BA (Hons) History and Politics – 5 Years (Foundation + Sandwich Placement)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how the world got to where it is today — and how people, movements, and decisions continue to shape it — this degree is the perfect fit for you. The BA (Hons) History and Politics at Portsmouth lets you explore major world events, political systems, and social transformations while building the critical thinking and communication skills that employers value most.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
Your foundation year is all about getting ready for success at university. You’ll build confidence in writing, research, and analysis through modules like Interactive Learning Skills and Communication, ICT Skills, and Introduction to Politics and International Relations. By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to dive into your degree with a strong academic base.

Year 1
You’ll begin exploring the big ideas that connect history and politics — from revolutions and democracy to identity and power. Modules such as Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond and Discovering World Histories: Peoples and Places introduce you to the forces that have shaped societies across time and place. You’ll also develop the research and analytical skills that form the backbone of your degree.

Year 2
This is where your studies become more focused and hands-on. You’ll choose from exciting modules like US Politics, Empire and Its Afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa, or Religion and Politics in Global Perspective. You’ll learn to question power structures, explore global challenges, and understand how history and politics intertwine in today’s world.

Placement or Study Abroad Year
Take your learning beyond the classroom by working for a year in a real-world setting or studying overseas. Past students have interned with local councils, NGOs, heritage organisations, and international institutions — gaining valuable experience that sets them apart after graduation.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together in a major research project or dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about. You might explore themes like Transitional Justice and Human Rights or The European Union: A Global Power in the Making?. You’ll graduate as an independent thinker who can analyse complex issues and communicate ideas with clarity and confidence.

Focus Areas: Revolutions, global migration, social justice, political systems, historical change, and global governance.
Learning Outcomes: Develop critical thinking, independent research, and persuasive communication; learn to connect historical insight with real-world policy and social challenges.
Professional Alignment: Includes a structured placement or study-abroad year supported by the University’s Placement and Internship Centre, designed to help you apply classroom learning to practical experience.
Reputation: Portsmouth is ranked the #1 modern UK university for research quality in Area Studies (REF 2021) and has a growing international reputation for social sciences and humanities research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, learning History and Politics goes far beyond reading books or listening to lectures — it’s about seeing how the world really works. You’ll gain practical experience through field trips, interactive projects, professional placements, and hands-on research. Every activity is designed to help you apply what you learn in real settings, develop confidence, and build the career skills employers look for.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:

Field trips that make history come alive: Visit historic and political landmarks such as the National Museum of the Royal Navy, The D-Day Story Museum, and even the UK Houses of Parliament. These experiences let you see political decision-making and historical impact where they actually happened.
Model United Nations simulation: Step into the role of a global diplomat and debate world issues in a simulated UN forum. It’s a fun, challenging way to learn negotiation, teamwork, and persuasive communication — the same skills valued in international careers.
Professional placement year: Take an optional paid or self-directed placement through Portsmouth’s Connected Degree structure. You could work with museums, charities, local councils, or international organisations, applying your academic knowledge to meaningful real-world projects.
Access to research expertise: Learn from staff who are part of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) — one of the UK’s top research centres in global history, politics, and international studies.
Modern learning environment: Enjoy access to one of the most highly rated university libraries in the UK, 24/7 digital resources, and collaborative learning spaces designed to support independent research and group work.

These experiences ensure that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand the world — you’ll have already started shaping it.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing the BA (Hons) History and Politics (5 Years – Sandwich with Foundation Year and Work Placement) at the University of Portsmouth means you won’t just study how the world works — you’ll experience it first-hand. This pathway gives you a year to build academic confidence, followed by in-depth study, and a professional placement that connects your learning to the real world.

You’ll graduate with a strong combination of critical thinking, research, and communication skills — the kind that open doors to careers in government, education, journalism, heritage, and beyond.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you build your future step by step:

Career support that lasts: Get expert guidance from the University’s Careers and Employability Service throughout your degree and for up to five years after graduation, helping you secure placements, internships, and graduate roles.
Work placement advantage: During your sandwich year, you’ll have the chance to take a paid or self-directed placement, applying your skills in real professional environments like museums, NGOs, law firms, or government offices.
Impressive outcomes: 90% of Portsmouth graduates from similar Politics degrees are in work or further study within 15 months, earning an average salary of around £30,000.
Strong employer links: Students have previously gained experience with organisations such as the House of Commons, Ministry of Defence, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, gaining insight into how political systems and history intersect in practice.
Learning that mirrors real careers: Your coursework includes writing policy papers, research reports, and other projects that reflect professional practice in government and consultancy.
Graduate roles: Alumni from this program have moved into positions such as policy researcher, museum curator, communications officer, civil servant, and political consultant — both in the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this five-year program, you can continue your academic journey with a Master’s degree in Politics, History, International Relations, or Public Policy, or even pursue doctoral research. Many students also branch into professional fields such as law, education, or journalism, where their analytical and writing skills are in high demand.