Politics and Modern History BA (Hons)

Our Politics and Modern History degree scheme concentrates on recent history and politics and places the study of political ideas and institutions in the context of an understanding of historical development. It combines the expertise of political scientists and historians in an integrated course structure that allows you considerable latitude in the choice of modules. Teaching will be shared between the Department of International Politics and the Department of History and Welsh History, both of which have established notable reputations for teaching and research in their respective fields. You will be taught in a department that was founded in 1919 after the end of World War I, and it’s the world’s first university department of International Politics. You will be inspired by lecturers who are enthusiastic, committed to providing you with an outstanding, innovative and dynamic learning environment.The Department of International Politics is regarded as world-leading and internationally excellent, and we are the best in Wales with our pioneering Research (REF 2014). We have one of the biggest libraries in the world, the National Library of Wales, on our doorstep. This copyright institution receives a copy of every book published in the UK. Employability is embedded across our teaching. We teach our students to aim for the career they want, not the job that they can get.The Department operates a prestigious Parliamentary Placement scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time, you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues. The Department is also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball. Graduates from our department have pursued careers in: + The Civil Service;+ Security Service; + Government Research department; + Public Affairs; Education; + Social Research.