History and Politics, MA

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how the past shapes today’s world and want to understand the forces behind political decisions, this joint degree is the perfect fit. The MA in History and Politics at Aberdeen blends two powerful disciplines, helping you explore how historical events influence political systems — and how politics, in turn, shapes history.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year sets the stage with the core tools and ideas you’ll build on throughout the degree. In Making History (HI1027), you’ll learn how historians work with evidence, sources, and conflicting interpretations. Alongside this, Democracy and Governance (PI1018) introduces you to the foundations of political systems, and Power and Conflict (PI1518) explores how authority is exercised and challenged in a global context. Together, these courses give you a strong grounding in how history and politics connect.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into political thought and global issues. Ideas and Ideologies (PI2009) takes you through the major political theories that have shaped societies, while Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508) examines real-world power imbalances and justice across nations. You’ll also choose from a range of history modules, allowing you to explore specific periods or themes and sharpen your skills in interpreting historical evidence.

Year 3
By third year, you’ll be ready to specialise and think more critically. Thinking History (HI356J) challenges you to reflect on how history is written and the assumptions behind historical narratives. In Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084), you’ll learn how to conduct rigorous political research — a skill essential for your final-year dissertation and many career paths. You can also tailor your learning with optional modules such as International Security (IR3518), Human Rights in Global Politics (PI3572), or Memory and Politics of the Past (PI3570).

Year 4 (Honours Year)
Your final year is all about applying everything you’ve learned. You’ll study advanced topics like International Terrorism and Counterterrorism (PI3567) and choose from specialist history modules such as Enlightenment Compared (HI4003) or History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (HI4025). The highlight is your independent research project or dissertation (PI4071 / HI4516), where you’ll investigate a topic you’re passionate about and showcase your analytical skills.

Focus areas:
Historical analysis and interpretation, political theory and ideologies, global politics and security, human rights and conflict, memory and identity.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate able to think critically about historical events and political systems, conduct independent research, analyse complex evidence, and connect past events to today’s global challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While not a professionally accredited degree, this programme equips you with the analytical, research, and communication skills valued in government, policy, diplomacy, journalism, education, heritage, and beyond.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Aberdeen is ranked among the world’s top 200 universities (QS 2025) and is known for excellence in both history and politics. Its strong employer links and dedicated Careers and Employability Service ensure that graduates are well-prepared for life after university.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying History and Politics at Aberdeen is much more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about learning by doing. From your very first year, you’ll have opportunities to step into the role of a historian and political analyst, using the same tools, archives, and methods professionals rely on. You’ll explore original manuscripts, analyse government policy documents, work with digital research platforms, and even collaborate on real projects that connect historical understanding with today’s global issues. All of this happens within Aberdeen’s outstanding facilities, such as the state-of-the-art Sir Duncan Rice Library and its world-class archives, and through partnerships with leading research centres and institutes.

Here’s how that hands-on experience comes to life throughout your degree:

“History in Practice” (HI4518) lets you step beyond theory and work on projects linked to museums, archives, and the heritage sector — a chance to apply what you’ve learned to real-world contexts.
Group projects and simulated policy debates in Politics and International Relations modules sharpen your teamwork, communication, and critical-thinking skills — all vital for careers in government, diplomacy, and NGOs.
You’ll work directly with Aberdeen’s special collections and manuscript archives, gaining experience handling primary historical sources and developing research skills that employers value.
The Sir Duncan Rice Library, with more than a million books, 300,000+ e-books, and powerful digital research tools, is your base for in-depth historical and political investigation.
You’ll connect with the university’s renowned research centres and institutes, such as the Centre for History & Philosophy of Science and the Research Institute of Irish & Scottish Studies, where students often attend lectures, join workshops, and even contribute to live research projects.
Guest talks, policy workshops, and occasional field visits give you insight into how political theory and historical analysis are applied in real decision-making and public discourse.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A History and Politics degree from Aberdeen opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Because you’ll graduate with strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of how societies evolve, and the ability to interpret complex information, employers across many sectors actively seek out graduates like you. Whether you want to shape public policy, preserve cultural heritage, work in media, or contribute to international organisations, this degree sets you up for success in roles such as policy analyst, heritage and museum curator, journalist or communications officer, or researcher in government, NGOs, or think tanks.

Here’s how the University of Aberdeen supports your career journey and what you can expect after graduation:

Dedicated career support: The university’s Careers and Employability Service helps you from day one with personalised career advice, CV and interview workshops, and networking events. Through MyCareerHub, you can connect directly with employers and access exclusive job opportunities.
Excellent outcomes: Around 95% of graduates from this programme are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Competitive salaries: Graduates typically earn around £25,000 within the first year after graduation, with many quickly progressing into higher-level roles.
Industry and employer links: Regular careers fairs, employer events, and guest lectures connect you with professionals from government, media, heritage organisations, and international agencies.
Skills with lasting value: While the degree isn’t tied to a single accreditation, the critical thinking, research, and communication skills you’ll gain are highly transferable and valued across multiple industries.
Real-world impact: Many graduates build successful careers in public policy, journalism, education, heritage, and international relations, while others pursue postgraduate research and academic paths.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re passionate about going further, you’ll have excellent options to continue your studies. Many students progress to postgraduate degrees like MA/MSc in Politics and International Relations, History, Public Policy, or International Development, and some choose to pursue PhD research to move into academia or high-level policy and research roles.