History and Politics

Course overview

The papers on the History and Politics degree offer a broad understanding of both subjects and the opportunity to think about their combination. All students take foundation courses in History and in Politics whilst also being able to pursue their preferred choices. The aim of the course is to enable students to explore the ways in which historical and political understanding illuminate the modern world. The degree covers a range of subjects from the history, politics, and international relations programmes. There are opportunities to study major topics across both subjects, including political science; the history of political thought; modern British, European, American and world history; conceptual issues in political science; and quantitative methods.

For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.

What is it like to study History and Politics at King’s?

History and Politics students typically have five or six hours of lectures per week, divided between the Faculty of History and Department of Politics, and roughly two weekly supervisions (an hour of one-, two- or three-to-one teaching) in College. King’s students also have some group teaching within College related to the ‘Theory and Practice in History and Politics’ Paper in their third year.

We usually take three students each year for the joint History and Politics degree.

In a typical supervision, a student will be asked to explore their understanding of that week’s subject, and be challenged on how they think about it. If it’s a week where they have submitted an essay, the supervisor would give some one-to-one feedback on that, in terms of writing and essay structure as well as subject comprehension.

What do we look for in an applicant to History and Politics?

A strong interest in and aptitude for both History and Politics and an ability to think imaginatively and constructively about the subjects taken jointly.

Requirements

A Level: A*AA with A* in History or Government and Politics 

IB: 41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level with 7 in History Higher Level or Global Politics Higher Level

Subject requirements: History or Government and Politics

Admissions assessment: None

Written work: 2 pieces

Written work

Further details about written work will be provided in due course.

Careers and graduate opportunities

History and Politics opens up opportunities in most sectors, including work in the media, the civil service, journalism, television, film, politics, think tanks, law, business, and teaching.

What is the best thing about studying History and Politics at King’s?

A long-standing tradition of thinking about the relationship between history and politics, including a commitment to the study of the history of political thought.

A top tip for applicants to History and Politics at King’s  

Show us why you are interested in History and Politics, separately and as a combined course of study. Think about how and why they might go together.