BA Politics and Modern History

Studying Politics and Modern History at Manchester isn’t just about sitting in lecture halls — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and really getting involved in the subject. You’ll be encouraged to dig into archives, explore world-class libraries, and work on projects that feel genuinely connected to today’s issues. The city itself becomes part of your classroom, with museums, cultural centres, and political history on your doorstep. Along the way, you’ll build the kind of skills — research, analysis, communication — that employers really notice.

Here’s where the hands-on experience comes in:

• Work placements – You can spend a year working with an organisation that excites you, putting what you’ve studied into practice and making valuable connections for the future.

• Study abroad – Fancy a semester overseas? Manchester has partners all over the world — from the US and Canada to Europe, Australia, and Asia.

• Independent research – From your second year, you’ll work closely with a supervisor on a research project that you design yourself. And in your final year, you’ll take on a dissertation, diving deep into a topic you care about.

• Learning that’s interactive – It’s not just lectures. You’ll take part in tutorials, group discussions, online seminars, and collaborative projects that keep you engaged.

• Different ways to shine – Assessments aren’t one-size-fits-all; you’ll do essays, reports, presentations, and even online contributions, all of which help sharpen your skills in different directions.

• Unrivalled resources – As a Manchester student, you’ll get access to treasures like the John Rylands Library, the People’s History Museum, the Working-Class Movement Library, and even University-owned gems like the Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Museum.

• Community and networks – You can join student societies like the Politics and Modern History Society or the History Society, go on trips, attend guest lectures, and even get published in The Manchester Historian magazine.

• Careers support – From internships and volunteering to alumni events and mentoring, you’ll have loads of opportunities to get career-ready long before graduation.

Manchester gives you the freedom to explore what you love, while supporting you with incredible facilities and experiences that prepare you for whatever comes next.

Studying Politics and Modern History at Manchester opens up a huge range of possibilities once you graduate. Employers know Manchester students bring sharp analytical skills, clear communication, and the confidence to tackle complex issues. That’s why our graduates go on to roles with organisations like the BBC, KPMG, the Civil Service, and leading NGOs.

Typical career paths include:

• Working as a policy advisor or researcher, helping to shape decisions in government or think tanks.

• Roles in heritage, education, or museums, where you bring history to life for new audiences.

• Media and journalism, using your research and storytelling skills in print, broadcast, or digital outlets.

• Careers in public affairs, communications, or NGOs, making an impact on the issues that matter most.

And here’s how we help you get there:

• The Careers Service is on hand throughout your degree and for two years after, with tailored advice, skills workshops, and employer events.

• You’ll benefit from Manchester’s reputation—we’re the second most targeted university in the UK by top graduate employers (High Fliers 2024).

• Strong links with organisations like the BBC, KPMG, Deloitte, Accenture, Barclays, and Marks & Spencer mean your degree is connected to real opportunities.

• Your qualification carries weight: Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students, so your degree holds long-term value wherever your career takes you.

• Our graduates go on to succeed in fields from teaching and academia to finance, law, PR, media, and the charity sector—proving just how versatile this degree is.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to keep studying after their BA, either to specialise further or to prepare for a specific career path. You could:

• Stay on for a master’s or PhD in politics, history, international relations, or public policy.

• Train to teach through a PGCE.

• Take a law conversion course if you’re interested in a legal career.

• Explore specialist postgraduate routes in areas like communications, archival studies, or international development.