History and Politics of the Americas

The Americas occupy a central place in modern world history, yet the region is often poorly served by degree programmes that focus primarily on European or Asian perspectives. The history and politics of the Americas encompass two continents of extraordinary diversity, from the pre-colonial civilisations of Mesoamerica and the Andes to the founding of modern democratic states, from the legacies of slavery and colonialism to the Cold War interventions that shaped so many national trajectories in the twentieth century. Studying the region through both a historical and a political lens gives you the depth to understand these complex dynamics rather than merely describe them.

At University College London, this three-year degree draws on the expertise of one of the UK's leading university departments for the study of the Americas. You will study the history of North, Central, and South America across a range of periods and themes, working with primary sources and historical scholarship to understand the past on its own terms. The politics strand gives you the theoretical tools of political science, including comparative politics, international relations, and political economy, and applies them to the region's contemporary governments, social movements, and international relationships.

The two disciplines reinforce each other, with historical understanding grounding political analysis and political frameworks giving historical inquiry renewed purpose.

Graduates pursue careers in international affairs, diplomacy, journalism, and policy work focused on the Americas or on comparative international questions. The civil service, the foreign office, and international organisations draw graduates with regional expertise combined with political and historical analysis skills. Journalism and media roles covering Latin American or North American affairs are a natural fit.

Academic research and teaching, particularly at the postgraduate level, draw those who want to develop specialist expertise in the region. Work in development organisations, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations focused on the Americas provides further opportunities.