Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad (BA)

At Southampton, learning history and politics isn’t just about reading books — it’s about experiencing the real world behind the theories. From handling original historical documents to debating political ideas in different cultural contexts, this degree is built around hands-on opportunities that make your studies feel alive. You’ll work with artefacts, explore archives, visit museums, and even spend a year abroad to deepen your understanding of how history and politics shape societies around the world. Along the way, you’ll build the kind of practical skills — from research and analysis to intercultural communication — that employers are looking for.

Here’s how Southampton helps you turn theory into real experience:

• Explore original sources and artefacts: Dive into Southampton’s rich historical archives and collections, working with primary documents that bring the past to life and sharpen your research skills.

• Learn beyond the classroom: Many modules include guided visits to museums, archives, and heritage sites, helping you connect historical and political ideas to real-world examples.

• World-class libraries and resources: The renowned Hartley Library and specialist collections give you access to political science materials, rare historical texts, and digital research tools to support your projects.

• Global experience with a year abroad: Spend your third year studying at one of Southampton’s international partner universities — building cross-cultural understanding, expanding your network, and seeing politics and history from a different perspective.

• Real-world placements: Optional work placements and year-in-employment opportunities let you apply your skills in policy, research, NGOs, government, or heritage sectors, giving you a head start in your career.

• International exchange options: Take advantage of study-abroad programmes across Europe, Asia, the US, and Australia to gain a truly global education.

A degree in Modern History and Politics with a Year Abroad from Southampton opens doors to a wide range of exciting and impactful careers. Graduates often go on to shape policy, influence public opinion, and work at the heart of decision-making — whether that’s in government, international organisations, media, or research. Typical career paths include becoming a policy analyst, diplomatic officer, political consultant, or editor and researcher for think tanks and media outlets.

What makes Southampton stand out is how strongly it prepares you for life after university. You’re not left to figure things out alone — there’s dedicated support every step of the way:

• Personalised career support: The Careers, Employability & Student Enterprise team offers one-to-one guidance, CV reviews, mock interviews, employer networking events, and support finding work placements.

• Practical experience: You can boost your employability through the Year in Employment scheme, where you spend a year working in a professional environment before you graduate.

• Skills built into your degree: Special modules focused on career planning, real-world applications, and guest talks from alumni and employers help you develop the skills employers want.

• Industry and institutional connections: Southampton works closely with public bodies, NGOs, think tanks, and campaign organisations. This means your learning is always relevant to the world you’ll step into.

• Impressive graduate outcomes: Around 97% of Southampton graduates go on to work or further study soon after finishing their degree. Politics and History graduates typically earn about £22,600 in their first year, rising to around £36,900 within five years.

• Employer recognition: Southampton is ranked among the top 10 UK universities most targeted by employers, reflecting the strong reputation of its graduates.

Your career options are as diverse as your interests. Many alumni join the civil service, work in international policy organisations, move into journalism and public affairs, or lead campaigns and research projects. Others take on roles in education, heritage, or cultural management — and some even launch their own ventures, supported by Southampton’s Futureworlds start-up incubator.

 Further Academic Progression

If you’re thinking about continuing your studies, this degree provides an excellent foundation. Many graduates progress to master’s degrees in areas like International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, Global Governance, or History. If research excites you, you could also pursue a PhD and contribute to academic work that shapes real-world policy.

Some students choose specialised postgraduate training for government, diplomacy, or law, while others combine advanced study with fellowships or research roles at think tanks and NGOs — all of which open doors to leadership and high-impact roles around the world.