BA (Hons) History and Politics with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BA (Hons) History and Politics with Foundation Year at York St John University. The Foundation Year provides additional preparation before you begin the main course. Teaching quality has been rated Silver by the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
Discover how the events of the past shape the world we live in today. Investigate the political forces which will determine our future. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) History and Politics with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 25% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (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: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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 1 6 modules
- Research and Presenting the PastCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will develop the key skills needed to be a successful historian. Focusing on analytical interpretation rather than historical narrative, this module will prepare you for independent study at degree level. You will explore how historians: Examine primary sources Write and engage with secondary sources Construct arguments and apply theories Work with established historical concepts Question conventions and established time periods in history
- Introduction to Politics and International RelationsOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is your introduction to the academic study of Politics and International Relations. Through it you will become familiar with basic terms, concepts, methodologies and issues in the study of politics, which will prepare you for the rest of your degree. We will explore the diverse definitions and the scope of politics, and discuss what politics means to you. We will also introduce you to some of the essential skills needed to succeed a degree level, including academic writing, researchi
- World Politics: Themes and ConceptsOptional20 credits
Module details
Through this module you will gain a comprehensive historical overview of world politics and the most important themes and concepts needed to study it. This will provide you with a strong foundation from which you can build your knowledge as your progress through your degree. You will also develop the essential skills for engaging with academic literature, constructing effective arguments and working within conceptual frameworks.
- American HistoryOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will give you a broad understanding of the history of the USA, from both a domestic and an international point of view. You will learn about America's gradual emergence as a leading international power, economically, militarily and politically. We will explore historical developments in the American experience, including political, social and economic changes. You will consider the continuing tension between unity and diversity in American history, exploring topics such as the Civil
- International History 1900 to the Present DayOptional20 credits
Module details
The 20th Century was defined by conflict, but it also saw the spread of democracy and the construction of international organisations dedicated to the preservation of peace. On this module you will explore these contradictions as you study international history from 1900 to the present day, focusing on case studies of major crises. You will analyse these with reference to some of the main themes in recent international history, including: Imperialism Decolonisation International law Democracy an
- Security StudiesOptional20 credits
Module details
Security studies is an essential part of international relations, and it involves a range of approaches, traditions and debates. On this module you will develop the skills needed to critically analyse and reflect on the historical development of security threats and challenges. This will involve focusing on specific case studies, debating and discussing the policy decision making they prompted.
Year 2 14 modules
- Researching HistoryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module builds on the Year 1 module Research and Presenting the Past, helping you to develop your research skills even further. You will do this by conducting project work in groups and engaging in independent research which will prepare you for the Dissertation module in your final year. We will discuss the importance of primary sources for understanding an event, period or theme, as well as exploring various schools of historical theory and methodology. The module may also include opportun
- Career-Focused Learning/Practical PoliticsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will have the chance to take part in work related learning and explore the possibilities your degree will offer for your career. We will help you to transfer the skills and knowledge you acquire throughout the course to the workplace. You can choose to complete a minimum of 10 days work experience, or focus on a work related project. It is your responsibility to find your placement, with advice on how to do this included within the module.
- The USA in the 1960sOptional20 credits
Module details
The 1960s were a turbulent time for the USA. President Lyndon Johnson was embarking on a series of reforms aiming to create "the Great Society" at the same time as the seemingly endless war in Vietnam. It was also a time of great achievements, with America leading the first moon landings. Topics you will cover on this module include: The image and domestic policies of the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon presidencies Radicalism and dissent, including counterculture, urban riots and student protests Th
- 14th Century EnglandOptional20 credits
Module details
Despite the horrors of the Black Death, devastation of famine, and the ravages of the Hundred Years War, 14th century England was also full of artistic and literary achievement. On this module you will explore the ideals and ideas existing alongside the trauma of conflict. This will also involve assessing developments in political culture, to better understand the challenges and achievements of the period.
- African American HistoryOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will focus on the experience of African Americans both as enslaved people and in the years following the abolition of slavery. You will learn about the origins, development and abolition of slavery in the USA, assessing the impact and nature of the American slave system. We will discuss contemporary responses of both African Americans and white Americans to slavery, relationships between races after slavery ended, and the emergence of cultural expression among African American
- The United States since 9/11Optional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will examine the history of the United States since the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. You will explore a range of issues that have impacted American politics, culture and society in the years since these events. Your learning will be informed by the wider ideological, cultural and political history of the United States. Topics may include: The War on Terror Fake news LGBTQ+ rights American conspiracies such as the birther movement and Q-Anon Response to crises such a
- Political IdeologiesOptional20 credits
Module details
Explore the origins and evolution of the political ideologies that have shaped major social and political developments from the 18th century to the present day. On this module you will consider the ideological movements that have emerged as critical responses to the mainstream. The ideological traditions you study may include: Liberalism Conservatism Anarchism Nationalism Fascism Feminism Environmentalism Multiculturalism.
- International RelationsOptional20 credits
Module details
International Relations addresses the fundamental nature of power in the international system. The approaches used in this module are essential for understanding regional, international and global events. We will introduce you to some of the major theories in international relations, such as: Realism Liberalism Neoliberalism Marxism Critical theory Constructivism Feminism Postcolonialism Using case studies and coverage of historical and contemporary events, you will consider how you can apply th
- DemocracyOptional20 credits
Module details
Democracy is the dominant form of political organisation around the world, and to study Politics it is essential to fully understand how it is put into practice. On this module you will explore the development and evolution of democracy. This includes discussions on the concept and various models of democracy, as well as the institutions (executives, legislatures, judiciaries) and processes (electoral and party systems) that rely on it. The module includes a comparative analysis of democratic st
- The European UnionOptional20 credits
Module details
The European Union (EU) is one of the most significant intergovernmental organisations to have developed in the post-war period. This module examines the historical origins of European integration, using various theoretical and conceptual approaches. You will explore the institutions and policies of the EU, as well as discussing contemporary debates and issues such as the democratic deficit, enlargement and withdrawal, and the Euro.
- Political ParticipationOptional20 credits
Module details
Political participation and engagement are fundamental to the health of democracies around the world. Voting in elections and referendums, engaging directly with politicians and the political process, and taking direct action are key aspects of this. You will critically review approaches to explaining voter behaviour, as well as comparing voting trends across countries. There will be a focus on wider forms of participation, which may include: Community action Membership of and activity in politi
- Politics and Political ResearchCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Our politics degree teaches you to understand not just political concepts, but also how politics is studied and researched. This module will give you an overview of the different theoretical and methodological approaches used to study the political world.
- Conservative Party HistoryOptional20 credits
Module details
The Conservative Party was once called the "natural party of government" and has dominated British politics since its incorporation in the mid eighteenth century. This module explores the traditions and ideas within Conservative party thought, from the Tamworth Manifesto of 1834 to the present day.
- Sixteenth-Century HistoryOptional20 credits
Module details
This module brings an accessible introduction to gendered and cultural sixteenth-century history into the curriculum. Women of the Tudor era offer a fascinating case
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 the investigation of how past events have shaped the present with analysis of the political forces that will determine the future. A typical History degree builds from foundations to specialist options and a final project. You'll usually begin with The Historian's Craft (sources, archives and argument-building), broad historical surveys across medieval, early modern and modern worlds, and an introduction to the discipline. As you progress, you'll undertake focused period studies through primary sources, explore how historical interpretations change and develop skills in public history, museums, heritage and history beyond academia. In your final year, you'll pursue advanced document-led research, choose from specialist options such as modern history, medieval studies, global and imperial history, social and cultural approaches, public history and heritage, and archival research, and complete an original dissertation based on primary evidence.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding historical contexts and political systems. The Foundation Year is designed for those who may not have traditional A-level qualifications or who wish to strengthen their academic preparation. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; typical entrants had a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. The course is taught in English and delivered full-time at YSJ Main Campus.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 85% of History graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Graduate earnings vary: at 15 months, typical starting salaries range from £23,500 to £31,000; after three years, £20,400 to £28,800; after five years, £25,500 to £36,000. These figures reflect national outcomes across History courses, not university-specific guarantees. Ninety per cent of students continue past their first year.
University & format
The course is taught at York St John University, a UK degree-awarding body located at YSJ Main Campus, and is studied full-time over 4 years (including a foundation year). Instruction is in English. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
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.
Placement year. 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 | 93% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 2% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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. 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at York St John University →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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £24,000 | £22,500 – £27,000 | 40 |
| 3 years after | £20,000 | £15,000 – £23,500 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £21,500 | £17,000 – £29,000 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
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: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 125; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) History and Politics with Foundation Year worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) History and Politics with Foundation Year earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. 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 8.5 out of 10: NSS 90% · in work or study 80% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John University
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 YSJ Main Campus
2,229 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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 York St John University’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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John University
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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