History & Politics BA

At University College Dublin, the BA in History & Politics is ideal if you want to understand how past events shape today’s political world — and how power, ideas, and institutions evolve over time. From your first year, you study history and politics side by side, allowing you to connect historical context with contemporary political analysis. You’ll explore themes such as state formation, conflict, ideology, governance, and international relations, while developing strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills that are essential for both professional careers and postgraduate study.

Teaching at UCD emphasises active learning and academic flexibility. Alongside lectures, you take part in small-group tutorials and seminars where you analyse primary historical sources, debate political ideas, and work collaboratively on case studies. As you progress, the degree allows you to specialise in historical periods and political themes that match your interests, while continuing to strengthen your ability to interpret evidence, construct arguments, and communicate clearly.

Experiential learning in the History & Politics programme helps you apply theory and context through structured academic practice:

• Source-based learning and analysis: You work directly with historical documents, political texts, and archival material, developing skills in evidence evaluation, interpretation, and critical comparison.

• Interactive tutorials and seminars: Small-group sessions focus on discussion, debate, and presentations, helping you build confidence in public speaking, persuasion, and teamwork.

• Research-led teaching: You are taught by academic staff actively engaged in research in history and politics, ensuring exposure to current debates, methods, and interpretations.

• Independent research projects: In later years, you complete extended essays or research projects that allow you to investigate a historical or political topic in depth under academic supervision.

• Choice and specialisation: You can select modules covering areas such as Irish history, European politics, international relations, political theory, global conflict, and social change, shaping the degree around your interests.

• Study abroad opportunities: Students may spend part of their degree studying at an international partner university, gaining comparative perspectives and global academic experience.

• Academic resources and libraries: You benefit from UCD’s extensive library system and digital research collections, supporting both historical research and political analysis.

What this degree prepares you for:

• Careers in public service, policy analysis, diplomacy, journalism, education, heritage, NGOs, and research

• Postgraduate study in history, politics, international relations, law, public policy, and related fields

• Professional roles requiring strong writing, analytical thinking, research skills, and contextual understanding

Graduates of the History & Politics BA at UCD gain deep insight into how past events shape political systems today, giving you powerful analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills that are in high demand across sectors. With this degree, you could go on to careers such as policy analyst, political consultant, journalist or communications specialist, researcher, or public affairs professional. UCD’s strong reputation and extensive global alumni network help open doors in Ireland and internationally:

• Career & Employability Support: UCD’s Career Development Centre supports you throughout your degree with tailored career coaching, CV and interview preparation, internships and job listings, employer networking events, and guidance on building work experience relevant to politics, media, government, and research.

• Employment Outcomes & Salary Potential: UCD graduates enjoy strong employability. The analytical and communication skills developed through History & Politics prepare you for roles with competitive starting salaries and excellent long-term progression, especially in public policy, media, NGOs, and consulting.

• Industry & Institutional Engagement: With UCD’s location in Dublin, you benefit from connections to government departments, cultural institutions, research centres, media organisations, NGOs and international bodies, offering guest lectures, placements, internships, and networking opportunities with professionals in your field.

• Accreditation & Long-Term Value: UCD is recognised among the top universities worldwide, and its School of History & Geography and School of Politics & International Relations both have strong academic reputations, so your degree holds value with employers and postgraduate programmes globally.

• Graduate Impact & Versatility: Alumni of History & Politics go on to roles in public service, political research, journalism and communications, advocacy, education, and international relations, demonstrating the real-world relevance and adaptability of your skills.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing the History & Politics BA, you can continue your studies with master’s degrees in areas such as Public Policy, Political Communication, International Relations, European Studies, Cultural History, Heritage Studies, Law, or Education. Many graduates also progress to research-led postgraduate degrees or PhDs, leading into academic research, think tanks, or leadership roles in policy and cultural organisations.