COURSE CURRICULUM

The History and Politics BA provides a comprehensive education in both historical study and political analysis, equipping students with the skills to understand past events and contemporary political processes. In the first year, students build a foundational understanding through core modules such as History Workshop, Thinking Historically, Political Analysis 1, and Thinking Politically, while optional modules allow exploration of topics like early modern Europe, archaeology, world politics, and global political economy. This year develops critical thinking, research skills, and a broad understanding of historical and political frameworks. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through core modules including Political Analysis 2, Political Theory in Practice, and History and the Public, while continuing to explore history and politics through optional modules covering subjects such as the 1973 coup in Chile, Chinese politics, migration, and autocracies and democracies. This year emphasises empirical research, source analysis, and the application of theory to real-world cases. In the third year, students specialise in their areas of interest, completing a short dissertation and a research project. Optional modules enable further exploration of topics such as global culture wars, political leadership ethics, and historical case studies ranging from Renaissance Italy to modern social transformations. The degree equips students with analytical, research, and critical skills suitable for careers in government, international relations, policy analysis, and research.