Understanding the past is crucial to responding to the political challenges of the future. Our History and Politics degree will help you attain a global understanding of events, institutions and structures.
The way history is taught at York... lends itself to an informal, sociable atmosphere. Tutors are always keen to provide a quick response to any question you may have and supervisor meetings one-on-one give you all the support you need.Penny History student
One of the most exciting aspects of the History and Politics degree at York is living and learning in a city with such a long and varied history. You'll be surrounded by evidence of the city’s rich heritage. Stretching from the Romans, through the Vikings to the Georgians, there's a heritage that we actively draw on in our teaching.
You'll begin examining the broader concepts of how history has shaped the modern world. At the same time, your required Politics modules will focus on contemporary politics with an emphasis on the state. You'll also take one Politics module of your choice.
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module. This covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
Your second year in the History and Politics degree will be about preparing for your final dissertation and reports. You'll begin to design your project and learn how to use the tools needed to complete it. Political Text and Process options examine underlying philosophies, and how they're put into practice.
In your final year, you'll take a specialised, in-depth module on a particular historical topic, along with two Politics module options. You'll also write a 10,000-word dissertation on a political or history topic of your choice.
QS ranks our Department of History one of the best in the world. See for yourself.
You'll spend much of your learning time at York with:
Your first-year work doesn't contribute toward your final marks. We recognise those students are only beginning to develop over the course of the History and Politics degree.
From Year 2 onward, formal assessments contribute toward your degree. In your third year, your 10,000-word dissertation focuses on a specific topic of your choice.
Some 60 per cent of our History and Politics degree graduates are in employment six months after completion of their studies. Many of our students also move on to postgraduate study.
All applications must be made through UCAS. We also consider applications for deferred entry and requests, after taking up an offer, to take a gap year.
We encourage mature students to email the Admissions Tutor for consultation and advice.
A Levels
AAA including an A in either History or Classical Civilisation
An A level in General Studies is usually excluded from conditional offers.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDD
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including History (in conjunction with A Levels)
Access to Higher Education
Distinctions are expected in History-related units.
International Baccalaureate
36 points including Grade 6 in History at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate
AAAAAB including A1 in History
European Baccalaureate
80 per cent overall, including 85 per cent in History
IELTS
6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all units
Pearson (Academic PTE)
61 overall with 51 in all parts
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
Grade A
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
Grade C
