History and Politics with a Year Abroad

"This four-year degree enables you to build the skills valued by employers across a range of sectors, while exploring the human condition from the middle ages to the present.

History and Politics explores how historical events directly influence global politics.

Your studies will span medieval, early modern and modern periods, covering British, Welsh, European, American and World history and politics.

Across this course you can choose from wide ranging themes and modules. These include studies in gender, heritage, political thought and political institutions, medicine, health and disability, war, violence and peace. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in your final year.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park Campus overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, Swansea is a perfect gateway to the medieval past. Within a short journey are magnificent castles such as Pembroke and Manorbier, as well as medieval churches and fortresses in the Gower.

The third year will give you the opportunity to travel abroad for a year, immersing yourself in a new culture. Later studies are shaped by modules around your specific historical interest and a substantial dissertation project. A range of work placement programmes throughout the course are available to help prepare you for graduate life.

Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment of academics, students and visiting scholars. Students are also involved in wider university clubs and societies including the History Society and Politics and International Relations Society, both of which organise social events and cultural activities.

You will develop effective oral and writing skills through presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and analysis skills. Our Graduates go on to work in a wide range of sectors including education, media and public relations, heritage and museums, business and management, law, and public services.

Politics at Swansea is ranked:
Top 10 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Top 10 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)

History at Swansea is ranked:
Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)

"Your first year will include a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, with examples of compulsory modules from recent years including:
• American History and Politics
• Politics and the People
• Introduction to American Literature and Culture

Your second year will include a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, with examples of compulsory modules from recent years including:
• The State and Political Institutions
• Globalisation
• The History of Political Thought

Year third year is spent studying abroad at a partner institution.

Your fourth and final year is mostly made up of optional modules, allowing you to shape your own learning. Module choices can include:
• Monarchy: Ancient and Medieval
• History on Screen: Television, Cinema and Gaming
• Capitalism and Justice

Your final year will also include a compulsory independent dissertation project.

For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/history/ba-history-politics

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:

• Source Analysis
• Debate
• Presentations (solo & group)

Throughout your undergraduate BA History degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/history/ba-history-politics/
or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk