History and Politics BA (Hons)

History and Politics at Loughborough isn’t just about studying the past or debating political theory — it’s about learning through experience. From day one, you’ll engage with real historical sources, debate big political ideas, and work on projects that mirror the kind of challenges you’ll face in the real world. The course is designed to build your confidence, sharpen your analytical skills, and give you hands-on experience that employers value.

Alongside your classes, you’ll have opportunities to step outside the classroom and apply what you’re learning in practical ways:

• Placement year opportunities – Spend a year working in government, media, research, or public service roles, building your professional network and gaining valuable experience.

• Study abroad – Live and study in another country to deepen your understanding of different political systems and historical contexts.

• Collaborative seminars and projects – Debate key issues, present research findings, and work closely with classmates on real-world political and historical case studies.

• Independent dissertation – Undertake a major research project in your final year, exploring a topic that excites you and developing advanced research and writing skills.

• Access to world-class resources – Use the Pilkington Library’s extensive archives, rare collections, and digital databases to support your studies.

• Close support from experts – Learn directly from leading historians and political scientists whose cutting-edge research shapes the modules you study.

A History and Politics degree from Loughborough opens doors to an exciting range of careers. Employers love graduates from this programme because you’ll leave with strong research skills, the ability to think critically, and a deep understanding of how history shapes today’s political decisions. Many students go on to shape change in society — working in government, public policy, journalism, diplomacy, research, and beyond. Typical career paths include policy advisor, diplomatic service officer, journalist, or public affairs consultant.

And here’s why Loughborough sets you up for success:

• Dedicated career support: You’ll get access to the Careers Network, where experts help you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers. Plus, you’ll have support from a School Placement Officer to secure a placement year, which often leads directly to graduate job offers.

• Impressive graduate outcomes: Around 86.3% of Loughborough graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with Politics graduates typically earning around £27,500 early in their careers and rising to over £33,000 in more senior roles.

• Industry connections that matter: Students have completed placements with major organisations like Volkswagen, IBM, PwC, Sky, and National Grid, gaining real-world experience that employers value.

• A degree with weight: Loughborough is consistently ranked among the Top 15 universities in the UK for History and Politics, and the skills you gain — from analysing complex data to writing with clarity and impact — are highly transferable across sectors.

• Diverse career destinations: Graduates step into roles such as teacher, researcher, journalist, consultant, analyst, communications specialist, and more — in government, NGOs, media, education, and business.

Further Academic Progression

After your BA, you’ll have plenty of options to continue your academic journey. Many graduates choose to deepen their expertise with a Master’s degree in areas like International Relations, Public Policy, Global Governance, or Security Studies. Others pursue research degrees (MPhil or PhD) to enter academia or policy think tanks. You can also add a professional edge with postgraduate qualifications in law, public administration, or media — opening even more doors in government, diplomacy, and the private sector.