BA History and Politics

What really sets this degree apart is how much hands-on experience you’ll gain alongside your academic studies. From day one, you’re encouraged to think like a historian and a political analyst, not just a student. That means working with original archives, debating in small groups, and even stepping into real professional environments through internships and placements. By the time you graduate, you’ll have built a portfolio of practical skills that employers notice.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Internships with real impact: Through the Professional Skills module, you can swap one of your standard modules for a work placement. These can be short, part-time, or even full-time during the summer, giving you real professional experience while still earning credits.

• B-Experienced internships: Exclusive to Birmingham, this scheme offers flexible in-person, hybrid, or remote internships with funding available to cover 10- or 20-day placements. Not only do you gain experience, but you also get recognition through the Birmingham Award—a mark of employability on your CV.

• Heritage and public history opportunities: Many students get to work with museums, galleries, and archives across the West Midlands. It’s a chance to bring history and politics to life outside the classroom.

• Independent research: In your final year, you’ll write either a History or Politics dissertation. This is your chance to dive deep into a topic you care about—using primary sources, archives, and the guidance of world-class academics.

• Collaborative projects: Whether it’s group presentations, reports, or debates in seminars, much of your work is designed to strengthen teamwork, communication, and analytical skills—just like in a professional workplace.

• Global opportunities: If you do well in your first year, you can apply to spend a year abroad at one of Birmingham’s international partner universities. It’s an amazing way to broaden your perspective and experience another culture.

• Specialist facilities: You’ll learn within the Department of History and POLSIS (Political Science and International Studies), both of which offer access to extensive digital archives, study spaces, and one of the UK’s best university libraries.

Studying History and Politics at Birmingham opens doors to a wide variety of exciting careers. Our graduates go on to work in government, education, heritage, the media, and beyond. Whether you see yourself shaping public policy, preserving cultural heritage, or teaching the next generation, this degree gives you the flexibility and skills to succeed. Typical career routes include:

• Policy Advisor or Analyst in government, NGOs, or think tanks

• Heritage or Museum Officer with organisations like English Heritage or the National Trust

• Teacher or Academic in schools or universities

• Civil Service or Public Sector Professional with bodies such as the Ministry of Justice

And the progression opportunities don’t stop there:

• Dedicated Career Support – Birmingham’s Careers Network helps you every step of the way, from CV writing to interview practice, as well as connecting you with internships and mentoring opportunities.

• Top Employer Recognition – The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked the UK’s most targeted university by leading graduate employers, so recruiters know and trust the value of your degree.

• Strong Graduate Outcomes – Around 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Politics graduates from Birmingham earn a median salary of about £28,000 soon after graduation, rising to £34,500 within five years.

• Real-World Connections – Through our Professional Skills module and placements, you’ll gain practical experience with partners like Historic England, the BBC, the Ministry of Justice, and national heritage bodies.

• Russell Group Reputation – A degree from a globally respected university means your qualification holds long-term value, wherever your career takes you.

Further Academic Progression

If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree also sets you up perfectly for postgraduate options. Many students go on to pursue:

• Master’s degrees in International Relations, Public Policy, Heritage Studies, or Global History

• PhDs in History, Politics, or related research fields

• Professional pathways, such as teacher training (PGCE), law conversion courses, or journalism programmes

In short, this programme doesn’t just give you a degree — it gives you a launchpad for an ambitious and rewarding future.

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