University of Exeter United Kingdom

BA History and Politics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA History and Politics at the University of Exeter offers you a dynamic exploration of the forces that shape our world, from the intricacies of political communication to the broad sweep of global transformations. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students keen to understand historical contexts and contemporary political challenges, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically engage with issues of power, society, and international relations. You will delve into diverse historical periods and geographical areas, developing a nuanced perspective on the interplay between past events and present-day political landscapes.

This full-time, three-year on-campus programme allows you to tailor your studies through a wide array of optional modules in both History and Politics, with opportunities to focus on specific interests like political behaviour, environmental humanities, or European history. In your second year, you can choose a pathway focusing on independent research or political analysis. The course culminates in a compulsory interdisciplinary dissertation, where you will apply your research skills to a topic of your choice. You will graduate with a strong foundation in historical inquiry and political theory, prepared for diverse careers in public policy, international affairs, journalism, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA History and Politics program offers a comprehensive exploration of historical and political landscapes. Students will engage with foundational research and writing skills, delve into global and specific regional histories, and examine various facets of political theory, communication, and international relations. The curriculum progresses to advanced analytical studies in politics and specialized historical periods, culminating in an interdisciplinary dissertation and further in-depth study of contemporary political and historical issues.

1 Year 1

Crafts of Research and Writing Compulsory
Global History: Twentieth Century Transformations Compulsory
New Approaches to History Compulsory
Political Communication Compulsory
Business History
European History: Politics and Society
Foundations of Environmental Humanities
An Introduction to Histories of Science and the Environment
British Government and Politics
Participating in Politics
Power, Inequality and Global Justice
Violence in World Politics
Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations
The Public Policy Process
Modern Political Theory
Work Placement

2 Year 2

Perspectives on Sources: Independent Study Project in the Humanities Compulsory
Political Analysis Compulsory
Power and Democracy Compulsory
Histories of Everyday Life in Modern Cornwall
Revolution and Abolition: History and Legacies of the Atlantic Slave Trade
Enlightenment and the Age of Reason: Philosophy, Politics, Society
The Occult in Victorian Britain
Earth Matters: Soil, Society and the Humanities
Caribbean Histories: Colonialism, Resistance, and Environmental Crisis
Organised Crime in USA
Ecology and Empire
The Age of Unreason? Modernity and its Discontents
Art and Archaeology in Post-Colonial Nations
Apocalyptic Narratives: Disaster Writing
Humanities in the Workplace (Penryn)
American Politics
National and Community Identity
The Political Psychology of Elites
Work Placement
Security Studies
Understanding Israel and Palestine: One Land, Two People
Comparative Politics
Introduction to Postcolonialism
Political Geographies: Local to Global
Green Politics in Theory and Practice
Politics of the Middle East
Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course
Political Economy
Parliamentary Studies
Representing the People

3 Placement year (if taken)

Study Abroad (HASS) Compulsory
Work Placement Year Compulsory

4 Final year

Interdisciplinary Final-Year Dissertation Compulsory
Hippies: The US Counterculture of the 1960s
Myth in the Modern World: From the Classics to Conspiracies
Pacific Histories: Environment, People and Politics
Britain and the Telecommunications Revolution
Writing Nature
New American Century: History, Culture, and Crisis
Irish Stories: History, Politics, Literature and Heritage
Environmental Knowledge Controversies
Controversies in American Politics
Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India
Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory
Displacement and Migration in the Middle East
The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse?
Parliamentary Studies
Representing the People
Post-Soviet Politics and Societies
Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain
Political Psychology and Society
Political Thinkers of the Early Twentieth Century
Political Economy
Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation
Global Policy Challenges
Chinese Politics and Society
The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment
Is Politics More than Human? Cornwall, California, and the Local to the Global
Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity
Environment and Conflict in the Middle East

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,174.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penryn Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyAmusement & Recreation ServicesArtificial Intelligence & Machine LearningCloud Computing & InfrastructureData Science & AnalyticsDefense & Military SecurityDigital MarketingPolice & Public SafetyQuality Assurance & TestingSoftware Development & Engineering

Top Employers Hiring for this course

EXPOSE

European commission

University of Exeter

Why Study BA History and Politics at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA History and Politics at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students enrolled in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can provide scores from tests like Duolingo (overall 120), TOEFL (overall 90), IELTS (overall 6.5), or PTE (overall 67). Each test has specific minimum scores for different components.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as policy analysts, journalists, international relations specialists, and more.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program offers insights into political communication and global transformations. You will study various historical periods and develop critical analytical skills to address contemporary political challenges.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA History and Politics program at the University of Exeter has an intake in September each year. Keep this in mind when planning your application schedule.
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