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Studying History and Politics allows us to understand the places, people and decisions that shape major political moments. At Lancaster we provide hands-on training in historical research and provide you with the skills and understanding you need to influence contemporary politics. Our programme equips you with a thorough knowledge of the political conditions of the past – as well as insight into the factors that will shape the future.
The programme prepares you for a wide range of careers, from government and policy, business and consultancy, to journalism, media, and the heritage industry.
Why Lancaster?
- Benefit from teaching by expert academics who regularly collaborate with government bodies such as UK parliament, on important issues such as defence and strategy, racial injustice, voter rights, and migration
- Network with external partners, policymakers, and guest speakers who can provide valuable insights into the key political issues of the moment
- Study in historic Lancaster, making your home in a city where power, justice and human rights are at the heart of our history
- Take advantage of our internship opportunities, where you can work on live research projects with NGOs, think tanks and charities
- Be a part of the only university to offer a dedicated Politics Policy School with the HM Government Open Innovation team
- Hone expert skills in analysis, critical thinking and persuasive argument to prepare you for a range of ambitious careers
Study historical and political forces at work
This interdisciplinary course combines in-depth historical analysis with a critical understanding of political systems and ideas. You will explore the political and historical forces that have shaped the modern world, giving you a nuanced understanding of past events and their lasting impact on current political landscapes.
Throughout the degree, you’ll study key historical periods and events, coming to understand how politics, environments and societies have changed over time. Through expert training in History and Politics, you’ll build highly employable skills in research and analysis, enabling you to address contemporary political problems in public policy, political behaviour and comparative politics.
You will learn to ask challenging questions: How do human beings shape their political institutions and context – and how are they shaped by them? What causes a country to become democratic or authoritarian? What are the underlying causes of political division and how do these change over time? What rights do individuals have, and how have they come to possess them?
Key themes will include:
- How the institutions of governance work, and how they interact with individual political behaviour to shape political cultures
- Political ideas: how ideas like justice, freedom and equality emerge and impact human behaviour
- Social and political change: the processes through which societies transform, driven by conflict, innovation, behaviour, and ideas
Lancaster’s rich history of power and justice
The city of Lancaster and its surrounds are steeped in history and politics, from Roman forts to memorials of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Over ten centuries, the Lancaster’s Norman castle has been a fortress, court and prison, now the heart of a vibrant historic city. Its gaol cells and courtrooms have seen the infamous trial and execution of ten people for witchcraft in 1612 and the more recent exoneration of accused terrorists the ‘Birmingham Six’, forging a site of both persecution and justice. The region is rich in the living remains of cultures past and present for you to explore.
Be inspired by experts
Lancaster’s BA History and Politics degree is taught by world-class academics: historians whose research is world leading and politics academics that shape current policy debates locally and nationally.
You’ll be taught by historians whose research expertise stretches across Britain and Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Lancaster historians work at the cutting edge of the discipline addressing world challenges past and future, from global conflict and trade to the ethics of government and human rights, and from environmental transformations to technological revolutions. This research shapes our high-quality teaching, inviting you to join us at the cutting edge of History and prepare to apply your expertise in the world.
Our researchers directly contribute to contemporary policy debates on vital issues such as migration, voting rights, social inequality, the future of AI and climate change in the UK and across the world.
Our course is structured to build your understanding of key historical and political concepts and to allow you to explore issues of rights, power, and historical change.
Building important skills
Through seminars and workshops, you’ll get hands-on training in source and data analysis, in critiquing interpretations and in how to craft arguments. You’ll learn through interactive and collaborative sessions such as policy labs, and simulations including mock select committees, citizens assembly and Prime Minister's Questions, applying your knowledge to real-world political challenges such as the growing rise of conspiracy theories and the politics of enacting net-zero.You’ll be supported to build your skills in conveying your work effectively across a range of mediums, from essays that present deep research and analysis to policy briefs, podcasts, reflective diaries, blogs, and policy memo and evaluation.
Throughout your studies on the BA History and Politics, you'll develop strong analytical and research skills – you’ll become an expert in evaluating and marshalling bodies of evidence, formulating arguments, and communicating them clearly.