BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) History and Politics at the University of Hull is designed for curious minds who want to understand how the past has shaped today’s political world — and how political decisions will shape the future. It’s a perfect choice if you enjoy debating ideas, exploring different viewpoints, and analysing how history and power influence society today.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year gives you the essential tools to think like a historian and a political scientist. Through modules like History: Then and Now, Introduction to Political Ideologies, British Political History since 1945, and Research Methods and Ethics, you’ll learn how to interpret historical sources, understand key political ideas, and see how events of the past continue to shape governments and societies today.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge and start connecting historical change with political action. Modules such as History of Freedom, World War Tudors: Rethinking British History, Human Worlds, and Introduction to Policy-Making encourage you to examine how ideas of liberty and power evolve, how societies adapt to challenges, and how political decisions are made. You’ll also develop stronger analytical and research skills — preparing you for more independent study.

Year 3

Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll work on a major independent project or dissertation on a topic that fascinates you, applying the skills you’ve built throughout the course. Alongside this, you’ll choose advanced modules that match your interests — from contemporary political challenges to specialised areas of historical study — giving you the chance to shape your degree around your future goals.

Focus areas: British political history; political ideologies; freedom and rights; policy-making; social and cultural change

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to critically analyse political systems, interpret historical events and their impact, conduct independent research, and communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This degree opens doors to careers in government, public service, journalism, research, museums and heritage, education, and advocacy. You’ll also benefit from Hull’s prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme, which offers the chance to work alongside MPs in Westminster and gain real-world experience in politics and policy.

Reputation (employability rankings):

100% employability for UK History graduates (HESA 2021/22)
Politics ranked 2nd in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
History ranked 7th in the UK for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Hull, studying History and Politics isn’t just about reading books or writing essays — it’s about experiencing how the past shapes the present and how politics works in real life. From your first year, you’ll go beyond the classroom to work with original historical documents, explore digital research tools, visit political institutions, and even step inside the UK Parliament. Every part of the course is designed to give you the skills, confidence and experience you’ll need for your future career.

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

Work with original archives and historical sources – You’ll use the incredible collections at the Hull History Centre, which holds records dating back to 1299, and explore global issues of freedom and justice at the Wilberforce Institute, a world-leading centre for human rights research.
Intern at Westminster and experience politics firsthand – Hull’s unique parliamentary placement scheme gives you the chance to spend three months working with an MP in the House of Commons, gaining a real insider’s view of how government works.
Lead your own research projects – Modules like Research Methods and Ethics teach you how to design and run independent research, preparing you for your final-year dissertation, where you’ll investigate a topic you’re passionate about.
Collaborate and present with confidence – Through group projects, seminars, debates and presentations, you’ll build strong communication and teamwork skills that are vital in the workplace.
Explore history and politics on site – You’ll visit important heritage and political institutions such as the Blaydes Maritime Centre, deepening your understanding of how ideas and policies shape real communities.
Use cutting-edge digital tools – Access extensive online archives, research databases and specialist digital platforms used by professional historians and political researchers around the world.
Access world-class library resources – The Brynmor Jones Library, home to over a million books, journals and rare manuscripts, provides everything you need to support your studies and explore original sources.

By combining hands-on experience with academic study, Hull ensures that you graduate with more than just knowledge — you’ll leave with real skills, practical insights and the confidence to make an impact in the world of history, politics and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A History and Politics degree from Hull opens doors to an exciting range of careers where your analytical thinking, research skills, and ability to understand complex issues are highly valued. Graduates go on to work in many different fields — from shaping public policy and advising government to preserving history and telling powerful stories through media. Typical career paths include roles like policy adviser, museum or heritage curator, civil service officer, and journalist or communications specialist.

And because this degree blends historical insight with political understanding, you’ll graduate with versatile skills that employers in law, NGOs, education, and public affairs are actively looking for. Here’s how Hull helps you get there:

Dedicated career support: You’ll have access to Hull’s award-winning Careers and Employability Service, which offers one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, and connections to employers.
Real-world experience: One of the most distinctive opportunities is the three-month parliamentary placement in Westminster, giving you first-hand experience of how government and politics work at the heart of the UK.
Professional networks and facilities: You’ll use the Hull History Centre, the Wilberforce Institute, and the Brynmor Jones Library, connecting you with historians, archivists, and heritage professionals.
Excellent outcomes: Hull’s History graduates have achieved 100% employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22). Entry-level salaries in public policy, media, and heritage typically start around £25,000–£35,000, with experienced professionals earning £40,000–£60,000+ as their careers progress.
Industry links: Through partnerships with MPs, governmental departments, and cultural institutions, you’ll graduate with valuable contacts and practical experience that give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Future-proof skills: Employers value the critical thinking, research, and communication skills you’ll gain — abilities that remain in demand no matter how careers or industries evolve.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to deepen their expertise after graduation. You could pursue a master’s degree in fields such as International Relations, Public Policy, Heritage Studies, Global History, or Museum Studies, or even continue into MPhil or PhD research. Others combine this degree with postgraduate qualifications in law, public administration, or journalism to enter more specialised career paths.