Course Overview
* Price per academic year
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 either a politics and international relationship internship or a history internship, 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, open- and closed-book exams, statistical analyses, reports and a dissertation.
You can study an elective module from across the University in each year, and also undertake a credit-bearing history or politics 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:
- Blood and Iron. The Making of the Modern World Part One: 1750-1914
- British Politics
- Democracy in Crisis
- Global Governance and Development
- History and Politics Tutorial
- Objects and Meaning: World Cultures in London Galleries and Museums
- Political Ideas in Action
- Politics of Migration
- The Blitz: Image, Impact, Legacy 1940-1951
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Civil War to Civil Rights: Race, Society and Politics in the USA 1850-1970
- Fenians to Free State: the Making of Modern Ireland 1868-1923
- History and Politics Tutorial
- New Liberals to New Labour: A History of British Politics in the Twentieth Century
- Politics and Society in 21st Century America
- Politics and International Relations Internship
- Power and the State
- Questioning Rights: History, Theory and Practice
- Theorising Politics and International Relations
Credit Level 5
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Readings in Contemporary Political Theory
- Archives and Museums Internship
- Equality, Justice and Citizenship
- History and Politics Dissertation
- New World Order: International Organisations in an Age of Global Conflict and Change
- Post-colonial Politics
- Radical Democracy
- Sex, Race, and the Making of Modern Britain, 1880-1912
- The End of History? Crisis and Conflict since the Cold War
- The Troubles: Britain and Northern Ireland 1968-1998
- Unruly Colossus: Churchill, Politician and Writer 1874-1965
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
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 either history- or politics-focused internships 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.
90%
Graduates in work or further study
90% of our History and Politics BA graduates are in work and/or further study 6 months after finishing their course. (Source: Discover Uni - site accessed in March 2020)
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
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.
Course Leader
Dr Peter Speiser
Senior Lecturer in History
Peter joined the University of Westminster's History Team as a full member of staff in 2013 after teaching at other London higher education institutions. He holds an MA in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and a PhD in History from the University of Westminster.
Peter's research interests include The British Army of the Rhine, Anglo-German political, cultural and social relations since 1945 and the history of London. His most recent publication on the history of London is 'Soho - the Heart of Bohemian London'.
His interest in Anglo-German relations focuses particularly on the post-1945 period and the political relations between London and Bonn as well as British media perceptions and cultural representations of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In the context of this wider field of research, he has produced a number of publications on the British Army of the Rhine that investigate the professional and personal relations between British service personnel and German authorities and civilians in the post-war period.
Only if we understand our history can we shape the politics of our future.
Course Team
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.
96%
High student satisfaction
In the National Student Survey, 96% of our students said they were satisfied with the course.
(Source: Discover Uni - site accessed in March 2020)
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.
Online open days
Join us at an online open day and get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster.
You'll get a chance to:
- Speak to our academic staff
- Take a virtual reality tour of our student halls
- Ask us any questions you may have about student finance and accommodation
Entry Requirements
- A levels – CCC to BBB, with a Humanities or Social Sciences subject
- International Baccalaureate – 96 to 120 UCAS Tariff points from the IB
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM to DDM
- BTEC Diploma – DD to D*D*
- Access – 96 to 120 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 – 96 to 120 UCAS Tariff points from the IB
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.
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 and EU tuition fee: £9,250 (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 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: £14,400 (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 your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
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.
Studying at Regent Campus
Teaching and assessment
Below you'll find examples of how marks have been calculated and study time distributed in the past. Changes to assessment weights and division of study time 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 seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, as well as group work. Teaching will be informed by our research, giving you the benefit of the knowledge of current theories and, where appropriate, their practical application.
Year
1
24%76%
2
24%76%
3
16%84%
How you'll be assessed
Assessment methods across our undergraduate courses may include essays, reports, presentations, case studies, videos, podcasts and posters, as well as time-constrained in-class tests and exams.
Year
1
21%3%76%
2
3%97%
3
9%1%90%
Data from the academic year 2019/20
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
Location
Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Our Humanities subjects 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
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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