BA (Hons) History and Politics degree • City, University of London

This course is for 2023/24 entry. Details for 2024/25 entry are also available.

Key information

This joint degree will develop your understanding of historical and contemporary political issues from an international and global perspective. Studying at a diverse university with an international outlook, you will develop expert knowledge of the key historical events and political processes that have shaped the modern world.

Start date

September 2023

UCAS code

VL12

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years with placement year

Institution

City, University of London

Location

Northampton Square

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. The minimum requirement is

Cambridge ESOL: CPE grade C or above
PTE Academic: 59 overall with a minimum of 59 in each component.

English language programmes

Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

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Prospectus

History and Politics BA (Hons) degree Course overview

The History and Politics joint degree will appeal to ambitious students interested in developing a deep understanding of politics and political processes rooted in both the past and the present.

Through a selection of modules from the City History and Politics programmes, and core seminars designed exclusively for the joint degree, you will examine key historical and political developments in a range of nations, societies and cultures.

You will benefit from this degree in the following ways:

Work closely with world class academics to develop the tools and techniques of historical research
Acquire an international and global perspective on politics and power
Develop skills in independent research, critical analysis, communication, public speaking and policy writing
Apply your skills to the real-world – work with digital information, engage in independent research projects of your own design, and practice developing policy positions on current events
Prepare for your future career with an optional work placement and professional development opportunities embedded in the course
Engage with contemporary politics and policymakers

Gain a strong grounding in modern history, political theory, the history of ideas and the study of politics.

Structure

Course content

This three-year joint Honours History and Politics BA balances and blends the study of this complementary subjects, providing an interconnected understanding of them both.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Placements

Year 1

Develop an expert understanding of global history, the principles and ideas that define the study of politics, key concepts and thinkers in political theory, and the foundations of comparative politics.

The Development of the Modern World (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to the history of the modern world, from the global revolutions of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries to the rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics of the twenty-first century.
Introduction to Politics (15 credits)

Introduction to Politics will give you a broad overview of how politics is contemporarily studied as an academic discipline.
Introduction to Political Theory (15 credits)

This module teaches you how to study politics normatively. It covers central ideas in the study of political theory at an introductory level while also considering the distinctive method of study in political theory.
Puzzles of Comparative Politics (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the logic of comparative politics: what is it? What questions can you ask in comparative politics? What does it mean to think comparatively?
Past and Present: History and Politics Core Module Y1 (15 credits)

This module will bring together the disciplines of history and politics to examine the historic roots of contemporary political events.
History in the Age of Digital Information (15 credits)

This module introduces you to Digital History, and seeks to encourage you to think critically about the tools and the sources they use for research online. . It introduces you to the ways that historical materials are presented online, and how that presentation impacts on their use and interpretation by historians.
Conflict, Conquest, and Cultural Encounter in World History (15 credits)

Examines the study of history from a global perspective, prioritising non-Eurocentric ways of understanding the world and examining empires, states, societies, cultures and individuals from a transnational perspective.
The Bigger Picture: History in Contemporary Politics and Culture (15 credits)

This module will respond to contemporary issues, debates and controversies, inviting you to approach them through the lens of history.
From ‘Rule Britannia’ to Brexit Britain: Britain and the World from the Nineteenth Century to the Present (15 credits)

This module will examine the history of the British Isles, the British Empire, and Britain’s relationship with the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.
From Empires to Union: Europe in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

The module will identify and explain the central themes and events in the political, social, economic and cultural history of Europe during the twentieth century.
International Relations Theories (15 credits)

This module provides you with a focused introduction to a range of theories underpinning the study of global politics. It begins by exploring ‘traditional’ theories and the ongoing debates between them before examining a range of ‘critical’ theories.
The Making of the Modern World Economy (15 credits)

This module provides a theoretically informed overview of how the modern world economy emerged.
Emerging Powers in a Changing World (15 credits)

This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to the dynamic and changing character of global power, with a special focus on rising powers and the challenges they face and constitute to “the West”.

Year 2

Study the ideas and ideologies that have shaped the modern world, situate these ideas in their historical context, and develop an advanced understanding of comparative politics.

Ideas in History: from the Enlightenment to Post-Colonialism (30 credits)

Explores key concepts, thinkers, and texts, considering how influential ideas have arisen out of particular historical contexts, spread within and beyond the nation state, and shaped the past and the present.
Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics (15 credits)

In this module you will engage with several contemporary debates in the field of comparative politics. Some examples of topics that might be covered in this module include state formation; democracy, authoritarianism, and democratisation.
History and Policy: History and Politics Core Module Y2 (15 credits)

Moving beyond academic analysis, you will think about the role of history in public debate and public institutions, and apply historical knowledge to developing concrete solutions and policy recommendations to contemporary issues.
Fifty Shades of Red – Russia in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module introduces you to political, social, and cultural developments in modern Russian history, and encourages you to consider how the Soviet experiment influenced the history of Russia and the world, and how we should relate to it today.
The American Century: The United States in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module will help you understand and assess the evolving role of the United States as a world power.
The Making of Modern South Asia (15 credits)

This module will examine the first half of the twentieth century in South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and the role anticolonial struggles, the rise of communism, two world wars, the collapse of the British raj, the forging of nation states, Partition and displacement played in its formation.
Violent Politics (15 credits)

The module will raise and address a number of key questions related to the role of political violence in contemporary politics: E.g. Why do individuals take part in violence? Why do different countries face different types of violence?
Transnational Social Movements (15 credits)

Provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of transnational social movements, and to enable you to assess their nature and impact in respect of a wide range of contemporary global political issues.
States and Markets in an Era of Globalisation (15 credits)

This module discusses the forces that are currently shaping the world economy, with specific emphasis on the diverging political and social responses to globalisation.
Comparative Political Economy (15 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of the key political economy concepts, issues, and theories that shape democratic and non-democratic systems.
Comparative Asian Politics (15 credits)

The module will comparatively examine the historical origins and outcomes of systems of government, strategies of economic development as well as the sources and impact of corruption across Asian states.
Work Placement (15 credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity to exercise in the workplace the skills and knowledge you have gained in the taught modules by undertaking work experience.
Ordering the World: International Thought in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module explores the history of ideas of World Order in western internationalist thought during the twentieth century.

Year 3

Conduct a major piece of independent research, develop their analytical skills in a History and Politics Research Seminar, and choose from a wide variety of specialist modules.

History Dissertation (30 credits)

The dissertation is a major project which provides you with the opportunity to work on the identification, development and execution of a sustained piece of research in history.
Final Year Dissertation Project (Politics) (45 credits)

The first part of the module aims to guide you through the process of choosing a thesis project in the area of Politics and developing a thesis proposal. The second part of the module aims to guide you through the process of finishing your thesis project.
History Dissertation Research and Writing Seminar (15 credits)

This module will support your work on your Undergraduate Dissertation in History and help you develop a systematic understanding of a key aspect of historical scholarship.
Radicals and Reformers: Left-Wing Politics and Activism in Britain and the World since 1945 (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to left-wing politics, political parties and protest movements in Britain since 1945.
Revolution: Rebels and Riots in the Long Nineteenth Century (15 credits)

Provides an overview of the history of the major revolutionary moments that occurred between the Atlantic Revolutions and WWI, and examines the history of revolutionary movements.
Comparative Empires in the Modern Era (15 credits)

This module explores the history of modern imperialism, focusing on the development of the European, Asian, and American empires in the 19th and 20th century.
Genocide and the Holocaust In History and Memory (15 credits)

This module examines the origins, implementation, and aftermath of the Holocaust as it unfolded across the European continent, paying particular attention to the divergent perspectives of perpetrators and victims.
The History of Things: Material and Cultural History in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module will explore objects of consumption to examine changes and transformations in Western societies during the twentieth century. In this module we will analyse material objects through interdisciplinary and critical approaches and will gain a fundamental understanding of the relationship between artefacts and historical narratives.
Disruptive Divas. Riot Grrrls and Bad Sistas: A History of Women in Popular Music (15 credits)

The module will introduce you to concepts of gender history and politics as well as to the historical study of popular culture.
Politics of Forced Displacement (15 credits)

The module addresses key themes in international politics (governance, globalisation, security, international (non)cooperation, regionalism and the global political economy).
Global Governance (15 credits)

This module examines the mechanisms by which collective problems and global issues are managed at the global level in the absence of global government.
American Foreign Policy (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to American power in the world and its foreign policy through a combination of theory, institutions, and case studies.
The Global Political Economy of Development (15 credits)

This module bridges international politics and political economy to demonstrate the role of international organizations in promoting domestic political institutions and social welfare policies needed for promoting development.
Political Change in Europe (15 credits)

The module examines a broad range of social and political developments and changes taking place in contemporary Europe, with a focus on the process of European integration and a range of political actors and institutions involved.
The Theory and Practice of Conflict and Peace (15 credits)

This module provides an introduction to how national decision-makers and diplomats have pursued war and peace since the early twentieth century with the aim of applying theory to illuminate key historical cases.
Sexuality and Gender in World Politics (15 credits)

This module provides tools to analyse how the power dynamics of world politics are closely intertwined with and draw on the dynamics that shape the gendered and sexual hierarchies.
Micro-Placement (15 credits)

The micro-placement module is an exciting way to gain professional experience via short summer placements with a wide range of London-based employers. The programme aims to give you real-life exposure to the business environment and enhance your employability skills.
Language modules (15 credits)

One of the following language modules can be chosen during Year 3:
- Any Language breadth module at Level 2 (intermediate level) or Level 3 (upper intermediate level or higher)
- Any Language for specific purposes module at Level 2 (intermediate level), Level 3 (upper intermediate level or higher) or Level 4 (advanced).
- Foreign Language for Media (Advanced –Portfolio)
Language for Specific Purposes: The language is taught in the context of your main subject in Media/Journalism/Social Sciences. French, German, Spanish, Russian are studied in this format.
Language Breadth Modules: The language is taught for general purposes. Arabic and Mandarin are studied in this format.

Placements

You can apply to take a sandwich year working in a real-world work placement between years two and three of your degree.

Download course specification:

UJHIPO - BA History and Politics

Teaching and assessment

The course is delivered in a supportive, energised department by experienced academic staff who are committed to teaching and mentoring.

Our teaching and learning methods are designed to develop your knowledge and enthusiasm for history and politics while stimulating your engagement and participation in the learning process.

You will learn through a combination of thought-provoking lectures, interactive sessions, practical workshops, and small group seminars. Your learning will be supported by a personal tutoring system.

You will undertake extensive reading and independent study in order to deepen and broaden your knowledge of course content, and learn how to use digital resources in your research and presentation.

Your self-directed learning will be supported in a variety of ways, including online resources and interactive sessions where you will be invited to ask questions and participate in in-depth discussions with other students and teaching staff.

As an interdisciplinary degree, this course will also provide you with the opportunity to expand your learning through a wide range of elective modules from the School of Policy & Global Affairs.

Assessment methods

The assessment weighting for year one is 10%, year two is 30% and year three is 60%.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, which may include coursework, essays, reading reflections, unseen exams, oral presentations, group assignments, and a history dissertation.

Assessment will emphasise both intellectual rigour and skills that will be crucial in your subsequent professional life.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment by examination, practical examination and assessment by coursework will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Assessment

Year 1

Written examination: 16%

Coursework: 84%

Year 3

Written examination: 18%

Coursework: 82%

Overall workload

Most contact hours will take the form of lectures, interactive sessions, practical workshops and small group classes, supported by a personal tutorial system. The number will decrease as you progress and you become more able to direct your own learning. Approximate study time, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Workload

Year 1

Scheduled learning: 13%

Independent learning: 87%

Year 2

Scheduled learning: 13%

Independent learning: 84%

Placement: 3%

Year 3

Scheduled learning: 10%

Independent learning: 90%

Fees and funding

Fees for year 2023/24

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£19,870

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase in the region of 5%.

Funding options

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Fee waivers are available for this course.
Means tested support is available for 2023/24 entry.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.

Career

History and Politics graduates go on to work in fields such as:

public policy and the public sector
politics
education
consulting
advocacy and NGOs
international organisations
law
publishing
the heritage sector
cultural and creative industries.

You will be well-prepared for your future career aspirations. The course has been designed in consultation with employers from fields including the civil service, public policy research, and the charity sector. Professional development is embedded throughout the program at all levels.

It will equip you with a range of employment-oriented skills, including critical analysis, time management, research, teamwork, oral and written communication, and the work with digital information.

How to apply

Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Apply Now

You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.

Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.

UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.

You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £23 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £12.

For enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office

Complete the Admissions enquiry form.

Call: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.

When to apply

Your application for entry in September 2023 should arrive at UCAS between September 2022 and 25^th January 2023. Applications that arrive after 25^th January 2023 will be considered only at City's discretion.

Contacting UCAS

Website: www.ucas.com

Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ

Telephone:

from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468

For callers with hearing difficulties:

from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.

Facilities

Clerkenwell Tales: A Short History

City, University of London is located right in the heart of Clerkenwell, home to a number of political spots which significantly impacted British and international History. 3 minutes

Our students

Student views

Follow the journey of one of our History undergraduates, Kiran, while studying at City. 2 minutes

Discover whether it really has always been like this. Study History and Politics at City. 2 minutes

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Academics

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Dr Lise Butler

Senior Lecturer in Modern History

Department of International Politics

Dr Or Rosenboim

Senior Lecturer in Modern History�

Department of International Politics

Dr Thomas Davies

Reader in International Politics

Department of International Politics

Key information

Entry requirements

UK

Contextual offers

Mixed qualifications

Subject exclusions

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

AS levels

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