History and Politics

Studying both history and politics together gives you a very wide range of modules to choose from. We teach social, cultural, and political history from the early modern period through to the present day, focusing in particular on the British Isles, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and India. You’ll use primary sources from the very beginning of your studies, and analyse various kinds of historical evidence, including written and oral materials, maps, visual images, feature films, art, and music. You’ll consider how the use of sources and media representation inform our reconstructions of the past. You will reflect critically on key debates in history, looking at how they have developed over time, and how they have shaped our understanding of the world. Politics confronts the big issues that affect societies the world over. You’ll get an overview of the British political system as well as examining some of the most complex problems faced by humanity and the ideas that underpin them. The MA degree means you study Politics alongside other subjects from History to Geography, languages to Psychology. At Levels 3 and 4 you will be able to specialise. Our current teaching includes optional modules on Russian, Irish, and Middle Eastern politics, nations and nationalism, political theories, and on human rights and humanitarian intervention. Topics such as illegal drugs, gender and sexuality, environmental sustainability, and surveillance are also covered.