History and Politics (Hons) Lancaster University

Overview

The History and Politics (Hons) course from Lancaster University equips you with a thorough knowledge of the political conditions of the past – as well as insight into the factors that will shape the future.

The programme prepares you for a wide range of careers, from government and policy, business and consultancy, to journalism, media, and the heritage industry.

Through seminars and workshops, you’ll get hands-on training in source and data analysis, in critiquing interpretations and in how to craft arguments. You’ll learn through interactive and collaborative sessions such as policy labs, and simulations including mock select committees, citizens assembly and Prime Minister's Questions, applying your knowledge to real-world political challenges such as the growing rise of conspiracy theories and the politics of enacting net-zero.You’ll be supported to build your skills in conveying your work effectively across a range of mediums, from essays that present deep research and analysis to policy briefs, podcasts, reflective diaries, blogs, and policy memo and evaluation.

Throughout your studies on the BA History and Politics, you'll develop strong analytical and research skills – you’ll become an expert in evaluating and marshalling bodies of evidence, formulating arguments, and communicating them clearly.

Career opportunities:

The course equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a wide range of careers. The combination of historical awareness and nuanced understanding of the political process will prepare you for roles in public policy, international relations, journalism, education think tanks, charities, the civil service, journalism, political organizations, consultancy and beyond.

You will receive structured support in identifying the career fields that you wish to explore, in making contacts in these areas, and in presenting the skills you have developed at Lancaster to your future employers.

To stand out when you graduate, you can also apply for one of the internships offered every year by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies. These are research projects in external organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities and faith-based organisations.

Some of the careers our graduates have chosen include:

• Journalism and media – reporting on social, political, and economic issues, and analysing global events and their impacts.
• Museum and Heritage Industry – curating exhibitions, educating the public on historical and cultural heritage, and promoting conservation and historical research.
• Civil Service and Government – working at different levels of government policymaking, shaping local, national and international strategies.
• Business management and consultancy – advising organizations on strategy, growth, and efficiency, and helping companies adapt to emerging global challenges and trends.

Many of our students take their exploration of history to the next level by continuing with postgraduate studies.