Politics and History

Politics and history complement each other so naturally that studying both in a combined degree requires less justification than choosing only one. Modern politics is in many ways a reflection of yesterday's political decisions, and understanding the present requires knowing how the past unfolded, which institutions were built and why, which ideologies emerged from historical conflict, and how the decisions of previous generations constrain the choices available today. Politics and history together provide both the analytical frameworks for understanding power and institutions and the historical depth to contextualise them.

At Brunel University London, this three-year full-time programme develops your political and historical analytical skills in parallel, covering political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and British politics alongside historical periods and themes that illuminate the forces shaping the contemporary world. You will develop the ability to analyse evidence, construct arguments, and write clearly about complex political and historical situations. A year abroad is built into the programme, giving you the experience of studying in a different national and academic context.

Entry typically requires around 104 UCAS tariff points.

Politics and history graduates work in government, the civil service, political parties, parliament, think tanks, journalism, international organisations, law, education, and a wide range of roles where analytical thinking about political and historical questions is valued. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in politics, history, international relations, or law, or pursue careers in policy, public affairs, or research.