History and Politics

History and politics are disciplines that illuminate each other in particularly productive ways. History provides the archive of human experience, the record of how societies have changed, how power has been organised and challenged, and how the events of the past have shaped the present. Politics analyses the structures, ideologies, and processes through which power is exercised today, asking how governments work, how decisions are made, and why political outcomes take the forms they do.

Studied together, they allow you to trace the roots of current political arrangements, to understand change over time, and to move between the analytical frameworks of both disciplines.

At Queen Mary University of London, this four-year, full-time joint honours degree is taught by experts from the School of History and the School of Politics and International Relations, giving you access to specialist knowledge across both fields. You will engage with archival and documentary sources alongside the theoretical and empirical methods of political science, developing strong skills in research, critical reading, and the construction of evidence-based arguments. A typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the academic standard expected of students entering this programme at a competitive research university.

Graduates of history and politics degrees find their skills valued across a wide range of careers. Common destinations include roles in the civil service, government and public policy, political parties, journalism and broadcasting, international organisations, law, think tanks, public affairs, and diplomacy. The combination of historical awareness and political analytical ability is also valued in research institutions, heritage organisations, and the third sector.

Postgraduate study in history, politics, international relations, or a related field is a frequent next step for those seeking to specialise or pursue research and academic careers.