War. Described by some as “the continuation of politics by other means”. Said by others to be the single most important social activity that humanity has ever undertaken.
It’s fuelled the development of civilisations. Raised and crushed entire societies. And driven humanity’s technological and social development. Here’s where you learn how and why.
Hull has an established reputation in the study of war and security. Our course focuses on the relationship between the theory of warfare and its practical application in the real world.
95% of students
in work or further study 18 months after graduating
HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2026
2nd in Yorkshire
for Assessment and Feedback
National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, HEIs only
The UK's biggest
Westminster placement programme
Study abroad
in Europe, the USA, or Hong Kong
Exclusive seminar series
presented by senior Parliamentary officials
About this course
We focus on the most important events and debates in politics and security. British political history after World War II. The causes of conflict in modern times. Land, air and sea power. Culture wars. Terrorism and cyberwarfare. Brexit, American politics, and foreign policy. And by examining them, you’ll gain critical insights into the domestic and global significance of war, politics and security.
All our 3-year courses give you the option to study abroad for a trimester, whether in Europe, the USA or Hong Kong. And through our unique internship opportunities, you’ll get access to Parliament or another politics-related placement.
Our Westminster placement scheme has been running for over 35 years, and is one of the most extensive of its kind in the UK. You get the chance to work with an MP or peer. Our links with a large pool of MPs mean we can likely match you with a politician whose role reflects your area of interest. While on placement, you'll enjoy access to our exclusive seminar series presented by senior Parliamentary officials including Black Rod and the Speaker.
Don't just learn politics. Live it.
Foundation year
A foundation year at the University of Hull gives you a solid grounding of knowledge and boosts your academic skills, so you can progress on to your chosen programme with confidence.
The foundation course you enrol on may not be an exact match to your chosen degree, but don’t worry. Our foundation courses combine content from multiple related courses in the same subject area, giving you more flexibility and choice about the degree path you take.
For example, if you apply for a Music Foundation Year, you’ll join our Media Foundation course. So, if you decide to switch - say, from Music to Graphic Design - you can do so without restarting your foundation year.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
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Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, and how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Study in the Humanities
This module equips you with a suite of analytical and theoretical tools to support you as you progress along your academic journey. You'll develop an interdisciplinary understanding of approaches to study in the humanities by working with a variety of resources, including novels, films and aspects of the visual arts.
core
20 credits
Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting findings to your peers.
core
20 credits
Group Challenge (Humanities)
Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artefacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.
core
20 credits
Foundation in Data Analysis
Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high-quality graphics; and report writing.
core
20 credits
Academic Writing Skills
Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which aims to familiarise you with university submission and assessment procedures. This is a clear building block towards your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.
core
20 credits
British Political History since 1945
The UK's political history after World War Two: from Eden to the EEC and from Wilson to the 'Winter of Discontent', encounter the people, ideas and policies that have shaped modern Britain.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to War and Politics
Study the causes and conduct of war in modern times. Learn why the Allies won World War Two, why the US lost in Vietnam and how nuclear weapons affect international security.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to International Politics
Examine the theories that help us understand how the world around us works, and the themes and issues that are central to international discourse and practice. You'll explore arguments and ways of thinking that are designed to expand their sense of who you are and of where and how you fit in the world around you.
compulsory
20 credits
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr David Lonsdale
Course overview
2 mins
Life on campus
University life
2 mins
Accommodation at Hull
University life
2 mins
Teaching Facilities
University life
2 mins
Featured academics
We have extensive experience of working with the military and policy-makers, both in the UK and overseas. And we bring our experience, research and passion into everything you learn.
We're here to inspire you – tomorrow's leaders – to realise your potential. And to leave the world in a better condition than you found it.
Dr Chris Martin
Reader in Maritime Security and Head of School of Politics and International Studies
Chris won the Julian Corbett Prize for Research in Modern Naval History in 2005. In 2017, his book 'The UK as a Medium Maritime Power in the 21st Century' was shortlisted for the UK Maritime Foundation's Mountbatten Award.
Dr David Lonsdale
Senior Lecturer / Programme Director, BA War Studies / Programme Director, MA Strategy and International Security
David’s main research area is strategic theory and its application to historical and contemporary strategic settings. His books include 'Understanding Contemporary Strategy', and 'Alexander the Great: Lessons in Strategy'.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need 80 UCAS points.
For applicants with qualifications in subjects other than those key to the degree, we will usually require a minimum of 80 points from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.
But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.
Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.
Typical offer
80 UCAS points
A levels
CDD
BTEC
MMP
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2027 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2026-27 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £9,790 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £9,790.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Foundation Year Fee
£9,790
Standard Tuition Fee
£9,790 / year
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
Future prospects
Our graduates are well known throughout the major UK political parties. So many of them now work in Westminster that they’ve become known as ‘the Hull Mafia’. But it’s not only Parliament that can open its doors to you. Our Politics degrees afford many more opportunities after you graduate.
You’ll gain the skills to research and examine information. To critically analyse evidence and construct robust arguments. Exactly the kind of attributes that many employers are looking for. As well as political careers, many of our graduates go on to work in the media, the Civil Service, HM Armed Forces, and intelligence services, as well as public relations, charities, and international organisations.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.