History and Politics

Engage with the most pressing questions and challenges of politics in a globalising world and learn about its many connections with the past with Swansea’s BA in History and Politics.

The Department of History, Heritage and Classic’s expertise covers a wide range of periods and subjects, from Ancient Mediterranean Empires to Europe’s medieval Crusades in the Middle East to the rise and fall of modern dictatorships. Our Lecturers in Politics, Philosophy and International relations will guide your study of contemporary politics and the forces that shape and drive it in the UK and world-wide.

At every stage of the course, you’ll take core modules that will give you a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Alongside these, you can choose from optional modules that connect to different themes, letting you shape your own pathway based on what interests you most. This mix of structure and flexibility creates an inclusive learning environment where you can follow your passions and tailor your ambitions.

Why History and Politics at Swansea?

Based at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, our History and Politics course at Swansea University is highly regarded by students and employers.

You’ll be taught by staff with expertise in British, European, and American history, from the middle ages to the modern day, on topics including gender, sexuality, and inequalities; heritage and history in the workplace; medicine, health, and disability; and war, violence, and peace.

You can study the past outside of the lecture hall and the library, through field trips and study trip modules, and apply your knowledge in a work placement. You can choose to spend a semester abroad with one of our many partners in Asia or North America.

Your History and Politics Experience

We offer an inclusive, student-focused learning environment and community. Modules are delivered and assessed in a variety of different ways and you will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning, to work independently as well as with others, to act professionally, and to master new skills.

The three-year structure of the degree is designed to facilitate progression and development across the levels of study. The optional modules give you the chance to shape your skillset, deepen your knowledge and practice communicating research results to a range of audiences.

Throughout your course you will have a Personal Tutor to support you in meeting your goals. The student-led History Society, which organises social events and cultural activities, is one of the many societies you’ll have access to as a student here at Swansea.

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)

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Austria, France, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, USA, Canada, or Hong Kong, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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

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
• The Practice of History
• The History of Political Thought

Your third 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