History and Politics

History and politics is a combination that recognises a fundamental truth: contemporary political life cannot be fully understood without historical knowledge, and history cannot be written without understanding the political contexts that shaped it. History develops your ability to read sources critically, to trace cause and consequence through time, and to resist simplistic narratives about why things happened. Politics examines the institutions, ideologies, and processes through which power is organised and exercised, and develops analytical frameworks for understanding how contemporary states, parties, and international systems function.

Together they offer a particularly rich preparation for engaging with public life in all its complexity.

At York St John University, this three-year full-time programme includes a foundation year for those who benefit from additional academic preparation, alongside a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities. The combination of these structural features makes the degree particularly well equipped for professional development alongside academic learning. You will combine historical investigation with the discussion of current political debates, examining how the background of contemporary states and institutions shapes the politics of the present, and how political decisions of the past produced the world we inhabit now.

You will develop skills in historical research and argument, political analysis, critical thinking, research methodology, and clear written and verbal communication. The ability to move between historical depth and contemporary relevance is a distinctive capacity this combination develops.

Graduates from history and politics programmes pursue careers in the civil service, politics, journalism, the charity sector, international organisations, law, education, and a wide range of other fields. Postgraduate study in history, politics, public policy, or international relations is a natural continuation for those seeking specialist or research roles.