BA (Hons) History and Politics (Foundation Year)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Manchester Metropolitan University

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how past events shape today’s world — and how political ideas influence everything from global decisions to everyday life — this course is designed for you. The foundation year gives you the perfect start, helping you develop your writing, research, and critical thinking skills before moving into an exciting degree that blends history, politics, and real-world issues.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year:
You’ll begin by building your confidence for university study through modules in academic practice, communication, and research. You’ll also explore key themes across the humanities, learning how to form arguments and think critically about society and power.

Year 1:
You’ll dive into the essentials of both disciplines through modules like Introduction to Political Theory and History in Practice. This year is about discovering how governments, movements, and historical events have shaped the modern world — and how we study them.

Year 2:
You’ll start to specialise based on your interests, choosing from topics such as The Politics of Globalisation, Security Studies, or Colonial Encounters. You’ll learn to interpret historical sources, debate political ideas, and understand how global change impacts real people.

Year 3:
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll complete a dissertation on a topic you care about — from political communication to 20th-century revolutions — while taking advanced modules like Culture, Media and Politics in the Soviet Union or The Holocaust: History, Historiography, Memory. It’s your chance to demonstrate depth, independence, and professional-level analytical skills.

Focus Areas

History | Politics | Global Affairs | Public Policy | Research & Critical Thinking

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to research and communicate complex ideas, analyse social and political change, and apply these insights to real-world issues — skills that are valued in journalism, government, teaching, and international organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is informed by leading academic research and close ties with external partners such as museums, archives, and public institutions — ensuring you gain both theoretical depth and hands-on, employability-focused experience.

Reputation & Employability

Manchester Met has a strong track record for graduate success — around 90% of students progress into work or further study within 15 months. You’ll also join one of the UK’s most dynamic student cities, gaining access to networking, volunteering, and placement opportunities that strengthen your career profile.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Manchester Met, studying History and Politics isn’t confined to textbooks or lectures — it’s about applying ideas to real-world contexts and learning through experience. From your foundation year, you’ll develop essential academic and research skills while gaining the confidence to analyse complex issues, debate real political scenarios, and conduct your own investigations. The course is designed around hands-on, collaborative learning, supported by some of the UK’s most modern humanities and social science facilities.

You’ll study in the Grosvenor East Building, home to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, where teaching spaces are designed for interactive learning. Expect seminar-style teaching, practical workshops, and access to cutting-edge technology that supports both independent and group research. Whether you’re exploring globalisation, public policy, or the legacies of empire, MMU gives you the digital tools and creative environments to bring your learning to life.

Here’s how students gain real, practical experience during the degree:

Collaborative learning environment: Weekly seminars, tutorials, and workshops encourage open discussion, peer learning, and teamwork — mirroring how professionals work in research and policy settings.
Specialist teaching facilities: You’ll study in purpose-built classrooms and collaborative studios within the Arts and Humanities Building, equipped with modern AV systems and flexible layouts that support debate, presentations, and critical analysis.
Digital and research tools: MMU provides access to online political archives, digital humanities databases, and historical collections through the 24-hour All Saints Library, ensuring you can research using both traditional and digital methods.
PC labs and digital literacy training: From your foundation year, you’ll participate in computer-based workshops to enhance your data handling, academic writing, and presentation skills — essential for careers in research, government, and media.
Fieldwork and study visits: Students are encouraged to take part in visits to local museums, archives, and civic institutions around Manchester — a city known for its political movements, cultural heritage, and role in shaping British history.
Student-led projects: You’ll work on independent and group research projects, analysing case studies or designing investigations that connect theory with current global or historical issues.
Academic and careers support: Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to academic advisors, writing centres, and employability services that help you translate your learning into professional experience or postgraduate pathways.
Campus and study zones: The All Saints Campus provides inspiring learning spaces, breakout areas, cafés, and green study environments like All Saints Park, creating a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Together, these experiences help you become a confident researcher, communicator, and problem-solver — skills that are highly valued in journalism, law, education, public service, and policy analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Manchester Met’s History and Politics course leave with the skills and confidence to make an impact in many fields. The degree opens doors to careers in government, media, education, research, and the non-profit sector. Many alumni move into influential roles such as Policy Officer, Political Researcher, Communications Officer, Journalist, or Public Sector Administrator — combining analytical insight with strong communication and leadership skills.

What makes Manchester Met stand out is how it prepares you for real-world success:

Personalised career support: The university’s Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one coaching, networking events, and workshops on CVs, interviews, and professional development — guiding you from classroom to career.
Strong employment record: Around 88% of Manchester Met graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating, with social sciences graduates earning an average starting salary of around £26,000.
Industry and community connections: The Department of History, Politics and Philosophy works closely with local museums, archives, cultural institutions, and public organisations — helping you gain exposure to real projects and professional experiences.
Future-ready skills: While not tied to a formal professional body, the course is shaped by employer feedback and research-informed teaching, ensuring you graduate with skills that stay relevant across changing industries.
Guaranteed academic progression: Completing the foundation year gives you direct entry into the full honours degree, helping you build academic confidence and a clear path toward graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After earning your BA (Hons), you can take your studies further through a Master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, or History, or pursue professional training in Law, Education, or Public Administration. Many graduates also continue into postgraduate research or teaching, building on their strong analytical and critical foundations from this degree.