Enter OTP
If you’re fascinated by how the past shapes today’s world and want to understand the forces driving political change, the BA History and Politics at the University of York is a perfect fit. This joint degree combines two powerful disciplines, helping you explore big ideas about power, identity, conflict, and society while developing the analytical and research skills valued by employers everywhere.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Build your foundations
Your first year introduces you to the essential ideas, methods, and debates in both history and politics. You’ll study core modules like Political Communities in World History, Political Analysis, Arguments and Analysis, and Knowledge and Belief in World History (or Evidence and Methods) to develop your critical thinking and research skills. You can also choose options such as Introduction to Political Theory: The State, Liberty and Revolution or Introduction to International Politics: Global Hierarchies and Global Order, giving you a chance to tailor your learning from the start.
Year 2 – Deepen your expertise
In the second year, you’ll sharpen your analytical skills and prepare for your final-year dissertation. Core modules such as Historical Thinking and Theories of the State help you master the tools historians and political scientists use to interpret complex evidence. You’ll also choose four option modules across both disciplines — for example, Politics of Development, European Union Politics, or The Rising Powers in politics, and Race, Place and Health in Britain and its Empire, 1880–1960, or Empire and Cultural Exchange in Asia, 1500–1700 in history — allowing you to follow your intellectual passions.
Year 3 – Specialise and create original work.
Your final year is where you bring everything together. You’ll complete a substantial History or Politics Dissertation, carrying out independent research on a topic you care about. Alongside this, you’ll take a History Special Subject and choose advanced modules such as Governing the Global Economy, Green Politics, International Crisis Diplomacy, or Democracy and Emergency, preparing you for a wide range of career paths or further study.
Focus areas: historical change and political power, global perspectives, critical thinking, research, and analysis
Learning outcomes: conduct independent research, evaluate evidence and arguments critically, communicate complex ideas clearly, and understand global historical and political systems
Professional alignment: While the course is not linked to a specific accreditation, it’s designed in line with the expectations of careers in government, policy, research, NGOs, law, and the cultural sector.
Reputation: The University of York is ranked 3rd in the UK for research impact in History (REF 2021) and 8th in the UK for History in the Complete University Guide 2026, reflecting the outstanding quality of teaching and research you’ll benefit from.
At York, studying History and Politics is about far more than reading books and writing essays — it’s about experiencing how ideas shape societies and how historical change influences today’s political world. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to think like a historian and act like a policymaker, working hands-on with real archives, analysing primary sources, debating current issues, and even designing your own research projects. You’ll build practical skills in research, analysis, communication, and collaboration — all of which are highly valued by employers and essential for further study.
And because York blends theory with practice at every stage of the degree, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn by doing:
Access unique historical materials through the Borthwick Institute for Archives, one of the largest archive centres in the UK, and work directly with original documents.
Make full use of the JB Morrell Library and the Raymond Burton Library for Humanities Research, home to extensive collections in history, politics, and special research materials.
Take part in seminars, debates, and collaborative projects that challenge you to present arguments, think critically, and solve problems in real time.
In your second year, start shaping your independent research project by exploring topics, planning your methodology, and gathering data from historical records or political sources.
In your final year, complete an 8,000-word dissertation in either History or Politics — a major project that demonstrates your ability to conduct in-depth research from start to finish.
Choose to spend a placement year working in industry — previous students have gained experience in organisations like YouGov, government bodies, NGOs, and cultural institutions.
Broaden your global perspective with study abroad opportunities, where you can immerse yourself in different political systems and historical contexts.
Develop key research skills using digital tools, including data analysis software, digitised archives, and political databases, preparing you for the modern research landscape.
A degree in History and Politics from York opens doors to a wide range of careers where analytical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of global issues are valued. Our graduates work in government, diplomacy, NGOs, education, research, journalism, and beyond — shaping policies, leading organisations, and telling the stories that influence change. Typical career paths include Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Officer, Researcher, and Legislative Assistant.
To support your transition into the world of work, York offers tailored services and strong professional links:
Personalised career support: One-to-one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and exclusive networking events run by York’s Careers Service help you stand out in competitive job markets.
Real-world experience: You can take part in a placement year, gaining practical skills in institutions like the UK Parliament, YouGov, or leading NGOs.
Strong employability outcomes: Around 93.5% of York graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with typical starting salaries around £26,000–£28,000, rising to over £36,000 as your career progresses.
Powerful partnerships: You’ll benefit from York’s close links with public sector bodies, policy think tanks, and archival institutions like the Borthwick Institute, which all enhance your learning and employability.
Globally respected degree: As part of the Russell Group, York’s reputation and research-led teaching carry significant weight with employers across sectors.
York graduates leave equipped with the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that employers value, ready to take on roles in public policy, government, journalism, heritage, education, law, and international organisations.
Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue their studies with a Master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, Modern History, or Political Theory. Others pursue PhDs in politics or history, or branch into professional qualifications in law, public administration, diplomacy, or heritage management — building on the strong foundation provided by their York degree.
A levels AAA including an A in either History or Classical CivilisationInternational Baccalaureate 36 points including 6 in History at Higher LevelIndia Standard XII (CBSE and CISCE boards): Minimum 75% to 85% overall score - overall score accepted from best four subjects.US High School Diploma (GPA 3.2+) with three APs (5,5,4) or equivalent, or SAT 1190–1290 / ACT 24–27.IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each componentTOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each componentPolicy Analyst Political Advisor Public AffairsCommunications Officer Diplomatic Service Officer International Relations 
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University of York
