History & Political Economy BA/BSc

At King’s, studying History & Political Economy is about more than lectures and essays—it’s about experiencing your subject in action. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be encouraged to step beyond the classroom: to explore archives, debate contemporary issues, and apply your learning in real-world contexts. And with King’s prime location in the heart of London, your degree naturally connects you to the city’s political, cultural, and historical landmarks.

Here’s how your learning becomes truly hands-on:

• London as your classroom – Whether it’s analysing original documents in the National Archives, or engaging with policy debates just a short walk from Westminster, the city becomes an extension of your studies.

• Study abroad opportunities – In your second year, you can spend a semester overseas at leading universities such as Georgetown, the University of Hong Kong, or the National University of Singapore—broadening your global outlook and academic horizons.

• Research at the cutting edge – Join the History & Political Economy Research Group, where economists, historians, and political scientists collaborate. You’ll see firsthand how research is shaping our understanding of the past and informing today’s policy choices.

• Career-focused workshops – Learn directly from professionals through departmental sessions on careers in government, policy, or political risk analysis—giving you a clear sense of how your skills translate to the workplace.

• Personalised career support – The King’s Careers & Employability team helps you source internships, placements, volunteering, or part-time roles, so you graduate with experience that makes your CV stand out.

• World-class libraries and archives – Study in the beautiful Maughan Library, home to special collections and over 750,000 books, and take advantage of London’s unparalleled archives and the wider University of London library network.

• A vibrant campus hub – Based in Bush House on the Strand, you’ll be part of a buzzing academic community right at the heart of London, with opportunities to join societies, research groups, and student-led projects.

With these opportunities, you’re not just learning about history and political economy—you’re living it.

A degree in History & Political Economy from King’s doesn’t just give you academic knowledge—it sets you up for a wide range of exciting futures. Employers value the unique combination of historical perspective and economic insight you’ll gain, which is why graduates go on to become civil servants shaping policy, analysts in finance, consultants in think-tanks, and journalists influencing public debate.

King’s actively supports you on this journey. The Careers & Employability service offers one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and mentoring schemes that help you make confident choices about your next steps. The university is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the UK for graduate employability, which means your degree carries real weight with recruiters. Alongside that, the chance to study abroad at leading institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, or Georgetown University gives you an international edge that employers love. And because this programme is taught by two powerhouse departments—History and Political Economy—you benefit from strong academic networks, guest lectures, and research opportunities that often open the door to internships and first roles. Alumni have gone on to work in government departments, international NGOs, cultural organisations, and leading financial firms, proving just how versatile this pathway really is.

If you decide you want to keep studying, you’ll also be in an excellent position for postgraduate opportunities. Many graduates choose to continue at King’s with a Master’s in Political Economy, International Political Economy, or advanced History programmes, building expertise that leads into research, academia, or specialist consultancy roles.