History and Politics (Study Abroad) BA Hons

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

This four-year degree is perfect for students who want to understand the world on a deeper level — not just through books, but through lived experience. It combines the study of history and politics with an exciting year abroad, giving you the chance to explore how different countries think, govern and tell their stories while building a truly global perspective.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year gives you a strong foundation in both subjects. You’ll explore Controversy in History, examine how modern Britain took shape through Modern Britain, and dive into current political issues in Parties, Populism and Protest. It’s a year designed to help you get comfortable with university-level research while discovering which areas spark your curiosity most.

Year 2

In your second year, the topics become richer and more analytical. You’ll take modules such as Human and Environment, which looks at how people and cultures change over time, and Theories of Power and the State, where you untangle how governments, institutions and political systems actually work. You’ll also deepen your academic toolkit through Understanding Political Research, learning how to design and evaluate real research projects.

Year 3 – Study Abroad

Your third year is spent at one of Lancaster’s partner universities around the world — an experience that shapes you both academically and personally. You’ll study specialist modules offered by your host university, experience a different education system, and gain the kind of international perspective that today’s employers value enormously. Most students return more confident, independent, and globally minded.

Year 4

In your final year, everything comes together. You’ll complete a supervised Politics and International Relations Dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about, and choose optional modules such as Politics of Policy, Russia and China, or Technology and Social Justice. It’s your chance to specialise, reflect on your study-abroad insights, and demonstrate your ability to research and think at an advanced level.

Focus Areas

Historical change | Global politics | Power & statehood | Comparative international relations | Cross-cultural learning

Learning Outcomes

Global perspective, advanced analytical and research skills, confident communication across cultures, strong interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to connect past events to present challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Although not tied to a single professional accreditation, the international year and interdisciplinary design offer excellent preparation for careers across government, NGOs, media, research, and global organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Lancaster is consistently ranked in the UK top 10 (Complete University Guide 2026) and is one of the top 30 most-targeted universities by major UK employers — giving graduates strong visibility in the job market

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this degree truly stand out is how much you experience while studying it. At Lancaster, learning goes far beyond lectures — you’ll step into real political scenarios, work with historical evidence, and build confidence through hands-on activities. And of course, the highlight for many students is the full year abroad, where you get to immerse yourself in a new country, new academic environment and entirely new perspectives.

To show you how practical and engaging the learning really is, here are the opportunities you’ll experience throughout the programme:

Here’s what experiential learning looks like for this degree:

Policy simulations and debate activities — including mock select committees, Prime Minister’s Questions simulations, citizens’ assemblies and policy labs that help you understand how political decisions are made in real time.
Workshops focused on source and data analysis — where you learn to interpret historical archives, political datasets and media sources just like a researcher or analyst would.
A full year abroad at one of Lancaster’s global partner universities — giving you international academic exposure, cultural immersion and a major advantage in global careers.
Access to Lancaster’s world-class Library and digital research tools — essential for your final-year dissertation and any specialist modules you pursue in the UK or abroad.
Specialist modules at your host university — allowing you to explore new areas such as global governance, international politics, or digital history depending on where you study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in History & Politics with a year abroad gives you a powerful combination of global awareness, strong analytical skills and the confidence to navigate complex ideas — and employers genuinely value that. Graduates go on to careers where they shape conversations, influence decisions and help communities understand the world around them. Many step into roles such as Policy Analyst, Political Journalist, Research & Insights Officer, or Heritage and Museum Professional, using both their academic depth and international experience to stand out.

To help you get there, Lancaster provides an environment where your future feels supported and achievable:

Here’s how Lancaster sets you up for long-term success:

Personalised career support: The Careers & Employability team is with you from your first year — offering one-to-one guidance, interview preparation, CV reviews, and employer networking events. Graduates also enjoy lifetime career support.
Strong employment outcomes: Lancaster graduates in Politics typically earn around £28,000, and those in History around £27,000 just 15 months after finishing — showing the degree’s strong value in the job market.
Real industry links: Through the Richardson Institute and collaborations with government bodies, NGOs and think-tanks, you’ll get the chance to work on live projects that build real skills and experience.
Versatile career pathways: Even without a specialised accreditation, the strength of this degree lies in its flexibility — the mix of historical understanding, political analysis and international exposure prepares you for roles across public service, media, research, education, and global organisations.
Graduate-level skills: The programme highlights that you will develop “highly employable skills in research and analysis,” especially in areas like public policy, political behaviour and comparative politics — all vital in today’s world.

Further Academic Progression:

If you want to continue your academic journey, Lancaster gives you an excellent foundation for postgraduate degrees such as International Relations, Public Policy, Political Economy, Peace & Conflict Studies, Heritage Studies, or even a PhD. Your study-abroad experience and research training make you a strong candidate for advanced study both in the UK and internationally.