History and Politics

Understanding 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.

• 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

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.

http://www.winchester.ac.uk/vl22