History and Politics BA Honours

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Course Overview

UK Fees £1,540 *
International Fees £2,570 *
Duration 5 years

* Price per 20-credit module

Course summary

History and Politics are deeply complimentary disciplines: history (and the writing of history) is entrenched in politics and political frameworks, while contemporary politics and political institutions, organisations and movements can only be fully understood when examined in longer historical patterns. Combining these subjects equips you with the analytical tools to explore and understand societies, both past and present.

In our course, you'll explore the factors that have helped shape the modern world since 1789 – including war and revolution, nationalism and liberalism, democracy, socialism and fascism – from both the historical and political perspectives.

Based in the heart of London, you'll make the most of the city’s resources, interacting first-hand with your subject matter through field walks and visits.

Aside from learning the main themes, skills and approaches in both disciplines, you'll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules, which give you a truly global outlook: history lectures explore the modern histories of Europe, China, Africa, South-East Asia and America form British, European and international perspectives, while politics modules focus on Britain, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Asia and America.

Ultimately, by completing a degree in History and Politics here, you have the opportunity to study two fundamental disciplines in one of the world’s oldest and most influential political capitals.

Research underpins much of our teaching, and we encourage you into a community of scholars through teaching that will enthuse and inspire you.

London is our campus, but as students of a joint degree you are also given the opportunity to travel to international destinations from Europe to Asia.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Our course offers an internship as well as an optional work placement, allowing you to practise your acquired skills in the world of work and further enhance your employment skills
  • Study key contemporary questions, with a focus on modern history and politics
  • Join our diverse, international classroom at the heart of central London
  • See history and politics in action through trips to political and cultural institutions, and field walks and field trips within the UK and Europe

 

Course structure

On this course, we use a wide range of assessments, including essays, critical analyses, documentary analyses, individual and group presentations, blogs, reports and a dissertation.

You can study an elective module from across the University in each year, and also undertake a credit-bearing internship or language class. Making the most of these opportunities will broaden your experiences and enhance your employability.

 The following subjects are indicative of what you'll study on this course. The contents of this course are the same, whether you study full-time or part-time. Please note, Level 4 corresponds to Year 1 of the full-time version of the course, Level 5 corresponds to Year 2, Level 6 corresponds to Year 3.

Subjects of study include:

  • History and Politics Tutorial 1
  • Democracy in Crisis
  • Political Ideas in Action
  • The Making of the Modern World: Global Perspectives on the Long Nineteenth Century
  • This Imperial Island, 1760-1867
  • British Politics
  • Global Governance and Development
  • Protests: From Bread Riots to Extinction Rebellion

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

  • History and Politics Tutorial 2
  • Age of Extremes, 1914-1991 Part 1
  • New Liberals to New Labour: British Politics since 1906
  • Theorising Politics and International Relations
  • Age of Extremes, 1945-1991 Part 2
  • For Freedom and Equality: Race, Politics, and Activism in the USA, 1850-1970
  • Geopolitics
  • Governance in Europe
  • Murder, Media and Morality in Late Victorian London
  • Power and the State
  • Sites of Conflict
  • The Politics of Killing

Credit Level 5

Professional experience or study abroad year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – History and Politics with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – History and Politics with International Experience.

Subjects of study include:

  • Dissertation for History and History and Politics
  • Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
  • Special Subjects in History
  • Politics and Development in the Middle East
  • Work Placement for Humanities
  • Archives and Museums Internship
  • Equality, Justice, Citizenship
  • Gender and Politics
  • Policy and Practice
  • The End of History? Crisis and Conflict since the Cold War
  • The Politics of Protest: Social and Political Movements Today

Credit Level 6

Hear from our students

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open days

Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

By gaining a wide range of research, analytical and evaluative skills, our graduates are highly sought after by employers in education, government, international organisations, media, marketing, NGOs and all sectors of industry.

During your degree you have the option to undertake an internship or to learn a new language – opportunities which many of our students seize and thoroughly enjoy.

With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

Gain a global outlook

With a wide range of optional modules, you'll have the choice to explore history and politics from international perspectives.

Get ahead before you graduate

You'll have the opportunity to take part in an internship, allowing you to practise your skills and enhance your employability.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Graduate employment

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA)
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dublin, Ireland
  • First Derivatives Business Development
  • Hyve Group Events Services, London
  • Office of Minister of State for Transport and MP for Mid-Norfolk
  • Research Services, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
  • Royal Statistical Society

Work experience

On this course, you'll have the option to do an internship as well as an optional work placement. Our students gain valuable employment skills and enhance their knowledge through this experience. 

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

  • Archivist
  • Copywriter
  • Digital content producer
  • Museum curator
  • Politician’s assistant
  • Public affairs consultant
  • Public relations researcher
  • Social/political/historical researcher
  • Teacher

 

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

  • Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
  • Attending an international summer school or field trip
  • Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Fantastic central London location

Based in our Regent Campus in central London, you'll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city.

Combine History and Politics

Studying these two fundamental disciplines equips you with the analytical tools to explore and understand societies, both past and present.

Field trips within the UK and Europe

We fully exploit our central London location, with visits to archives and museums, political and cultural institutions and field walks and field trips within the UK and Europe.

Entry Requirements

  • A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
  • T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
  • BTEC Diploma – D*D
  • Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have: 

  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

More information

  • International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

More information

International Foundation course

We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation Certificate courses for international students who don’t meet our Bachelor’s degree entry requirements.

Find out how to apply for the Foundation Certificate course.

 

What our students say

Jon Woodburn

BA History and Politics and WWC Mumbai - 2019

Senior Caseworker | House of Commons

Being one of the most diverse universities is something which attracted me as I wanted to experience different cultures and broaden my horizons. Studying History and Politics at Westminster was the best combination possible, as all the resources needed from Parliament, to the British Library and Museum were within walking distance from my campus.

Learn new skills

Learn a new language

From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects. 

Gain extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs information

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £2,570 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs information

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

University Records and Archives

Our archival collection will provide you with hands-on experience and develop your research skills. University Records and Archives opens up a wide range of resources to you, enabling you to learn about our history and research significant themes by consulting thousands of items.

Books on display at the University of Westminster Archive

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
22%78%
2
22%78%
3
20%80%
4
20%80%
P
100%
5
20%73%7%
6
20%73%7%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts  
  • Written exams: end of semester exams 
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
     
Year
1
20%80%
2
20%80%
3
11%89%
4
11%89%
P
50%50%
5
7%93%
6
7%93%
Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2023/24

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.

Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.

For more details, visit our locations page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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