BA (Hons) in History and Politics with Placement Year, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This four-year, full-time degree immerses you in the interconnected worlds of history and politics, helping you understand how the past shapes current global challenges. Students explore diverse historical periods and geographic regions, engaging with expert academics from the Department of History and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. The course emphasizes interpreting the past through core modules like 'From Medieval to Modern' and 'Interpreting the Past', alongside optional modules covering topics such as imperial violence and modern political thought. There are also opportunities for internships, placements, and studying abroad, designed to prepare you for careers across heritage, government, research, and beyond. The program features a strong emphasis on critical skills, real-world issues, and active engagement with historical and political debates, all within a vibrant learning environment supported by Lancaster’s extensive resources.

Why this course is highly recommended

If you're passionate about understanding how history informs present-day politics, this course is an excellent choice. Lancaster’s strong research reputation, especially in politics (ranked 2nd in the UK for Research Power in REF2021), coupled with the opportunity for a placement year, makes it a practical and engaging program. The course offers accessible, expert-led modules covering a broad spectrum of topics from the Roman Empire to modern global affairs, all supported by the university’s vibrant campus, museums, archives, and the historic city of Lancaster itself. The chance to undertake real-world placements, study abroad, and attend talks at research centers like the Richardson Institute further enhances your career readiness and academic development.

Specialisation

This course combines the disciplines of history and politics, allowing students to specialise by choosing from a wide range of optional modules tailored to their interests. Students can focus on particular historical periods, geographic areas, or themes such as international relations, environmental history, or political theory. The option for a placement year further allows for practical experience in heritage sectors, government agencies, or other relevant fields. By interweaving history and politics, the program offers a comprehensive understanding of how past events influence contemporary issues, providing students with a multidimensional perspective that can be tailored to their future career aspirations.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have A-level grades of AAB, with specific entry requirements for other qualifications like the IB (35 points overall, with 16 from the best three HL subjects) or equivalent. English language proficiency requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. The course does not specify specific GCSE requirements but considers GCSE profiles as part of the application process. Additional qualification pathways include Access to HE Diplomas, BTECs, Scottish Highers, T levels, and other equivalent credentials, with specific subject and grade criteria specified for each.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates of this program are equipped with critical analysis, research, and communication skills that prepare them for diverse careers in sectors such as local or central government, civil service, research, teaching, publishing, journalism, and museums or heritage organizations. The inclusion of a placement year helps build professional networks and work experience, increasing employability. Many alumni pursue postgraduate studies, indicating pathways into academia or specialist roles in policy, international relations, or cultural sectors. The flexible skillset developed also opens doors to careers in business, marketing, and public sector consultancy.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for this course?

The typical A-level offer is AAB. Other qualifications like IB, BTECs, and Scottish Highers are also accepted with specific condition requirements. IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component, is required for non-native English speakers.

What opportunities are there for work placements or studying abroad?

The course includes a placement year, which takes place between the second and final year, supporting students to gain real-world experience. Study abroad options are also available, allowing students to study overseas for a year. Lancaster provides dedicated support for both opportunities.