History/Politics

History and politics are disciplines that illuminate each other in particularly productive ways. History provides the empirical depth and long-term perspective needed to understand how political systems, ideologies, and institutions develop and change over time, while politics provides the analytical concepts and theoretical frameworks to make sense of the forces driving historical change. Together, they equip you to engage seriously with how the world has come to be as it is and with the political processes that continue to shape it.

At the University of Glasgow, this part-time combined degree draws on exceptional research strengths in both departments. You will engage with history across a wide range from medieval to modern times and across global geography, with teaching informed by research expertise spanning Scottish, British, European, US, and global history, as well as specialisms in slavery studies, gender history, and war, intelligence, and genocide studies. The politics component develops your analytical understanding of comparative politics, political theory, and contemporary political life.

A year abroad is available, giving you the opportunity to study in a different academic and political culture and to engage with historical and political questions from a different national vantage point.

History and politics graduates carry skills that are in demand across a wide range of careers: the ability to analyse evidence, construct arguments, understand context and complexity, and communicate clearly. Many go on to careers in the civil service, journalism, law, public affairs, think tanks, education, international organisations, and politics itself. The combination is also a strong foundation for postgraduate study in history, political science, international relations, public policy, or law.