History and Politics (joint honours) BA (Hons)

At Oxford Brookes, studying History and Politics goes far beyond the classroom. You won’t just read about past events and political systems — you’ll actively engage with them through hands-on projects, research opportunities, and real-world experiences. The course is designed to build the practical skills employers value most, from analysing historical sources and crafting persuasive arguments to conducting original research and presenting your ideas with confidence. And because you’re in Oxford — one of the most historically rich and politically active cities in the world — you’ll have endless opportunities to connect what you learn to the world around you.

Here’s how your learning comes to life throughout the degree:

• Research alongside experts – Get involved with the university’s Modern Political and International History Research Group, where faculty members work on topics like war, revolutions, empire, and geopolitics. You’ll learn how cutting-edge research is done — and may even contribute to it.

• Collaborative projects and real-world tasks – Your coursework won’t just be essays. You’ll work on group projects, public-facing blogs, and digital content, helping you develop teamwork, communication, and project management skills.

• Hands-on archival work and field trips – Oxford’s rich network of museums, archives, and cultural institutions becomes part of your classroom. Visits and fieldwork give you the chance to work directly with historical documents and artefacts.

• Paid summer research internships – Gain professional experience and boost your CV by working with academic staff on real research projects during the summer — an opportunity that often leads to strong references and deeper insight into academia and public sector work.

• x Digital research tools and archives – You’ll master the use of specialist databases, digital archives, and political research platforms, building skills that are directly relevant for jobs in research, policy, and media.

• x Access to world-class resources – The Brookes Library provides extensive collections, online journals, and specialist materials for historical and political study, ensuring you always have the right tools at your fingertips.

A degree in History and Politics from Oxford Brookes sets you up for a career where sharp analytical thinking, strong communication, and a deep understanding of how the past shapes today’s world are highly valued. Graduates go on to exciting roles such as Policy Analyst, Political Researcher, Public Affairs Officer, or Journalist, and many find themselves influencing decision-making, shaping public debate, or driving change in government, media, NGOs, and beyond.

Oxford Brookes is committed to helping you reach those goals, offering dedicated support and strong career outcomes:

• Careers support from day one – The university’s expert Careers Service will help you craft standout CVs, prepare for interviews, connect with employers, and navigate the job market. Even after graduation, you’ll have access to this support for up to three years.

• Strong employment prospects – Around 87% of full-time Oxford Brookes graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, and 93.2% find employment or continue their studies within six months of graduating.

• Employer connections and industry links – Through initiatives like the JobTeaser vacancy portal and on-campus recruitment events, Brookes brings employers directly to you, opening doors to internships, placements, and graduate roles in government, media, research, and non-profits.

• x Long-term value and recognition – Oxford Brookes is known for aligning its teaching with professional expectations, and its strong reputation across the humanities and social sciences makes this degree a powerful launchpad for a wide range of careers.

• Impressive graduate destinations – Alumni from this course now work in public policy, international organisations, political consultancy, education, communications, and historical research — all fields that value the ability to connect past and present.

 Further Academic Progression

Many graduates choose to deepen their expertise with postgraduate study. You could progress to a Master’s in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Historical Research, or even move into specialist areas like Political Philosophy. These advanced qualifications can pave the way to doctoral research, policy think tanks, academia, or senior roles in government and international organisations.