History and Politics
History and politics is a combination that brings two complementary disciplines into productive dialogue. History shows how the world came to be as it is, tracing the decisions, structures, conflicts, and ideas that have shaped institutions, nations, and international relationships over time. Politics provides the theoretical frameworks to analyse how power is organised and exercised in the present, examining political systems, ideologies, policies, and the behaviour of states and non-state actors.
Together, they develop both the depth to understand particular periods and places and the conceptual tools to make sense of the patterns that emerge across them.
The University of Warwick's three-year full-time History and Politics degree carries a typical entry tariff of 152 points and includes a sandwich year, a year abroad option, and work placement opportunities. As the course itself describes, it examines the political and social dimensions of history, showing how historical events, actors, and institutional legacies have influenced the world we live in today, while also exploring the theory and reality of why people and states interact as they do. Warwick's departments in both history and politics have strong research profiles, and you will be taught by scholars who are active contributors to their disciplines.
The combination of historical and political research develops rigorous analytical habits, strong writing skills, and an ability to think across time and scale.
Graduates of history and politics programmes work in government and the civil service, politics and policy, journalism, international organisations, think tanks, law, education, heritage, and the private sector. The analytical and communication skills the combination develops are valued across virtually any career that requires careful reasoning and the ability to engage with complexity. Many students continue to postgraduate study in history, politics, international relations, or law, or proceed to professional training in law or public policy.