Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA Politics and Modern History

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 Politics and Modern History from Aberystwyth University offers you a dynamic exploration into the forces that shape our world, blending critical analysis of political systems with a deep understanding of historical contexts. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are keen to investigate the intricacies of power, international relations, and societal change, and how these have evolved over time. You will engage with key concepts in political theory and contemporary global challenges, grounded in the rigorous historical scholarship of Aberystwyth University’s esteemed departments.

This full-time, on-campus degree, studied over three years, provides a structured yet flexible pathway through a wide array of historical and political topics. You will delve into modules ranging from 'Politics in the 21st Century' and 'International Politics' to 'The Making of the Modern World' and specific regional histories. Your learning will culminate in a significant independent dissertation in your final year, allowing you to pursue your own research interests. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, prepared for careers in government, policy, journalism, research, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of politics and modern history, delving into key concepts, historical periods, and contemporary global issues. Students will examine international relations, political theory, and diverse political systems alongside historical events and societal transformations across various regions. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of historical sources and contemporary challenges, culminating in an independent dissertation.

1 YEAR 1

Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills
Politics in the 21st Century
Introduction to History
Behind the Headlines
Globalization and Global Development
The Making of the Modern World: War, Peace, and Revolution since 1789
War, Strategy, and Intelligence
'Hands on' History: Sources and their Historians
Europe and the World, 1000-2000
Medieval and Early Modern Britain and Europe, 1000-1800
People, Power and Identity: Wales 1200-1999
The Modern World, 1789 to the present

2 YEAR 2

Making History
People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
African-American History, 1808 to the Present
Capitalism and International Politics
Climate Change Politics
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene
Contemporary Latin America
Crime, Riot and Morality in Wales 1750-1850
Devolution and Wales
Germany since 1945
International Politics and Global Development
International Relations: Perspectives and Debates
Intervention and Humanitarianism
Magic in the Middle Ages: From Antiquity to the Eve of the Witch Craze
Media and Society in Twentieth Century Britain
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
Political Theory
Politics in Diverse Societies
Questions of International Politics
Russian intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Science, Religion and Magic
Science, Technology, and International Relations
Southeast Asia at the crossroads (c. 1400 to the present)
Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
The Atlantic World, 1492-1825
The BRICS in World Politics
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module
The Making of Europe: Christendom and beyond, c. 1000-1300
The Second World War in Europe
The Tudors: A European Dynasty?
Total War, Total Peace
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
War Crimes
Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918
Interdisciplinary and Decolonial History
Memory, Myth and History: Investigating Medieval Chronicles, c. 1000-1250
Recounting Racism: Oral History and Modern American Race Relations
Victorian Visions: Exploring Nineteenth-Century Exhibitions

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
African-American History, 1808 to the Present
Capitalism and International Politics
Climate Change Politics
Contemporary Latin America
Crime, Riot and Morality in Wales 1750-1850
Devolution and Wales
Germany since 1945
Intervention and Humanitarianism
Magic in the Middle Ages: From Antiquity to the Eve of the Witch Craze
Media and Society in Twentieth Century Britain
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
Political Theory
Politics in Diverse Societies
Questions of International Politics
Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Science, Religion and Magic
Science, Technology, and International Relations
Southeast Asia at the Crossroads (c. 1400 to the Present)
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
The Atlantic World, 1492-1825
The BRICS in World Politics
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
The Making of Europe: Christendom and Beyond, c. 1000-1300
The Second World War in Europe
The Tudors: A European Dynasty?
Total War, Total Peace
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
War Crimes
Cathedrals in Medieval England and Wales Part 1
Cathedrals in Medieval England and Wales Part 2
From Burma to Myanmar (Part I): Colonial Burma Under British Rule (1824-1941)
From Burma to Myanmar (Part II): Challenges for a Young Nation State Since 1942
Gwrthryfel Glyndŵr 1: Hynt a Helynt y Gwrthryfel
Gwrthryfel Glyndŵr 2: Cwestiynau Allweddol
The English Reformation, 1520-58: Revolution and Counter Revolution
The English Reformation, 1558-1648: Consolidation and Conflict
The Invisible Empires: The First Ku Klux Klan and American Society, 1865-1915
The Invisible Empires: The Second Ku Klux Klan and American Society, 1915-1944

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

10% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,256.00 USD 25,939.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 75,134.00 USD 77,817.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 689.00 - USD 1,322.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penglais campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Brokerage & Trading & SecuritiesEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingEvent Promotion & ManagementForestry & LoggingGaming & Interactive MediaHigher Education & UniversitiesInvestment Management & Asset ManagementPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalReal Estate DevelopmentStreaming & Digital Content

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Department for Business and Trade

European commission

National Museum Cardiff

National Trust

Why Study BA Politics and Modern History at Aberystwyth University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Aberystwyth University 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 Politics and Modern History at Aberystwyth University

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. You can work full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can choose from multiple tests. For example, IELTS requires an overall score of 6.5, while TOEFL requires an overall score of 93.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as political analysts, historians, policy advisors, or international relations specialists.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Politics and Modern History degree focuses on political theory and recent historical events. Students will explore themes such as power and economics while learning about political thought and international relations.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Politics and Modern History program has an intake in September. Ensure that you apply in advance to secure your place for the upcoming academic year.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️