History and Politics

Fascinated by the past, but eager to confront the challenges of the present? Explore history and politics to unravel the theory and the historical context of events and current issues. We’ll help you gain essential skills and knowledge to give you the best chance of success in your future career.

Interpreting the past Start the course with core modules designed to build your knowledge. You’ll learn from experts who specialise in British, Russian and Middle Eastern politics, as well as historians covering the last 1500 years. They’ll reveal how they carry out research and interpret the past to help you understand why historical interpretations change over time.

As you progress through the course, you’ll have the freedom to shape your study with optional modules. Most students pick an even balance across the two subjects, exploring a very wide range of topics and periods in time, from the fall of Rome to decolonisation, race and empire.

Ready for the future Preparing you for your future career is important to us. That’s why we focus on real-world issues and offering opportunities to add to your CV. You’ll hear first-hand from significant figures in the field – previously these have included diplomats, political leaders and members of the armed forces. You may also be able to complete a placement within either a heritage organisation or via the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies to gain valuable work experience and skills.

You’ll be taught by academics from both our Department of History and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. This will give you the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of how the two subjects intertwine.