University of Portsmouth United Kingdom

History and Politics BA (Hons)

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 (Hons) History and Politics degree at the University of Portsmouth equips you to understand and critically analyse the forces that shape our world. You will explore the intricate connections between historical events and contemporary political landscapes, delving into topics such as political thought, revolutions, and the dynamics of societies and empires. This interdisciplinary undergraduate course is ideal for students driven by a curiosity about power, governance, and societal change, preparing you to engage meaningfully with complex global issues.

This full-time, on-campus degree, studied over three years, offers a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with core modules like 'Analysing Politics' and 'Discovering World Histories', alongside optional subjects ranging from 'Development and Democracy in Latin America' to 'News, Discourse and Media'. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation or major project, applying your research skills to a topic of your choice. You will graduate with a robust understanding of historical and political processes, ready for careers in public service, policy analysis, journalism, or further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) program in History and Politics offers a comprehensive exploration of political systems and historical events. You will analyze British and global politics, delve into world histories, and examine political thought. The curriculum covers revolutions, activism, and European societies, with opportunities to specialize in diverse areas such as media, crime, development, security, and international relations through a wide range of elective modules. The program culminates in a dissertation or major project, allowing for in-depth research and critical engagement with historical and political issues.

1 Year 1

Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond Compulsory
Discovering World Histories: Peoples and Places Compulsory
Political Thought Compulsory
Revolutions and Activism: History and Politics Compulsory
Societies, Nations and Empires: Europe 1750-2000 Compulsory

2 Year 2

Changing the World Compulsory

3 Optional modules

Introduction to Teaching Elective
Envisioning Ourselves: Media and the Making of Modern Britain, 1850-2000 Elective
Underworlds: Crime, Deviance and Punishment in Britain, 1500-1900 Elective
Development and Democracy in Latin America Elective
East Asian States and Societies Elective
Engaged Citizenship in Humanities and Social Sciences Elective
Global Security Elective
Intercultural Perspectives on Communication Elective
Marketing and Communication Elective
Modernity and Globalisation Elective
Nationalism and Migration: Chaos, Crisis and the Everyday Elective
News, Discourse and Media Elective
Principles of Economic Crime Investigation Elective
Puritans to Postmodernists: American Literature Elective
Wildlife Crime: Threats and Response Elective
Bending the Truth A Little? Researching Politics and International Relations Elective
Working with the Past Elective
Professional Experience Elective
A History of US Foreign Policy: From the Great War to 9/11 Elective
Empire and its Afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa Elective
Gender and Social Justice Elective
Transitional Justice and Human Rights Elective

4 Year 3

Dissertation (History And Politics) Compulsory
Major Project Compulsory
Accidents and Everyday Lives in Britain, C. 1850-1970 Elective
NGOs and Social Movements Elective
Racism and Anti-Racism in Post-war Britain Elective
Security Challenges in the Twenty-First Century Elective
The Opium War, 1839-1842 Elective
Civil Rights USA Elective
Looking for Utopia, Finding Dystopia? Ideas and Ideologies in the New Millennium Elective
Professional Experience Elective
Religion and Politics in Global Perspective Elective
The European Union: A Global Power in the Making? Elective
The French Revolution, 1789-1799 Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 72,586.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 912.00 - USD 2,400.00
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 Portsmouth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Construction Technology & Digital SolutionsEdTech & E-LearningEducational Support ServicesElectrical & Mechanical InstallationEnvironmental & Sustainable ConstructionGaming & Interactive MediaLive Events & ConcertsMuseums & Cultural HeritageQuantity Surveying & Cost EstimationSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

National History Museum

Why Study History and Politics BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Portsmouth 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 History and Politics BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

Can I work while studying?

International students 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, but self-employment is not allowed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

International students must meet specific English language requirements such as a TOEFL score of 91 or an IELTS score of 6.0. It's essential to check these requirements to ensure your eligibility for the program.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as Political Analysts, Historians, Policy Advisors, Researchers, or Non-profit Managers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course explores how historical conflicts and movements, such as the French Revolution and the American Civil Rights Movement, have shaped today's society. You'll engage with contemporary issues like social justice and global migration through an interdisciplinary approach.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The History and Politics BA (Hons) course has an intake in September. Ensure that you apply in time to secure your spot for the upcoming academic year.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️