BA (Hons) History and Politics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about understanding how the past shapes the present and want to explore how political power influences our world, Hull’s BA (Hons) History and Politics is the perfect choice. This dynamic degree blends two complementary subjects, helping you make sense of historical change while also analysing the political systems, ideologies, and decisions that shape societies today.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Foundations
Your first year introduces you to the essential tools and ideas in both disciplines. Through modules like History: Then and Now, Introduction to Political Ideologies, and Introduction to Policy-Making, you’ll learn how historians interpret events and how political thinkers influence change. Studying topics such as British Political History since 1945 and Human Worlds gives you a solid grounding in how historical forces and political decisions are deeply connected.

Year 2 – Deepening Your Knowledge
In second year, you’ll start exploring more complex debates and specialised topics. Modules such as British Government and History of Freedom allow you to investigate how political institutions function and how key ideas about liberty have evolved over time. You’ll sharpen your analytical and research skills, examine how policies are shaped, and begin tailoring your studies to match your interests and career goals.

Year 3 – Specialising and Creating Your Own Path
Your final year is all about independence and expertise. You’ll undertake a major Final Year Project or dissertation, bringing together your skills in research, critical thinking, and communication. Optional modules let you specialise in areas like British politics, international relations, or comparative history. You’ll also have the chance to apply your learning in the real world through placements — including the University’s renowned three-month Westminster internship scheme.

Focus areas: “Historical change and continuity; political institutions and ideologies; policy-making and governance; research and critical analysis”

Learning outcomes: “By graduation, you’ll know how to interpret historical evidence, construct persuasive political arguments, evaluate complex ideas, conduct independent research, and communicate insights clearly and confidently.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While the degree is not tied to a specific accrediting body, its strong links with government, research, and public service — including the highly regarded Westminster internship — make it an ideal stepping stone into policy, journalism, public affairs, law, and related fields.

Reputation (employability rankings):

100% of History graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Politics at Hull ranks 2nd in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025).
History is ranked 7th in the UK for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2025, HEIs only).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Hull, studying History and Politics is about far more than lectures and essays — it’s about learning by doing. From the very start of your degree, you’ll explore how the past shapes the present and how political decisions are made in real life. You’ll work with original historical documents, debate contemporary political issues, take part in group projects, and even spend time in Westminster or local government settings. All of this helps you build practical skills in research, analysis, communication, and problem-solving — the skills employers and postgraduate programmes look for.

Here’s how your learning goes beyond the classroom:

Parliamentary Internship Opportunities – Gain first-hand political experience with a three-month placement in the UK Parliament, working directly with an MP and seeing how government operates from the inside. There are also opportunities to work with local councils, NGOs, and policy organisations.
Access to World-Class Archives – Explore rare historical records dating back to 1299 at the Hull History Centre, and use them for original research projects.
Specialist Research Institutes – Engage with groundbreaking work at the Wilberforce Institute, a global centre for studying slavery, human rights, and social justice, and connect historical study to modern-day challenges.
Cutting-Edge Digital Resources – Make use of the Brynmor Jones Library, with over a million books, journals, and online databases, plus rare book collections and access to major digital archives worldwide.
Hands-On Research Training – Develop your own historical or political research project from scratch through the Research Methods and Ethics module, leading up to an independent dissertation in your final year.
Group Projects and Debates – Build collaboration and communication skills through interactive seminars, group work, and presentations on real policy challenges and historical debates.
Field Visits and Real-World Context – Explore political institutions and historical sites on organised field trips, helping you connect theory with real-world practice and decision-making.

With opportunities like these, you’ll graduate with far more than just a degree — you’ll have a portfolio of practical experiences, research skills, and professional insights that set you apart in any career path.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in History and Politics from Hull opens doors to an exciting range of careers in government, public service, research, media, and beyond. You’ll graduate with the analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers look for, along with real-world experience from placements and research projects. Many of our graduates go on to become policy analysts, civil servants, political researchers, museum or heritage officers, or work in journalism, education, NGOs, and international organisations.

Here’s how Hull helps you turn your degree into a successful career:

Dedicated career support: Hull’s Student Futures team offers tailored one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, interview coaching, and access to the Handshake platform connecting you directly with employers and graduate opportunities.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 95% of Hull graduates are working or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, and 76% secure graduate-level roles.
Industry and government links: Benefit from exclusive opportunities like a three-month parliamentary placement with an MP, as well as internships with councils, NGOs, and policy think tanks. The Humber Internship Programme and partnerships with local heritage organisations also give you direct access to real-world experience.
Long-term career value: The skills you build — from research and critical thinking to communication and policy analysis — are highly transferable, giving you flexibility to work in many different sectors.
Graduate destinations: Alumni have gone on to roles in government departments, international organisations, museums and archives, political consultancies, media outlets, and research institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue their studies after graduation. You could progress to a master’s degree in areas such as International Relations, Public Policy, Diplomacy, Global History, or Heritage and Museum Studies. If research is your passion, Hull also offers opportunities to pursue a PhD in History, Politics, or related fields, supported by its dedicated Postgraduate Training Scheme. You can even use your degree as a stepping stone into professional conversion courses, including pathways into law or public administration.