BA (Hons) HISTORY AND POLITICS
BA (HONS) HISTORY AND POLITICS
Explore the relationships between contemporary politics and the history of the modern world as you learn from world experts, debating the very latest research and topics. On this degree, you will learn to analyse carefully, to make well informed and well-reasoned decisions, and to argue persuasively. You’ll also learn to challenge received wisdom, and develop different views, thoughtfully and respectfully. Above all, the joint study of these complementary disciplines will allow you to hone your skills of critical thinking.
Taught jointly between the School of History and the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, you’ll get to experience the best of what both have to offer. Academics who teach both subjects are at the forefront of research: in the Times Higher Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Analysis, UEA was ranked 3rd overall in the UK for research quality in History and 14th for research quality in Politics and International Studies.
Our BA History and Politics is ranked 10th for History by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
About
Our History and Politics BA is the perfect course for anyone who’s interested in the way history and politics affect one another. It’s an exciting opportunity to study history within a political context. What, for example, is the historical background to political notions of gender, class, and race? How has this fed into our understanding of modern society from issues of racial discrimination to class privilege, and gendered ‘norms’?
Your degree will be taught by experienced and internationally renowned academics. Our modules are inspired by their research interests and expertise, putting you at the forefront of the historical and political debate. As the structure of the degree is very flexible, you can choose your preferred balance between history and politics in your second and final years – tailoring your learning to your interests!
You’ll gain a foundation in the history of various nations, which will enable you to understand better the complexities of global politics and diplomacy today. You’ll have the chance to investigate the political motivations of those who held power in the past and those who hold power today. And you’ll be able to take a long view on some of the most influential and important current debates.

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
As a degree student within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities you’ll be given the option to spend a semester abroad in your second year, selecting from a broad range of partner institutions.
Your time abroad will be an invaluable academic and cultural experience, one that many students consider to be the highlight of their time at university. You’ll develop skills that you’ll use throughout your career, which are coveted by employers.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees
After the Course
History and Politics graduates have the world at their feet. As well as your subject-specific skills and knowledge, you will develop a range of transferable skills and qualities, including communication skills, team working, leadership, self-management, and sophisticated digital literacy. Such attributes open up a wide variety of professions and careers.
Our graduates have a proven track record of moving onto a wide and interesting range of careers, such as law, finance, local government and administration, the heritage and tourism sector, the civil service, political lobbying, non-governmental organisations, teaching, think-tanks, and many more besides. Or you could further your research by going on to postgraduate study.
Career destinations
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
- Public Relations
- Political lobbying
- Museums and heritage industries
- Teaching
- Finance
- The Civil Service
- Postgraduate Study

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees
Assessment for Year 1
In your first year, your History modules will be assessed by a mixture of essays, presentations, and document commentaries. In Politics, you might write essays, critical summaries, or reading logs. You’ll gain experience and confidence with these assessments, without them counting to your final degree.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff. You’ll also receive feedback on final assessments, which will be tailored to your learning needs.
Assessment for Year 2
In your second year, your History work will continue to be assessed through essays, presentations, and document commentaries, while in Politics, as well as written coursework, you might take modules involving assessment by giving presentations, completing group projects, or writing policy briefs or select committee submissions. In each module, you’ll have a chance to test your skills and receive feedback from your tutors through practice assessments (also known as formative work), which can take a variety of forms, such as presentations, reviews, and historical source analyses. You’ll continue to receive detailed feedback on your work and be encouraged to benefit from the support of your tutors in their office hours.
Assessment for Year 3
Your final year History modules will be assessed through coursework and document work, along with examinations and an extended essay on your specialist subject. In Politics you’ll continue to be assessed in a diverse array of forms. Your final degree result will be determined by the marks you receive in years 2 and 3. All the feedback you’ll continue to receive will enable you to deepen your understanding of both your subjects and to graduate with a host of flexible skills valued by employers.
Assessment for Year 1
In your first year, your History modules will be assessed by a mixture of essays, presentations, and document commentaries. In Politics, you might write essays, critical summaries, or reading logs. You’ll gain experience and confidence with these assessments, without them counting to your final degree.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from tutors on your practice assignments to help you improve your work before your final formal or ‘summative’ assignments. And we’ll strongly encourage you to discuss your feedback with academic staff. You’ll also receive feedback on final assessments, which will be tailored to your learning needs.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
In your second year, your History work will continue to be assessed through essays, presentations, and document commentaries, while in Politics, as well as written coursework, you might take modules involving assessment by giving presentations, completing group projects, or writing policy briefs or select committee submissions. In each module, you’ll have a chance to test your skills and receive feedback from your tutors through practice assessments (also known as formative work), which can take a variety of forms, such as presentations, reviews, and historical source analyses. You’ll continue to receive detailed feedback on your work and be encouraged to benefit from the support of your tutors in their office hours.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
Your final year History modules will be assessed through coursework and document work, along with examinations and an extended essay on your specialist subject. In Politics you’ll continue to be assessed in a diverse array of forms. Your final degree result will be determined by the marks you receive in years 2 and 3. All the feedback you’ll continue to receive will enable you to deepen your understanding of both your subjects and to graduate with a host of flexible skills valued by employers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including History, or one of the essay-based subjects listed below: Ancient History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, English Literature, History of Art, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Film Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Geography. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.T Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2023 entry.BTEC
DDM alongside grade B in one of the essay-based subjects listed below: Ancient History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, English Literature, History of Art, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Film Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Geography.Scottish highers
AAABB including History or a related subjectScottish highers advanced
BCC including History or a related subjectIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including History or a related subjectAccess course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in History.European Baccalaureate
75% including 7 in History or a related subjectInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including HL5 in History or a related subjectGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
The cost of individual field trips will vary, and all such trips are optional.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
How to apply through UCAS
We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees

We’re 14th for research quality!

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Exploring Independence

How rupture with mainland Europe caused Britain to falter for hundreds of years

Placeless People

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees
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