Place the study of politics in its historical context as you combine the analysis of political systems, institutions and policies with an exploration of modern history from across the globe.
We are living in extraordinary political times, but can the lessons of history help us plot a path to calmer waters?
If you are curious about how decisions are made and communicated, or why we have certain structures and organisations and how they came to be formed, then this BA (Hons) History and Politics degree is for you.
You will approach key themes from political and historical perspectives. Gaining a real-life understanding of the world of politics, you’ll explore current practice in the UK, as well as developments around the world.
History content examines key themes and events in modern history relevant to political and social development. From African-American civil rights to the origins of the Israel/Palestine conflict.
You will graduate with key transferable skills, including the ability to conduct research, craft a message to communicate a point of view, and analyse complex information.
In Year 1, you can study the major changes that reshaped Europe during the 19th Century, key issues in global politics during the 20th Century, and also explore the nature of public history in Britain and how working with history-related organisations can help you build your career. You will also be introduced to key modern political concepts and theories as well as major themes in recent UK politics. You’ll begin to explore the complexities of international relations, or take a language.
Becoming a Historian will introduce you to the tools and methods required to become an independent historical researcher. These skills include selecting and interpreting primary evidence, independently locating and reading academic books and articles, making effective use of digital tools and archives, applying these research skills to a specific historical problem and producing a clear, convincing, and original argument. The module also includes a key employability to task to ensure you start thinking about your future career right from the start of your studies.
Module code: HIS1007
Credits: 20
Re-shaping the Continent: Europe in the 19th Century
Re-shaping the Continent: Europe in the 19th Century introduces you to the key developments that transformed European society between 1789 and 1919. The module is primarily concerned with the broad political, economic and social influences that caused the transformation of Europe into a society in which state power lay in the hands of urban-based political parties with industry and trade the dominant forms of economic activity. The module will be organised into groups of interpretative themes which relate to the principal changes in Europe.
Module code: HIS1020
Credits: 20
Global Politics: 1918 to the Present Day
Global Politics: 1918 to the Present Day examines world history in the 20th century, particularly the main events, political and social movements, economic developments and ideologies which dominated the twentieth century around the world. You will explore the rise and fall of the great ideologies of Communism, Nazism and Fascism, in Russia, Italy, Germany and elsewhere. The turbulent international relations of the period will also be considered, as will the global economic system after the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1989-1991. Economic and social change will also feature, with detailed examination of popular protest and youth culture. Another major theme will be the fall of the great European empires at the hands of nationalist movements, with particular emphasis upon anti-colonial movements. By the end of the module, you will have developed a sound grasp of some of the major developments around the world in the 20th century.
Module code: HIS1021
Credits: 20
Introduction to Political Concepts and Theory
Introduction to Political Concepts and Theory explores the foundations of political analysis and the concepts, approaches and methods through which we understand the subject. You will critically examine the core ideas central to the study of politics. You will address the nature of the state and sovereignty, and will gain a deeper, critical understanding of power, systems of governance and political legitimacy.
Module code: POL1001
Credits: 20
UK Politics - Issues and Challenges Since 1979
UK Politics - Issues and Challenges Since 1979 will explore UK Politics, and the changes it has undergone, in the period from the 1979 election onwards. You will cover a range of issues such as the Brexit Referendum, the creation of the Social Democratic Party, the miners' strike and the 2010 Coalition. This module will provide you with a foundation for further study at a more advanced level and will complement other modules focusing on particular aspects of politics and the political profession.
Introduction to International Relations recognises that it is difficult to understand politics today without having an understanding of how states relate to each other. The module explores inter-state relationships to each other and to international and supranational institutions. The global trends and pressures which impact on and influence politics and policy making will also be considered, as well as the role of non state actors, such as non-governmental organisations.
Module code: POL1003
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
Year 2 requires you to choose between a placement based history module which gives you the opportunity to enhance the skills, methods and knowledge you have developed from your first year but also to apply them to the world of history-related work, or a research focused politics module to develop your skills. You’ll then choose five additional optional modules from a choice of twelve. This year is all about providing you with the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests. Potential areas you may wish to study are the analysis of digital archives, the relationship between capital and labour or US Foreign Policy.
Please note you must choose one of either HIS2040 or POL2010. If you choose HIS2040, your remaining 5 optional module choices must be made up of 40 credits worth of history modules and 60 credits of politics modules. Similarly, if you choose POL2010, your remaining optional module choices must be made up of 40 credits of politics modules and 60 credits of history modules. If you choose to study the language module (TLC2000) as one of your 5 optional module choices, you will then need to study 40 credits of history modules and 40 credits of politics modules. Module credits must total 120.
History in the Making is a placement-based module which is designed to enhance your employability. You will apply your historical skills and knowledge to a public-facing project of your choosing. This project can be organised around an external placement (such as at a museum, archive, or school), or an independent project supervised by academics (such as a video documentary or social media account). The precise nature of each project will be determined through discussions between yourself, your tutors and external partners but each project should involve making meaningful use of the historical skills and knowledge you have developed during your degree.
Module code: HIS2040
Credits: 20
Research Methods for Politics
Research Methods for Politics introduces research methodologies and issues such as ethics and project planning. It also explores the various debates around research approaches. Studying this module will prepare you for your dissertation project in year 3. This module will you give a complete focus on research, so you will be able to begin to think about the methods best suited to pursuing your areas of interest.
1968 And All That: Protest in Western Europe covers the rise and fall of a cycle of protest movements often referred to by the label ‘1968’, but which it can be argued went from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. You will study a range of movements that affected European politics and arguably transformed European society, including industrial unrest by workers, the women’s liberation movement, anti-war movements, anti-racism, the so-called ‘New Left’, environmentalism, and a quest for greater freedom and authenticity in people’s personal lives.
Module code: HIS2011
Credits: 20
Comparative European Politics
Comparative European Politics examines the government and politics of France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland on a comparative basis. The module will explore in a systematic manner through the application of a number of theoretical models the nature of the systems of government and politics in the three states.
Module code: POL2001
Credits: 20
Contemporary US Politics
Contemporary US Politics looks at politics in the US today and in the recent past. It focuses on major trends and key developments while exploring in some detail the key institutions relevant to US politics. Focusing on the US politics from the Reagan presidency onwards, the aim is to equip you with an understanding of one of the major ‘theatres of politics’. You will explore key aspects of recent presidencies, the development of the role of Vice President, the US candidate selection system, the funding of political campaigns, the operation of Congress and State Houses, legislative processes, trends in party management and development, as well as any emerging news stories.
Module code: POL2005
Credits: 20
Digital Detectives
Digital Detectives provides extensive practical experience with digital archives and will help you to develop a range of advanced digital research skills. Digital tools and archives are becoming increasingly central to the process of historical research. The module will be taught entirely in computer rooms and will take the form of weekly two-hour workshops. The historical content of the module will be structured around the history of crime and society in 18th and 19th century Britain.
Module code: HIS2032
Credits: 20
Capital and National Capital and Labour in the 20th Century
Global and National Capital and Labour in the 20th Century will explore the connection between capital and labour, both nationally and internationally, enabling you to understand the complex, everchanging relationships. You will gain a greater understanding of the complicated relationship between the two, and the various influences upon that relationship. You will explore some of the historical and contemporary events that have shaped capital, labour, and the economy, from the French Revolution to the 2008 Global Financial Crash, although mostly with a focus on the ‘long’ 20th century. You will study some of the theoretical and practical arguments underpinning this relationship, and conduct research on both national and international case studies.
Module code: POL2009
Credits: 20
Global Revolution: The Postcolonial World Order, 1896-1957
Global Revolution: The Postcolonial World Order, 1896-1957 reflects on how, for thousands of years, perhaps starting with the Akkadian empire of ancient Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium BCE, empire and colonialism were the norms of political order around the globe. In the 20th century, however, that ceased to be the case with not only the nation-state becoming the most common political structure, but the very idea of colonialism was discredited and disavowed by global political institutions. The module examines why this change happened, with a particular focus on the British empire. Starting in 1896, you will begin with examining the Second International’s decision to commit itself to the right to national self-determination. The module progresses through the first half of the twentieth century and slightly beyond, culminating in an exploration of the post-colonial independence of Malaya and Ghana, two years after the Bandung conference of Asia-Africa nations in 1955, which asserted the principle of national self-determination as the basis of a post-colonial world.
Module code: HIS2038
Credits: 20
Introduction to Contemporary French History: From the 1930s to the Present
Introduction to Contemporary French History: From the 1930s to the Present covers a subject that is both related to and distinct from the familiar Hitler and Stalin centric stories of 20th century Europe. You will examine the history of contemporary France during turbulent periods of political conflict and social change before, during and following the Second World War and France’s subsequent wars of decolonisation in Algeria and elsewhere, as well as its politics and society today. By taking up this comparatively rare opportunity to study the recent history of an important neighbouring country, which is often stereotyped and misunderstood in the UK, you can develop a wider international awareness.
Module code: HIS2033
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
Mission and Manifest Destiny: U.S. Foreign Policy and Expansionism 1840-1939
Mission and Manifest Destiny: U.S. Foreign Policy and Expansionism 1840-1939 examines the process of frontier expansion within the United States during the nineteenth century. The module assesses the impact of the move west on native American populations and also the ideological justifications advanced to justify this expansionism, such as mission, manifest destiny and American exceptionalism.
Module code: HIS2023
Credits: 20
Political Ideologies
Political Ideologies explores the principle ideas, significance and impact of the major political ideologies in contemporary political life. The module first considers the nature of political ideology and then proceeds to examine and critique each system of ideas and consider the context that shaped their birth, development and evolution. You will also examine the ways in which political ideologies influence or determine political choices in contemporary societies.
Module code: POL2003
Credits: 20
Preparing for Work in Politics
Preparing for Work in Politics looks at the various activities which make up the world of work (both paid and unpaid) in politics. It will enable you to begin thinking about your potential place in this vast area. Focus will be placed on current examples of particular pieces of political work, for example party management, internal reform, selection campaigns, conference organisation, and motion and policy writing. You will also examine a variety of roles, from elected representatives to MPs’ assistants, think tank researchers, civil service staff, political bloggers, party activists and campaigners. The aim is to help you better understand a variety of areas of politics and identify those in which you have an interest and may wish to explore further.
Module code: POL2007
Credits: 20
Rise to Globalism: U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1939
Rise to Globalism: U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1939 examines the rise of the United States as a global superpower from American entry into the Second World War in 1941 through to the present day. It examines the extent to which the ideology underpinning U.S. foreign policy, under successive administrations, has been shaped by American historical experience and values, such as the concepts of American exceptionalism, mission and manifest destiny. You will also study the challenges facing U.S. foreign policy planners from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama and the effectiveness of the various strategies that have been advanced to overcome them. The module examines both the opportunities and limitations on the exercise of American power in the modern world.
Module code: HIS2024
Credits: 20
Writing History
Writing History focuses on the ways in which authors understood the process of writing about history, past and present, particularly those types of historical narratives that many modern scholars consider to be myth, legend, or pseudo-history. You will learn how authors engaged with the evidence they had to hand in order to construct historical narratives that made sense to their worldview, how scholars throughout the ages have interpreted those historical narratives with the benefit of hindsight, and how you as historians can sift through the evidence whilst acknowledging your own biases and perspectives.
Module code: HIS2039
Credits: 20
In Year 3 you will complete a politics dissertation or a history independent research project, enabling you to develop your own specialist knowledge, skills and understanding to a high level. You will have the opportunity to study more specialised modules covering areas such as international relations, the history of conflict in Israel and Palestine, political communications and the post-war US civil rights movement, as well as further opportunity to undertake an optional work placement.
Please note, that you must choose one of either POL3012 or HIS3041. Your remaining 4 optional module choices must be made up of 40 credits worth of history modules and 40 credits of politics modules. However, you may wish to replace one of these optional modules in order to study the language module (TLC3000). Module credits must total 120.
Dissertation - Politics and International Relations
Dissertation - Politics and International Relations will give you the opportunity to complete a significant piece of individual work on a topic of your own choice within the Politics and International Relations field. It will give you the chance to study a topic in greater depth or to choose a topic which might not have been featured in one of the existing modules. While this is very much an individual piece of work, there are regular supervision meetings and workshops focusing on different aspects of the process.
Module code: POL3012
Credits: 40
Independent Study Project
Independent Study Project enables you to undertake an extended piece of research, on a topic of your own selection. This module provides you with an opportunity to independently deploy the skills and knowledge you have acquired. You will frame your own research question(s) and choose one of three pathways to conduct and present your research. This could be through a conventional written history dissertation, producing a video or audio documentary, or a public history project. You'll have access to libraries, archives, digital depositories and other appropriate resources to research your chosen topic.
A Century of Crime and Its Contexts: Circa 1840-1940
A Century of Crime and Its Contexts: Circa 1840-1940 examines a range of crimes that occurred in England and Wales over the century between approximately 1840 and 1940. During the chronological period covered, crime became an issue of national importance and perceived as originating partly in major social change and upheaval, such as urbanisation, the First World War and expanded ownership of the motor car. The module places the crimes in their criminal justice, social, cultural and economic contexts. The aim is to use crime and punishment as a lens through which to explore and analyse important changes over time and assess the impact of key events.
Module code: HIS3040
Credits: 20
Advanced International Relations - Focus on Asia
Advanced International Relations - Focus on Asia offers you an opportunity to study in depth the rise and impact in geopolitical terms of either China or India. You will examine relationships with and within relevant organisations (such as BRICS, the G20 and ASEAN). You will further examine the roles played within international organisations such as the United Nations (in the case of China its role within the Security Council). You will explore issues such as Tibet, Hong Kong and Kashmir and the relevance of domestic politics (in both India and China and in other key nations). The module will benefit you if you are looking to seek employment in political roles which involve researching or briefing about IR and Asia.
Module code: POL3011
Credits: 20
Advanced Parliamentary Studies
Advanced Parliamentary Studies equips you with a thorough and deep understanding of the workings of the UK Parliament and Parliamentary systems. The module explores the history, culture and potential future of Parliament, examines aspects of Parliamentary process in-depth, and considers related issues such as regulation and ethics. You will have the opportunity to interact with practitioners from the workforce in the Houses of Parliament.
Module code: POL3006
Credits: 20
Advanced Political and Ethical Theory
Advanced Political and Ethical Theory enables you to undertake focused work on particular thinkers or particular political and ethical traditions. This module is an excellent opportunity to develop your critical skills. You will explore key thinkers such as Rawls, Mill, Hobbes, Marx and Engels and study traditions and approaches such as Utilitarianism, Ethical Egoism, Social Contract Theory, Natural Rights.
Module code: POL3013
Credits: 20
Britain and the European Union
Britain and the European Union critically evaluates the political and legal dynamics behind European integration whilst critically analysing Britain's attitude and relationship with its European neighbours. You will examine the EU's institutional configuration, its policymaking processes and its main policies whilst examining Britain's post-war relationship with the EU including its applications in the 1960's, its accession, its withdrawal and its post-Brexit relationship.
Module code: POL3014
Credits: 20
British Rule in Palestine
British Rule in Palestine explores the origins and development of British rule in Palestine, a seminal chapter in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Middle East and the British Empire. The module focuses on the political objectives and impact of British rule in Palestine, with particular reference to the evolution of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict.
Module code: HIS3025
Credits: 20
Black Life and Black Protest in the United States 1895-1945
Black Life and Black Protest in the United States 1895-1945 examines African American life and history from the 1890s through to the end of the Second World War. It considers the reasons for the widespread introduction of racial segregation in the United States at the end of the nineteenth century and its impact on African American communities. You will examine the efforts of African American leaders to challenge discrimination, from Booker T. Washington through to Asa Philip Randolph, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The extent to which developments in this period sowed the seeds for the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s are also considered.
Module code: HIS3020
Credits: 20
Black Life and Black Protest in the United States Since 1945
Black Life and Black Protest in the United States Since 1945 analyses the reasons for the emergence of the post-war civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The contribution of leading individuals within the movement, like Martin Luther King, is also examined together with the life and career of Malcolm X and the Black Power movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The module concludes by assessing the legacy of the civil rights era for present day family origin relations and the extent to which the election of Barack Obama in 2008 means that the United States can now be described as a post-racial society.
Module code: HIS3021
Credits: 20
Language 3
Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.
Module code: TLC3000
Credits: 20
Migration in Europe
Migration in Europe will equip you as a citizen to be part of better informed public debate. You will review current issues, both within a longer-term historical perspective, and within contemporary debates in critical migration studies. You will be able to critically examine claims made about, for example, the exceptionalism of current waves of migration, and situate them within a broader history of people on the move within, beyond and into Europe. By placing current debates within such a context, you will understand political and social issues ranging from refugees to migrant workers, from cosmopolitanism to immigration controls, and from anti-racist activism to anti-migrant backlashes within a longer term context.
Module code: HIS3015
Credits: 20
Politics Work Placement
Politics Work Placement gives you the opportunity to identify, apply for and take part in a work placement in a political or politically related field. The process is supported by politics tutors and a dedicated work placement team. You will also attend preparation and reflection sessions which will focus on themes such as job searches, time management and workplace disciplines, and the specific needs of particular employers.
Module code: POL3004
Credits: 20
Seeds of Conflict in the Holy Land, 1840-1923
Seeds of Conflict in the Holy Land, 1840-1923 examines the origins of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict before the commencement of the British Mandate for Palestine in 1923. The module analyses the development of Zionism and Palestinian Arab nationalism under the Ottoman Empire, British support for Zionism in World War I, and the escalation of political conflict and violence by the 1920s. A principal focus will be the impact of the War.
Module code: HIS3024
Credits: 20
Strategic Political Communications
Strategic Political Communications looks in depth at political communication and how it is used by various players in the political arena. It is impossible to understand modern day politics without understanding how politicians and campaign groups communicate. This module builds on your understanding of political systems and practices and analyses pieces of communication in a critical way.
Module code: POL3001
Credits: 20
The Special Relationship: Britain and the USA
The Special Relationship: Britain and the USA concentrates on the major diplomatic, economic and cultural meeting points of arguably the two most influential nations of the 20th century. You will study how their relationship – at times good and at times bad – influenced the course of international history. It is a relationship of unparalleled closeness and complexity which persists into the present day. By analysing the principle issues that arose between these two competitive yet cooperative states, we may be in a position to judge to what extent the relationship actually deserves the epithet ‘special’.
Module code: HIS3036
Credits: 20
Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
Our BA (Hons) History and Politics degree includes a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical workshops.
The work placement involves a period working in an external setting which allows you to put your learning into practice. As well as developing your skills and future learning processes, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with potential employers and gain vital experience for your CV.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
Politics modules will be assessed through a combination of essays, reports, debates, presentations and practical work.
The focus in all history assignments is on analysis and argumentation. These skills will be assessed using a variety of different exercises including essays, examinations, book reviews, primary source analysis, presentations, videos and blogs.
Who will be teaching you
On our BA (Hons) History and Politics degree, you will be taught by academic experts and active practitioners in politics and history. Research interests and specialisms of the programme team include comparative European politics, political communication, the politics of migration, voting and electoral systems, US history and politics, French politics and Eastern Europe.
Tutors actively participate in debates and interviews in the media, as well as acting as consultants in a wide range of areas, including contributing to the development of online archives at the British Library. The course also makes use of visiting speakers such as politicians and those working in politics.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points.
We recognise prior learning with students being considered for entry to the course at a higher level depending on learning already undertaken.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
The Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.
The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. There is also a large social area which encourages a more informal and interactive style of learning.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
Career paths for BA (Hons) History & Politics degree graduates include working as a parliamentary researcher or caseworker, local government officer or think tank researcher.
You will also be well placed to secure employment working in journalism, public relations, marketing, logistics, law, information management or teaching (further training required).
Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto postgraduate study.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Assessment method - 26 September 2023
POL2009 Global and National Capital and Labour in the 20th Century assessment method changed from 100% Coursework to 100% Exam.
Course title - 9 August 2023
Course re-validated. Previous course title was BA (Hons) History & Politics.
Year 1 modules - 9 August 2023
As part of the re-validation, the following modules have been changed:
Removed:
HIS1012 (Europe Re-made)
HIS1017 (History and Society: Theory, Practice and Impact)
HIS1013 (Imperialism, Liberation, Globalisation)
POL1002 (Introduction to Political Systems and Institutions)
Added:
HIS1007 (Becoming a Historian)
HIS1020 (Re-shaping the Continent: Europe in the 19th Century)
HIS1021 (Global Politics: 1918 to the Present Day)
POL1004 (UK Politics – Issues and Challenges Since 1979)
TLC1010 (Language 1)
Year 2 modules - 9 August 2023
As part of the re-validation, the following modules have been changed:
Removed:
POL2002 (Policy Making and Researching Politics)
HIS2020 (Communism in Eastern and Central Europe After 1945)
HIS2037 (Islamisms: Religion, Politics and Colonialism from World War I to ISIS)
HIS2035 (Making History)
HIS2036 (The World of the Crusades)
POL2006 (Elections and Voting Systems)
POL2004 (The Politics of Migration)
Added:
HIS2040 (History in the Making)
POL2010 (Research Methods for Politics)
HIS2011 (1968 And All That: Protest in Western Europe)
POL2009 (Capital and National Capital and Labour in the 20th Century)
HIS2039 (Writing History)
Year 3 modules - 9 August 2023
As part of the re-validation, the following modules have been changed:
Removed:
HIS3039 (Independent Research Project)
HIS3037 (History: Interpretations and Context)
POL3007 (A Is For Activism)
POL3008 (Guns and Government: The Politics of Northern Ireland)
POL3010 (The Think Tank)
Added:
POL3012 (Dissertation – Politics and International Relations)
HIS3041 (Independent Study Project)
HIS3040 (A Century of Crime and Its Contexts: Circa 1980-1940)
POL3011 (Advanced International Relations – Focus on Asia)
POL3013 (Advanced Political and Ethical Theory)
POL3014 (Britain and the European Union)
HIS3015 (Migration in Europe)
The Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.
