History and Politics BA (Hons)

University of Birmingham

If you want to understand the past to prepare for your future in a changing world, studying History is the way forward. A knowledge of politics helps you to understand what governments do, shedding light on how some of history’s pivotal events were motivated by the political leaders of the day.

Whatever your interests - whether cultural, social, military, political, economic or religious history - there is someone in the department teaching your kind of history. Moreover, historians in other departments in the University expand the range of courses on offer, notably in the fields of Byzantine and African history.

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) has a broad expertise covering all areas of Political Science allowing you to learn from true specialists, with long-established strengths in the fields of political theory, European politics, international relations theory, security studies, diplomatic studies, political sociology, political economy, environmental politics, Pacific Asian politics and British politics.

Both fields of study help you to acquire important analytical and research skills in your degree. You will be investigating unfamiliar territory throughout your course questioning some of the prevailing myths, preconceptions and prejudices that surround history from the Middle Ages to the present day as well as learning about campaigns, elections, protest movements, policy issues and political ideas.

Employability

As a History and Politics student you will have an excellent opportunity to develop skills that are attractive to employers, including:

• Strong communication skills
• A deep understanding of the past
• The ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information
• Leadership and teamwork
• Handling complex information
• The ability to form concise and articulate arguments
• Managing your time and prioritising your workload