History and Politics

The History and Politics course aims to bring together complementary but separate disciplines to form a coherent and stimulating programme. The degree not only enables students to set contemporary political problems in their historical perspective, but also equips them to approach the study of the past with the conceptual rigour derived from political science.

The special feature of the Oxford course is the chance to choose subjects very broadly across the two disciplines, so that it is possible to combine medieval historical options with the analysis of contemporary political systems. The expertise of a number of Oxford’s political theorists and historians in the history of political thought, the thematic approach taken to the teaching of general history in the first year, and the emphasis placed on interdisciplinarity in a number of both politics and history papers strengthen the intellectual rigour of this course.

While some History and Politics graduates go on to further study and research to become professional historians, others move into different areas. Recent graduates have started their careers in accountancy, advertising, archive work, finance, the Civil Service, consultancy, international charity work, the media, law, librarianship, management consultancy, museums, politics, publishing, research, social work, teaching and the theatre. Recent graduates include a PhD researcher in political science, a senior account executive in public relations, and a civil servant.

Simon graduated in 2009 and then went to work for a think tank in Westminster for three years. He is now converting to law with a training contract at Slaughter and May.

Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, other History courses, History of Art, or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).