BA Politics with History

At Loughborough, studying History and Politics is about far more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about immersing yourself in real-world debates, hands-on projects, and professional experiences that prepare you for life beyond university. From your very first year, you’ll explore ideas in small, interactive seminars, work on research projects that tackle real political questions, and join events where you can question MPs, policymakers, and historians face-to-face.

You’ll also have the chance to take your learning beyond the classroom — through placements, study abroad, research initiatives, and access to specialist facilities that bring history and politics to life. Here’s how that happens in practice:

• Professional placement year: Spend a year working in government, media, NGOs, or public service. It’s a powerful way to apply your skills, grow your network, and graduate with real experience on your CV.

• Study abroad opportunities: Experience how politics and history play out in a different country by spending a semester or year at one of Loughborough’s global partner universities.

• Guest lectures and live debates: Attend talks and Q&A sessions with MPs, diplomats, academics, and experts — a chance to see how theory connects with real policy and decision-making.

• Research hubs and specialist groups: Get involved with initiatives like the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) or join research groups focused on security, public policy, or political philosophy.

• World-class library and archives: The Pilkington Library gives you access to vast historical archives, journals, and digital resources, with dedicated study spaces designed for deep research.

• Collaborative learning spaces: Purpose-built seminar rooms, computer labs, and shared workspaces in the Morag Bell Building support group projects, workshops, and digital research activities.

All of this means you won’t just graduate with knowledge — you’ll leave with the practical skills, professional confidence, and real-world experience that employers look for.

A History and Politics degree from Loughborough opens doors to an incredible range of careers where analytical thinking, research, and communication skills are valued. Our graduates go on to work in fields like policy and public affairs, journalism and media, diplomacy and international relations, and heritage and cultural management — shaping the world in meaningful ways.

And we don’t just leave your future to chance — everything here is designed to help you succeed:

• Career support from day one: Loughborough’s award-winning Careers Network offers one-to-one coaching, tailored workshops, employer events, and help with internships and graduate roles — all designed specifically to support Humanities and Social Sciences students.

• Outstanding graduate outcomes: Around 90% of graduates are working or pursuing further study within 15 months. Politics and History graduates typically earn around £27,500 soon after graduation, rising to about £29,000 within three years.

• Strong industry links: You’ll have the chance to take a professional placement year, with past students working at major organisations like Microsoft, IBM, Warner Bros, Liverpool FC, IUCN, and Aldi — experiences that help your CV stand out.

• A degree with long-term value: Even though it’s not a professionally accredited program, the combination of two powerful disciplines, Loughborough’s global reputation, and hands-on experience make you highly attractive to employers across sectors.

• Graduate success stories: Many alumni progress into high-level roles in government, think tanks, NGOs, education, and media, with skills that translate into leadership and research-focused careers.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your academic journey, this degree is an excellent foundation for a Master’s or PhD in areas like International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Security Studies, or History. Many graduates go on to join prestigious postgraduate programs in the UK and beyond, often supported by Loughborough’s strong research culture and academic networks.