History and Politics BA (Hons) (sandwich with work placement)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) History and Politics (4 Years Sandwich with Work Placement) at the University of Portsmouth is perfect for students who want to understand how the past shapes the present and future. You’ll explore how revolutions, social movements, and political systems have influenced the modern world — combining analytical thinking from history with real-world political understanding, all while gaining professional experience through a dedicated placement year.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Foundations
Your first year introduces you to key ideas and events that shaped global history and politics. You’ll study modules such as Discovering World Histories: Peoples and Places, Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, and Revolutions and Activism: History and Politics. These courses will sharpen your ability to think critically about social and political change while developing core academic and research skills.

Year 2 – Deepening Your Perspective
In your second year, you’ll explore specialized topics such as A History of US Foreign Policy: From the Great War to 9/11, Ideology and Politics, and Empires and Aftermaths. You’ll also have the opportunity to focus on themes like democracy, globalization, and human rights, building the expertise needed to understand contemporary political challenges.

Placement Year – Real-World Experience
During your third year, you’ll complete a paid or voluntary work placement — a valuable opportunity to apply your knowledge in a professional setting. Many students work with local councils, media organizations, heritage institutions, or NGOs. This year helps you build practical experience, career connections, and confidence before your final year.

Year 3 – Specialization and Independent Research
Your final year focuses on advanced study and independent research. You’ll complete a major project or dissertation under expert supervision and choose from modules such as Transitional Justice and Human Rights, Security Challenges in the Twenty-First Century, or The Politics of Global Inequality. This final stage allows you to demonstrate critical thinking and research skills that employers and graduate schools value highly.

Focus Areas

“Interdisciplinary study of history and politics; social movements, migration, inequality, revolutions, empire-legacies, modern governance, global justice, and public policy.”

Learning Outcomes

“Gain the ability to evaluate historical and political evidence, construct persuasive arguments, conduct independent research, and apply insights to global and societal challenges. Graduates leave with strong analytical, writing, and communication skills suited for careers in government, media, NGOs, law, and education.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is designed with the University’s strong employability agenda in mind. The placement year provides real industry exposure and professional development support from the Careers and Employability Service, ensuring you graduate with both academic and practical experience. Although not accredited by a statutory body, it aligns closely with professional skills frameworks valued by employers in the public and private sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

94% of Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
The University holds a 5-Star QS Stars rating for employability.
Ranked #1 among modern UK universities for research quality in Area Studies (REF 2021).
Excellent reputation for teaching, research, and industry connections in history, politics, and social sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, studying History and Politics isn’t confined to lecture halls — it’s about stepping into the real world to experience how power, culture, and history connect. You’ll gain hands-on skills through work placements, research projects, field trips, and interactive simulations that make your studies come alive. The University’s strong ties with local heritage institutions, archives, and public organisations give you countless opportunities to explore your interests beyond textbooks.

To make this learning journey even more engaging, here’s how the experience unfolds:

Work Placement Year: Spend a full year working with an organisation such as a museum, local government office, charity, or heritage trust. Many students have joined the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth City Council, and NGOs, applying their analytical and communication skills in real professional settings.
Field Trips and Site Visits: Learn history where it happened — explore places like the Historic Dockyard, The D-Day Story Museum, and even the UK Parliament, linking classroom theory with living history.
Model United Nations Simulation: Step into the shoes of diplomats and policymakers by debating international issues in a UN-style setting — a unique opportunity to sharpen negotiation, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Research and Archival Experience: Access rich historical collections through the Portsmouth History Centre and local archives, using primary sources to build original arguments and projects.
Digital and Library Resources: Benefit from the University’s advanced library system and online databases, including dedicated research tools for history and politics, plus 24/7 study spaces designed for collaboration and independent research.
Global Skill Development: Learn a new language such as French, Arabic, Spanish, or Japanese through the University’s Global Languages Programme, enhancing your cultural literacy and international outlook.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA (Hons) History and Politics from Portsmouth opens doors to a wide range of meaningful and influential careers. You’ll leave with the ability to analyse evidence, construct persuasive arguments, and understand the social and political forces shaping our world — skills that employers truly value. Graduates have gone on to work in fields such as public service, media, policy research, and heritage management, holding roles like policy officer, museum curator, political analyst, and charity project coordinator.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you turn your degree into a successful career:

Personalised career guidance: Access one-to-one support from the Careers and Employability Service, including mock interviews, placement preparation, and tailored career coaching.
Built-in work experience: The sandwich placement year gives you a chance to gain hands-on experience in organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, the House of Commons, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 90% of Portsmouth graduates from this subject area are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Competitive earnings: Graduates report a median salary of £23,000 within the first year, rising to around £28,500 after five years.
National recognition: The University holds a QS 5-Star rating for employability and is ranked #1 among modern UK universities for research quality in Area Studies (REF 2021).
Practical professional growth: Through volunteering, community engagement projects, and the Global Languages Programme, you’ll graduate with global awareness and a professional edge.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your undergraduate degree, you can advance into postgraduate study in History, International Relations, Politics, or Public Policy — or even pursue research at PhD level. Many graduates also progress into teaching, law, or civil service training schemes, building on the critical-thinking and analytical foundation developed at Portsmouth.