Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
History and Politics are deeply complementary 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.
Subjects of study include:
- British Politics
- Democracy in Crisis
- Global Governance and Development
- History and Politics Tutorial 1
- Imperial Island: Britain 1760-1867
- Political Ideas in Action
- Protests: From Bread Riots to Extinction Rebellion
- The Making of the Modern World: Global Perspectives on the Long Nineteenth Century
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Age of Extremes, 1914-1991 Part 1
- Age of Extremes, 1945-1991 Part 2
- Empires, Ideas and Politics: Special Subjects in History
- Governance in Europe
- History and Politics Tutorial 2
- Murder, Media and Morality in Late Victorian London
- Power and the State
- Sex, Race, Culture and Social Change: Special Subjects in History
- Theorising Politics and International Relations
- 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.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Archives and Museums Internship
- Dissertation for History and History and Politics
- Policy and Practice
- Politics and Development in the Middle East
- Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
- Special Subjects in History
- The End of History? Crisis and Conflict since the Cold War
- The Politics of Protest: Social and Political Movements Today
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Studying History with us
Watch the video to learn more about studying history at the University of Westminster.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Hear from our students
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.
Can't attend? See more open events
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.
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
Internship opportunities
The University of Westminster is part of an ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Migration Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
As part of this, Politics and International Relations students in their second or third year of undergraduate study can apply for 3-9 month internship opportunities at IOM offices around the world, including in Geneva, Vienna, Dhakka and London.
The internships, which are open to students completing their second year of studies and beyond, focus on a host of topics from migration governance to mission support, policy and liaison, and information management.
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.
Course Leader
Dr Rachael Attwood
Senior Lecturer
Dr Rachael Attwood was awarded a DPhil from UCL in 2013, having previously studied at both UCL and the University of Oxford. She joined the University of Westminster in September 2015. Dr Attwood is programme leader for History and teaches on a variety of topics relating to British and Imperial History in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Her doctoral thesis is on the politics of activism against trafficking for sex work in turn-of-the-century Britain and, particularly, the representation of trafficking as 'white slavery'. She has taught at both UCL and the University of Sussex, where she was also a Research Fellow at the Centre for German-Jewish Studies.
Her current research focuses on the history of trafficking and migratory sex work in Britain and its empire, as well as on the history of trafficking and anti-trafficking actions in global Jewish communities. Dr Attwood is passionate about sharing her research outside of academia, particularly with child protection and anti-trafficking NGOs, and has acted as an advisor on a number of academic projects on the history of women's mobility and trafficking.
Our degrees teach an inclusive type of History, a History that challenges orthodoxies, amplifies marginalised voices and strives to set the record straight
Course Team
- Dr Patrick Smylie - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Helen Glew - Senior Lecturer in History
- Dr Ludivine Broch - Lecturer in HIstory
- Dr Katja Seidel - Reader
- Dr Patrick Burke - Senior Lecturer
- Professor Pippa Catterall - Professor of History and Policy
- Dr Magdalena Frennhoff Larsen - Reader
- Rob Macmaster - Principal Lecturer
- Dr Paulina Tambakaki - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Rachael Attwood - Senior Lecturer
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. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
- 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. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
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.
Ada Chiara Tortora
History and Politics BA - 2025
The lecturers at Westminster have been incredibly supportive, offering valuable feedback and guidance throughout my studies. Their passion for their subjects is contagious, and they encourage students to think independently.
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 Westminster Enterprise Network 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: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.
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: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this 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.
UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.
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: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this 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.
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
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
Data from the academic year 2024/25
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
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
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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