The Department of International Studies recognises the connection between the academic discipline of Politics and the cognate discipline of History. This new programme allows students to understand contemporary political systems in Europe, the Americas and East Asia, whilst also understanding the historical roots of the modern international system. Politics, involving the study of Political Science and Political Theory, has been at the heart of Buckingham since the University was founded in 1973. The interdisciplinary subject allows students to evaluate political concepts and theories, as well as understanding ‘otherness’ of people and societies around the world. History programmes at Buckingham focus on international history from roughly 1800 onwards, covering empires, the rise in political polarisation, World Wars and the shaping of our modern political systems, whilst considering the relationship between ideology and the historical process. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge that can be adapted to a wide range of careers. This programme gives students an ideal preparation for careers in diplomacy, international business, journalism, politics and education, as well as the academic grounding to pursue further studies in Global Affairs, History, Politics or International Relations.

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.