2026-27 entry View 2025-26 entry

History and Politics BA

School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities
School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

This degree combination equips you with the skills to flourish as both a historian and a political analyst, enabling you to develop your knowledge of critical historical events and themes. You’ll develop expertise at working with historical sources and think about how we study the past, applying this to the exciting and expansive range of periods.

  • A Levels
    AAB
  • UCAS code
    VL12
  • Duration
    3 years
  • Start date
    September
  • Course fee
  • Funding available
  • Optional placement year
  • Study abroad
  • Dual honours

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Why study this course?

    Top 10 for International relations

    The Guardian University Guide 2025.

    History Research-led Special Subject

    In your final year, explore the details of your favourite area of history in small seminar groups and with a true expert on the topic, and become a specialist in your chosen area.

    Get more out of your degree

    You’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, undertake a placement year or take part in a whole host of other global and work experiences.

    POL - Students taking notes win Elmfield lecture theatre (sociology students)

    Explore social and political events of the past in order to understand the world we live in today - and anticipate the issues of tomorrow.

    In order to better understand the current social and political climate, we must look back on events and historical actors that have shaped how people and states interact.

    Study past societies from 1000 BCE to the 21st century, exploring political, social, economic and cultural themes from around the globe – laying the historical context necessary for you to engage with the politics of the UK, EU and across the globe.

    Using case studies and exploring political theories, you’ll develop and demonstrate your views and explain what can be done to address some of the big issues affecting society today – from food poverty to climate change to free speech.

    Over three years, you’ll gain a host of transferable skills and knowledge that suit a huge range of careers – from local, national, and international government, to the charitable sector and the media.

    Dual and combined honours degrees

    History students in a seminar

    Modules

    We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

    Title: History and Politics BA course structure 2026
    UCAS code: VL12
    Years: 2026
    First year

    Core modules:

    • History Workshop
    • Thinking Historically
    • Political Analysis 1: An Introduction to Research and Scholarship
    • Thinking Politically: Key Concepts

    History optional modules:

    • The ‘Disenchantment’ of Early Modern Europe c. 1570-c.1770
    • Beyond Borders? A Deep History of the Connected World
    • The Long View - an Introduction to Archaeology

    Politics optional modules:

    • World Politics
    • Global Political Economy

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You'll learn through a mix of interactive lectures and lively discussion-based seminars.

    Research is central to the student experience here at Sheffield and all our teaching is informed by the latest findings.

    In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to take our History Special Subject module, which allows you to spend a year specialising in a historical topic that really interests you.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Our internationally renowned history tutors offer modules spanning four thousand years and criss-crossing continents – allowing you to explore great events, extraordinary documents, remarkable people, and long-lasting transformations, from the ancient period to the modern day and across the globe.

    Our politics tutors have great connections with policymakers and practitioners from various sectors. We often invite these external speakers into seminars to share their own experiences or insight on topics that you will be learning about in your modules.

    Our political expertise spans many key areas of politics and international relations, such as:

    • Brexit
    • gender politics
    • animal rights
    • environmentalism
    • populism
    • Middle East Politics.

    This research directly shapes and inspires what you're taught on all levels of our programmes.

    Assessment

    You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods. As well as traditional essays and exams, our degrees include innovative assessments where you’ll write seminar diaries and reflective work, give presentations and design online historical artefacts in mediums such as blogs, podcasts or websites.

    This broadens your experience and the wide range of transferable skills you’ll develop during your degree.

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB + B in Core Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    34; 33, with B in a history-based extended essay
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + A at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AAAAB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction, and 9 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • GCSE Maths grade 4/C

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB + B in Core Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    33
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AAABB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction, and 15 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • GCSE Maths grade 4/C

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Graduate careers

    School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities

    Our history graduates are highly skilled in research, critical reasoning and communication. You'll be able to think and write coherently, to put specific matters in a broader context, and to summarise complex ideas in a discerning and creative way.

    Our graduates have gone on to become successful lawyers, marketing executives, civil servants, accountants, management consultants, university lecturers, archivists, librarians and workers in museums, tourism and the heritage industry.

    The combination of academic excellence and personal skills developed and demonstrated in your history degree will make you stand out in an increasingly competitive graduate world.

    Companies that have employed our graduates include Accenture, Ernst and Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and DLA Piper. You'll also find our graduates in organisations ranging from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to the Imperial War Museum and the National Archives, to BBC Online and The Guardian.

    School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

    A politics degree from Sheffield can set you apart from everyone else. You'll have many opportunities across all levels of your course to add valuable work experience and transferable skills to your CV.

    Our degree programmes are designed so you can tailor your course to your own interests and career aspirations. They also provide a foundation to go on to work in a wide range of professional, political and administrative organisations across the world, in local, national, and international government, the charitable sector, education, the media, public relations, research and the private sector.

    School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities

    In the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities, we interrogate some of the most significant and pressing aspects of human life, offering new perspectives and tackling globally significant issues.

    As a history student at Sheffield, you'll develop your understanding of the past in a friendly and supportive environment.

    Our internationally-renowned tutors offer modules spanning four thousand years and criss-crossing continents - allowing you to explore great events, extraordinary documents, remarkable people, and long-lasting transformations, from the ancient period to the modern day and across the globe.

    You can tailor your course to suit you, discovering the areas of history that most inspire you most while preparing for the future you want with opportunities like studying abroad, work placements and volunteering.

    History students are based in the Jessop West building at the heart of the university campus, close to the Diamond and the Information Commons. We share our building with fellow Arts & Humanities scholars of English, East Asian Studies and Languages & Cultures.

    Facilities

    Our students get to make the most of the University's facilities across campus. Explore some of the teaching, library and social spaces you'll be able to visit as an arts and humanities student.

    School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities



    School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

    Top 10 in the UK for international relations

    Guardian University Guide 2025

    Top 10 in the UK for politics

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

    90.4% of politics and international relations graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after leaving university

    UK undergraduates, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-22

    World top 100 for both sociology and politics

    QS World University rankings by subject, 2025

    94% of our politics and international relations research is rated in the highest two categories and 98% of our sociology research is rated in the highest three categories

    Research Excellence Framework 2021

    Video featuring students from the Department of Politics and International Relations speaking about their experiences studying at University.

    We’re proud to be one of the UK’s top providers for research and teaching. Our academics are recognised internationally for their expertise, contributing to national and international policy and working alongside organisations around the world to address society’s major challenges. 

    Each brings cutting-edge research into your studies and uses their professional expertise to support your learning and development.

    During your time with us, you will

    • tackle contemporary challenges - all our courses are designed to engage with and discuss the most pressing challenges, with our research-active staff  bringing in their expertise to your learning
    • develop your own expertise - we offer a range of optional modules so you can tailor your degree to your own interests
    • receive comprehensive support - with a wide range of support available, including academic tutors and dedicated support services, you will be supported throughout your time with us and beyond
    • engage with diverse and interactive teaching - a mix of teaching formats ensures you will learn in new and innovative ways throughout your course
    • be career confident - develop key skills for the world of work and gain professional experience with placements, internships and other employability opportunities

    Our staff are based in The Wave, the home of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and across the road in Elmfield. The Wave offers the newest lecture theatres on campus, plenty of collaborative and private study spaces, and a cafe.

    Elmfield features state-of-the-art seminar rooms and a communal student room to study and socialise.  Teaching may take place across both buildings, as well as other buildings on campus which are only a short walk away.

    School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

    University rankings

    (  A world top-100 university
    QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (98th)

      Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)
    National Student Survey 2025

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      University of the Year and best for Student Life
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for Students' Union
    StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report

    Student profiles

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Placements and study abroad

    Placements

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three-year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. 

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range of transferable skills
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    There are also other opportunities to get work experience, with hands-on projects integrated into several of our academic modules. Alternatively, you can undertake a placement with a heritage or culture organisation, or join our student-led volunteering organisation History in the City and take part in activities that bring history to new audiences within the local community. All of these experiences will help you build a compelling CV.

    Study abroad

    Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

    You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Events for mature students

    Mature students can apply directly to our courses. We also offer degrees with a foundation year for mature students who are returning to education. We'd love to meet you at one of our events, open days, taster workshops or other events.

    Lifelong learning events for mature students

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Contact us

    Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

    Contacts for prospective students

    School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2026-2027

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    This degree combination equips you with the skills to flourish as both a historian and a political analyst, enabling you to develop your knowledge of critical historical events and themes. You’ll develop expertise at working with historical sources and think about how we study the past, applying this to the exciting and expansive range of periods.

    No No Yes