BA (Hons) History and Politics Bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham
BA (Hons) History and Politics at University of Nottingham combines historical analysis with political study, drawing on the university's research-intensive tradition.
About this course
They both explore the nature of power over time and provide critical insights into the world today. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) History and Politics is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Nottingham. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Politics graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for History, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 11 modules
- Introduction to Political TheoryCore
Module details
Dive into the world of political thought with this module. Explore the ideas of famous political thinkers and see how their concepts shape today's politics. You'll discuss key political ideas and historical events, making connections between past and present.
- Understanding Global PoliticsCore
Module details
Get to grips with the big questions in international politics and the theories that explain them. You'll explore both traditional and modern approaches to understanding global issues, providing a solid foundation for further study in international relations.
- British Constitution in CrisisCore
Module details
Examine the structure and significance of the British constitution in the face of recent crises. Topics include parliamentary sovereignty, devolution and the UK's evolving relationship with Europe. You'll explore these issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
- Discovering HistoryCore
Module details
Discover the skills you need to thrive as a history student and get the most out of your degree. This core module is designed to support your transition from school to university, equipping you with the confidence and tools needed for more independent, advanced work in your second year and beyond. You will: challenge and refine your ideas about what history is and why it matters develop effective learning strategies that help you track your progress and continually strengthen your skills complet
- Becoming a Historian 1Optional
Module details
Set yourself up for success in your first year as a historian. This module gives you the skills, confidence and perspective you need to make the most of university-level history. You'll learn how to connect ideas across your degree, reflect on your progress, and develop as an independent, critical thinker. You will: see how your history degree fits together by making connections across topics, periods, and approaches learn how historians think, research, and debate the past and what it really me
- Becoming a Historian 2Optional
Module details
Take your next step as a historian in the second semester of your first year. This module helps you sharpen your skills, reflect on how far you've come and think more deeply about what history is and why it matters. You'll build confidence as an independent learner while developing the tools you need for the next stage of your degree. You will explore: the connections between key themes and concepts across your history modules, helping you see the bigger picture how your understanding of history
- Exploring the Early Modern World c. 1500-1800Optional
Module details
How did the world change between 1500 and 1800 - and why does it matter? This 'explorations' module dives into the dramatic political, social and cultural transformations that shaped the early modern world in Europe and far beyond. From empire-building and religious upheaval to war, work and everyday life, you'll explore how power was challenged, identities were reshaped and societies were remade. Key themes include: the rise of new empires and their global consequences religious conflict and th
- Exploring the Medieval World, c. 500-1500Optional
Module details
What shaped the medieval world, and how did it evolve over a thousand years? This 'explorations' module takes you on a journey through a millennium of medieval history, exploring how societies were built, challenged and transformed. From kings and empires to everyday life, belief and identity, you'll discover a world that was dynamic, diverse and constantly changing. You will explore: how power worked in the medieval world, from kingdoms and empires to local rule and how these systems changed ov
- Exploring the Modern World c. 1800-2000Optional
Module details
Explore the ideas, events and movements that transformed the modern world. This 'explorations' module takes you on a fast-moving journey through the dramatic changes that reshaped society and culture between 1800 and 2000. You'll explore a period marked by innovation, conflict, protest and global connection, laying the foundations of today's world. You will explore: new ideas and game-changing technologies that transformed how people lived, worked and communicated political upheaval, war and rev
- Arts Engaged in HealthOptional10 credits
Module details
How can the arts help us think about health and cope with illness? What can the arts contribute to healthcare practice and policy? You will explore big questions like these, looking at how the arts can engage with the crucial issues in health today and build a better vision of health for the future. We will cover major themes including: Representing health - look critically at representations of good and poor health, found in politics, religion, art, film, literature, and philosophy. Mental heal
- Data, Culture and SocietyOptional10 credits
Module details
We live in a data-driven society. Information is used for everything from predicting our shopping habits, to understanding global weather patterns, and has radically changed our world. From the development of Artificial Intelligence to robotics and the use of 'big data', the capture and use of information is essential in modern society. To make sure these developments help solve problems, and are not used for harm, we need the arts and humanities to set boundaries and ask questions. You will: Ex
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines history and politics to explore how power operates and changes over time, offering critical insights into the contemporary world. A degree like this typically progresses from foundational work in historical method and broad surveys, covering medieval, early modern and modern periods, before moving into focused study of specialist subjects, where you'll work closely with primary sources. In the final year, you'll usually choose from options such as modern history, medieval studies, global and imperial history, social and cultural history, public history and heritage, and archival research. You'll develop skills in historiography, interpretation and analysis before undertaking an original research dissertation based on primary evidence.
Who it's for
This course suits students with strong A-level qualifications or equivalent. Recent entrants typically held A-levels or equivalent, with the most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students being 128–143 points. You'll benefit from this degree if you're interested in understanding historical contexts and political systems, and developing research and analytical skills applicable across sectors. The course combines academic depth with professional preparation.
Careers & job market
Across History courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £23,500 to £31,000, rising to £25,500–£36,000 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate labour market rather than guarantees specific to this programme. The combination of historical knowledge and political understanding opens pathways in policy, research, education, public service, and heritage sectors.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Nottingham, a public Russell Group university. Teaching is in English. The degree is a recognised UK qualification, and the University holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; typical UCAS tariff was 128–143 points among recent entrants.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code VL12). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Nottingham →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What History graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £26,000 – £35,000 | 55 |
| 3 years after | £29,500 | £25,000 – £35,500 | 260 |
| 5 years after | £39,500 | £30,500 – £50,500 | 275 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in history · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs History nationally
National figures for History graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with History courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,423 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 55; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How History graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where History graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Museums & archives
- Heritage bodies
- Schools
- Civil service & media
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit History graduates.
History & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingChartereastdulwichHistory & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingThe Charter Schools Educational TrustHistory Teachers in Kirklees and HalifaxCV-LibraryHistory TeachersSABIS NETWORK SCHOOLSIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.2 out of 10: NSS 87.3% · in work or study 95% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Nottingham
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around The University of Nottingham
844 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is History right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Nottingham from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Nottingham; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Nottingham’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Nottingham and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Nottingham
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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