History and Politics
VL22Understanding the past is crucial to facing the political challenges of the future. Our History and Politics degree challenges you to interpret the history of societies and political cultures critically and imaginatively. Studying these two complementary subjects together will not only help you understand how the world works, but why it works this way.
Course overview
This versatile programme examines compelling global issues such as the world economy, religions, environmentalism and international relations, covering Britain, Western Europe, the USA, Eastern Europe and East Asia.
As well gaining a firm academic grounding in the workings of history and politics, you select modules from a stimulating range of global concerns and historic periods. The course culminates in a written project, bringing together the skills you will have acquired over your three years of study.
In Year 1, you assess a variety of historical periods and cultures around the world, including Asia, Europe and America. Politics topics include international relations and security, political philosophies and political economy. You also examine contemporary issues in global studies such as America’s role as a hegemonic power and current and future challenges to its preeminence.
In Year 2 you cover Political Leadership and can choose from a range of optional modules covering topics such as Liberty and Extremism and Middle Eastern Politics. You also have the option of completing a work placement to boost your employability skills and professional network.
Study in Year 3 is more in depth. You complete a supervised dissertation of 8,000 to 10,000 words on a topic which interests you and you also complete a Depth Study in History. You have a fascinating range of optional modules to choose from which cover topics from Russian Foreign Policy through to History on Screen.
History and Politics students develop a range of transferable skills which can be applied to a variety of rewarding careers. These skills include: effective research methods, clarity of expression, critical thinking and the capacity for argument and debate. Our graduates go on to pursue careers in heritage and museums, politics, journalism, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), charities, interest groups and lobbying, consultancy, the civil and foreign service and teaching.
Some of our graduates go on to postgraduate study at Winchester or elsewhere; there is a clear pathway from graduation to two University of Winchester Masters courses, History and Politics and International Relations.
Find out more about Winchester's School of History, Archaeology and Philosophy and the Department of Social Sciences.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
On campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
VL22
Typical offer
104 -120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Develop an informed awareness of the contemporary world and a clear understanding of the historical roots of its ideas and challenges, as well as its social, economic and political structures
- Develop a range of transferable skills such as effective research methods, clarity of expression, critical thinking and the capacity for argument and debate, that you can apply to a variety of rewarding careers
- Optional work placement module boosts your career prospects and professional network
- Visit and engage with historic and political sites and communities, both nationally and internationally; fields trips have included Washington DC and Auschwitz
Course details
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
- Independent learning: 1008 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
- Independent learning: 996 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 168 hours
- Independent learning: 1032 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Teaching Hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
- 72% coursework
- 25% written exams
- 3% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
- 79% coursework
- 13% written exams
- 8% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
- 85% coursework
- 15% written exams
- 0% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
Module description to follow
This module introduces significant themes, theoretical perspectives and concepts in Political Studies, and aims to develop an initial understanding of the methodologies and practices of the discipline where it comes into contact with related subject areas such as international relations, economics, the environment, race and religion. This module covers the theory and practice of politics in terms of examining different political systems such as representative, parliamentary democracy, authoritarianism and global governance, the role of interest groups, public policy, human rights, security studies, international economic relations, geopolitics, and global challenges to give a grounding in how political processes work. This will focus on the theoretical frameworks that underpin political institutions and international relations.
Students will become familiar with contemporary geopolitical contexts within the framework of the ordering of the world in the post-1945 environment. The module traces superpower relations and issues during the Cold War, the post-Cold War political developments and the world as shaped by the consequences of 9/11. An underlying theme of the module is to introduce a central Global Political Studies programme theme, namely a world that, while still dominated by the USA, is undergoing an era of uncertainty. The module aims to describe political phenomena in their historical and social contexts as a framework with which to understand political actors and their behaviour in, for example, decision making.
This module identifies and raises awareness of key concepts, themes and theories of Global Political Studies such as realism, liberalism, Marxism, environmentalism, conservatism and nationalism and their derivatives. The module examines the philosophical underpinnings of differing systems of government by looking at ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, communism and socialism that originated in the Western world and comparing and contrasting systems of government elsewhere in the world where such beliefs have been used, adapted or rejected.
Key texts look at key political thinkers from classical times through the Enlightenment to the present day (indicatively Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Smith, Burke, Marx and Engels, Gramsci, Marcuse, Hayek, Habermas, Fanon) in order to examine such issues as power, justice, order, war, legitimacy, accountability, sovereignty and other issues of concern to the practice of politics and government at country specific, regional and local levels.
Modules
Module descriptor to follow
Module descriptor to follow
History in Practice
Middle Eastern and North African Politics
Liberty and Extremism
Work Placement
Gender, Sexual Violence and Politics
Modules
In consultation with a member of academic staff, students select an appropriate area of investigation. In 8,000-10,000 words, students must engage with their chosen topic using critical methodologies, evidence and argument. The topic chosen must be one which relates to the subject matter of the programme and which permits the demonstration of independent research, study and reflection.
Module description to follow
Resource competition and development in the Global South
US Foreign Policy
Russian Foreign Policy
Histories on Screen
History and Heritage
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSEs are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023.
2025 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Core texts
Multiple copies of core text are held within the library and ebooks are identified where possible, however some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Core texts can be bought second hand, or as ebook which can often reduce the cost. Indicative cost is £150 per academic year.
Field trips
Students will have the option to attend a week-long History field trip in Year 2. Costs will vary depending on location, however indicative cost based on previous trips, overseas trips have cost between £300 and £700.
Travel
Students working on dissertations in Year 3 as full-time students may incur costs (mainly travel) of visiting archives, dependent upon the specific nature of the dissertation and availability of online resources for a specific subject. This would typically involve either travel to a local archive (for example Southampton, Portsmouth or further afield if the student chooses to study a locality away from Winchester) or a national archive, usually in London (for example The National Archives, the British Library or Women's Library). The cost varies depending on the individual student's research project.
Placement and volunteering
The optional Work Placement module consists of approximately 12 visits and students are required to cover the cost of travel to their placement.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates pursue careers working in museums and heritage sites and seek employment working in civil and foreign service or local, regional and national Government, charities, lobbyists and think- tanks.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 25 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
“My degree has helped me in what I want to achieve next, not just the course content but the skills I learnt, such as debating, learning to compromise and working with other people while listening to their opinions and experiences.”
