History and Politics

History and politics at the London School of Economics is a rigorous and demanding combination that examines the inseparable relationship between historical processes and political structures, ideologies and change. Politics asks fundamental questions about how power is distributed and exercised, how governments are organised and legitimated, and what political ideas have shaped the modern world. History provides the temporal depth and evidential rigour to understand where political institutions come from, how they have evolved and what their consequences have been for different societies.

Studied together at LSE, they constitute one of the most intellectually challenging programmes available in the social sciences.

This three-year programme delves into political concepts and theories, compares political phenomena in different cultures and countries, and addresses theoretical questions about the political landscape, both past and present. You will develop rigorous analytical skills in both historical research and political analysis, building the ability to construct sustained arguments from complex evidence and to engage with competing interpretations of political change and continuity. A year abroad is part of the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at an internationally recognised partner institution and broaden your academic and political perspective.

Graduates from history and politics at LSE are among the most sought-after in the graduate jobs market. The civil service, diplomacy, international organisations, political parties, journalism, law, finance, consulting, think tanks and academia are all common destinations. The analytical, research and communication skills developed through the programme are valued across the public, private and third sectors, and LSE's reputation means that graduates carry one of the most recognised credentials available in the social sciences.

Postgraduate study in politics, history, international relations, law or public policy is a well-supported and common next step.