History and Politics

History and politics are disciplines that illuminate each other in important ways. History provides the long view, tracing the development of political systems, the origins of contemporary conflicts, and the changing nature of power over time. Politics analyses how power operates in the present, examining the institutions, ideologies, and processes through which societies are governed and political outcomes are determined.

Together they produce graduates who understand not only how the world is now but how it came to be this way, and what historical patterns might illuminate the challenges of the present.

At Coventry University, this part-time degree allows you to pursue both disciplines seriously while managing other commitments. You will study political theory, comparative government, international relations, and contemporary political processes alongside historical scholarship across a range of periods and approaches. The programme includes a placement or work experience year, and a year abroad is also available, both of which add professional and international dimensions to your academic study.

Research methods in both history and politics are developed throughout, giving you the tools to work with primary sources and quantitative data as well as the secondary literature of both fields.

You will develop critical analytical skills, the capacity to evaluate evidence carefully, and the ability to construct and defend well-argued positions on complex questions. The dual perspective of history and politics is particularly valuable in roles where understanding context and change over time matters.

Graduates from history and politics programmes work in the civil service, public policy, think tanks, journalism, education, heritage, international organisations, the law, and a wide range of business and third sector roles. The combination of historical depth and political understanding is valued wherever analytical rigour and an awareness of how context shapes events is needed. Postgraduate study in history, politics, or related fields is a common route for those who want to develop specialist expertise or pursue research and academic careers.