Teaching & Modules
Teaching methods - what to expect
You will have regular and varied contact with staff and other students in lectures, seminars and supervisions. You will also produce an extensive amount of written work and engage in independent study. Most teaching takes place in seminars, which usually have between 15 and 25 participants and are a forum for debate in which students have the opportunity to refine their discussion and presentation skills.
From the beginning of the degree, you will analyse primary sources as well as the writings of historians and international relations experts. We ensure you are exposed to many different approaches to these subjects, and encourage a comparative approach, looking at the connections and contrasts between various times and places throughout the degree. In your final year, you will conduct supervised historical research resulting in a 10,000-word dissertation in history.
Assessed internship placements are not included as part of this course. However, King’s Careers & Employability can help you to find a range of different work experience options, including internships, placements and shadowing opportunities.
|
Course stage |
Percentage of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities |
Percentage of time in guided independent study |
Percentage of time on placements |
|
Year 1 |
11% |
89% |
- |
|
Year 2 |
13% |
87% |
- |
|
Year 3 |
10% |
90% |
- |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/practical examinations
- Presentations
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework, presentations, and examinations.
Modules
Year
Required Modules
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits. In your first year you will take two required International Relations modules, totalling 60 credits; and one required History-based module, in addition to a further 30 credits in Medieval, Early Modern, or Modern history.
We review required and optional modules on a regular basis. Please check for updates or contact the Department of History and/or the Department of War Studies for further advice.
History
You are required to take the following History modules:
- Historical Skills, Sources & Approaches (30 credits)
International Relations
You are required to take the following International Relations modules:
- International Relations Theory (30 credits)
- History of the International System (30 credits)
Optional Modules
History
You are also required to take 30 credits of modules from a range of options, which may typically include:
- Medieval Worlds: Connection, Comparison and Transformation (300-1500 AD) (30 credits)
- Early Modern World (30 credits)
- Making the Modern World, 1780-1900 (15 credits)
- Making the Modern World, 1900-present (15 credits)
International Relations
There are no optional modules for International Relations in Year 1.
Key Information
Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-Levels:
AAA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Application deadline:
10 September 2025