self-motivation, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism).	ILOs 12-14 are developed through the processes of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills (see A and B above). ILO 15 is developed through group work in specific parts of the syllabus as well as group work in second and final stage optional History and Politics and International Relations modules. ILO 16 is developed by student progression through a learning and teaching programme that is gradually more self-managed, the personal tutor and Personal Development Planning systems. Independent study forms a major part of our learning and teaching programme, most notably in the stage 2 project and the final stage dissertation. In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university.	ILOs 12-14 are assessed primarily through summative and formative essays and other assignments, assessed presentations, project work, the dissertation and examinations. ILO 15 is assessed directly in specific parts of the syllabus as well as in assessed group work/presentations in second and final stage optional History and Politics and International Relations modules. ILOs 15-16 are assessed indirectly throughout the programme, in that where modules require the development of these skills, it would be very difficult to achieve a good mark in the assessments without having developed such skills. In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...

...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):

...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

12. Think critically, creatively and independently.
13. Identify and solve complex problems with confidence and flexibility.
14. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools proficiently; access information from a variety of sources.
15. Interact effectively within a group.
16. Self-manage effectively (autonomy, time management, self-motivation, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism).

ILOs 12-14 are developed through the processes of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills (see A and B above).

ILO 15 is developed through group work in specific parts of the syllabus as well as group work in second and final stage optional History and Politics and International Relations modules.

ILO 16 is developed by student progression through a learning and teaching programme that is gradually more self-managed, the personal tutor and Personal Development Planning systems.

Independent study forms a major part of our learning and teaching programme, most notably in the stage 2 project and the final stage dissertation.

In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university.

ILOs 12-14 are assessed primarily through summative and formative essays and other assignments, assessed presentations, project work, the dissertation and examinations.

ILO 15 is assessed directly in specific parts of the syllabus as well as in assessed group work/presentations in second and final stage optional History and Politics and International Relations modules.

ILOs 15-16 are assessed indirectly throughout the programme, in that where modules require the development of these skills, it would be very difficult to achieve a good mark in the assessments without having developed such skills.

In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university.

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Progression Rules

To progress to Stage 2 you must achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the three-year programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their Year Abroad are selected.

The Year Abroad counts as a single 120 credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BA History and International Relations with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BA History and International Relations. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

You will have an academic personal tutor for your entire programme of study who is available at advertised ‘office and feedback hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate you at the start of your programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

The Faculty complies with the Code of Practice on Study and Work Experience Abroad. The name of the member of staff acting as the programme’s co-ordinator for study abroad is made known to you before you leave Exeter, and this person is responsible for liaison and oversight of your progress during the year abroad. Contact will be maintained with you during your year abroad by regular email communication.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) History and International Relations with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

VLF3

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits	480	ECTS credits	240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] History

23. Dates

Origin Date	12/05/2016	Date of last revision	31/08/2022

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) History and International Relations with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 3

Compulsory Modules

Stage 4

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge