History and Politics

History and politics are a natural combination. Knowledge of the past helps us understand the present, and current politics provides insights into history. The two disciplines reinforce each other in important ways: history develops your ability to research evidence, interpret sources, and construct well-reasoned narratives about events and their causes, while politics trains you to analyse institutions, ideologies, and power in the contemporary world.

Together, they give you both a deep contextual understanding of how the present came to be and the analytical tools to make sense of it.

At the University of Hull, this three-year full-time degree develops your skills in historical research and political analysis across a range of periods and themes. You will study political theory, comparative politics, British politics, and international relations alongside history spanning multiple eras and geographical contexts. Close reading of primary sources, engagement with historiographical and political science debates, and the ability to write analytically and persuasively are central to the programme.

Entry typically requires around 104 UCAS tariff points.

History and politics graduates are highly regarded by employers across a wide range of sectors. Many work in government, the civil service, political parties, think tanks, journalism, law, international organisations, the voluntary sector, and public affairs. The research, analysis, and writing skills the degree develops transfer readily into almost any professional field.

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in history, politics, international relations, or law.