History and Politics, BA Hons
Our history and politics degree offers an in-depth introduction to history and politics in a setting with a rich historical and political heritage.
This degree in history and politics introduces you to the study of contemporary and historical political theory and practice. Our innovative modules explore race, gender, violence, political systems and international development. You'll examine questions such as 'what do democracy, power and freedom mean?' and 'how did people come to the vote the way they do?'
You'll study five hundred years of British, European and global history in a historic location that offers easy access to important museum and library collections in London. You'll also be able to boost your future career prospects with a work placement in the political/policy, heritage, cultural or education sector.
UCAS points
112 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
VL12 G BA/HisPol
Location
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 4 years sandwich
Start month
September
Home* /international fees 2025/26
£9,535 /£17,500
What you should know about this course
* The Department for Education has indicated that it intends to raise the Home tuition fee limit from £9,250 to £9,535 for 2025/26.
What you will study
About the course team
The History and Politics and International Relations teams are all experts in their fields, leading the design and delivery of the innovative modules they teach. Many are active researchers in the areas that they teach in, as well as holding either a postgraduate teaching qualification, or fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE).
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- 112 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE and all other qualifications with UCAS Tariff points.
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C and GCSE English Language/Literature at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
Contextual Admissions
- We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions Policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
For more information, call us on 020 8331 9000. You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
For entry: applicants with non-traditional qualifications or appropriate professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from modules of this degree.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
The typical student intake for single honours History is around 20 students per year.
Core modules involve students on both single and combined honours History courses (35-45 students on average). Optional modules usually have smaller class sizes of around 20-30 students. This can vary if modules are available for more than one degree.
Lecture and workshop sessions are usually attended by all those registered on the module, while seminars usually involve smaller groups to enable discussion. This can vary for modules which are listed in more than one degree course.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled teaching sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to independent study. Each module involves further reading, research and reflection, as well as time spent preparing for classwork, assessed coursework and examinations. This is around 8-10 hours per module per week, some of which may take place outside of teaching terms.
You can use Stockwell Street library and online resources to support further reading and research.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend additional support classes in some modules
- Attend guest lectures from subject, business and industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Overall workload
Your overall workload will consist of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc.), independent learning, assessments, and field trips.
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job (approx. 40 hours per week). For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 50 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 250 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please use our contact form.
Official statistics on Discover Uni
Full time
Part time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home* | £9,535 | £2,384 per 30 credits | N/A |
| International | £17,500 | £4,375 per 30 credits | N/A |
* The Department for Education has indicated that it intends to raise the Home tuition fee limit from £9,250 to £9,535 for 2025/26.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Trips: The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some may be free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Resources: Course texts and other study resources are available from our Stockwell Street Library, but you may wish to purchase your own copies.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
This course can be taken in sandwich mode, which means you can take a year to work in industry between your second and final years of study. Sandwich placements are relevant to your degree subject and are paid roles. It is the very best way of preparing you for successfully finding a job quickly when you graduate.
You will also have the option to select a module for which you will be required to undertake a short-term placement. The module will be assessed on your reflection on this placement and how you can apply your knowledge to the workplace. Many placements are found through our network of industry contacts, and students are supported in securing these.
How long is my placement?
Sandwich placements last for between 9-13 months. Work-based learning module placements are normally one day a week for either one or two terms depending on the number of credits available from the module.
What are the financial arrangements?
Sandwich placements are paid roles whereas work-based learning module placements are normally unpaid.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
The skills you acquire through studying our courses will prepare you for careers in a wide range of industries and jobs.
Graduates of this course have gone on to careers in research, teaching, administration, central and local government, librarianship and information services, museums and heritage management. Others have pursued careers in media and communications, publishing, the voluntary sector, the National Health Service, and business.
Some of these career options may require further study.
Are internships available?
Students are encouraged to take up Summer internships during the Summer holidays, though it is up to the student to find them. Support is available to students from the Employability and Careers Service when applying for placements and internships.
Do you provide employability services?
Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build you industry knowledge and networks.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
History at the University of Greenwich
Immerse yourself in the past in an inspiring and historic setting – a royal birthplace and UNESCO World Heritage Site – and learn from our experienced history subject specialists.
Visit our history degrees page.
The Greenwich campus' fascinating history
A tale of royalty, famous architects, sailors, beer and… even a little jousting! Find out about some of amazing history of the campus and it surroundings.
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