History and Politics

BA Hons

  • UCAS code LV21
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements AAB
  • Duration Full time 3 years

We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 16

    16th for History

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

  • 2nd in the UK for Research Power in the Research Excellence Framework (2021) for Politics

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

Why Lancaster?

  • Immerse yourself in history and politics – to what extent can the past help us resolve the challenges of today’s world?
  • Attend events and talks at our Centre for War and Diplomacy and the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies – the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK
  • You’ll be taught by experts from the Department of History and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion - be among the first to hear the latest insights from specialists in British, Russian and Middle Eastern affairs
  • Explore the vibrant history right on your doorstep, from museums and archives to Lancaster Castle and the Lake District
  • Prepare for your future career at each stage of the programme, so you’ll be ready to launch your career in the heritage sector, local or national government, or a range of other rewarding careers

Overview

Fascinated by the past, but eager to confront the challenges of the present? Explore history and politics to unravel the theory and the historical context of events and current issues. We’ll help you gain essential skills and knowledge to give you the best chance of success in your future career.

Interpreting the past

Start the course with core modules designed to build your knowledge. You’ll learn from experts who specialise in British, Russian and Middle Eastern politics, as well as historians covering the last 1500 years. They’ll reveal how they carry out research and interpret the past to help you understand why historical interpretations change over time.

As you progress through the course, you’ll have the freedom to shape your study with optional modules. Most students pick an even balance across the two subjects, exploring a very wide range of topics and periods in time, from the fall of Rome to decolonisation, race and empire.

Ready for the future

Preparing you for your future career is important to us. That’s why we focus on real-world issues and offering opportunities to add to your CV. You’ll hear first-hand from significant figures in the field – previously these have included diplomats, political leaders and members of the armed forces. You may also be able to complete a placement within either a heritage organisation or via the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies to gain valuable work experience and skills.

You’ll be taught by academics from both our Department of History and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. This will give you the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of how the two subjects intertwine.

Careers

Careers

With your ability to think critically and your skills in analysis, reasoning, project management and writing, you’ll be the type of graduate who is prepared for a very wide range of potential future careers.

As a graduate of our BA History and Politics programme, you’ll be ready for a rewarding role in a sector such as:

  • Local or central government
  • The civil service and public sector
  • Research and teaching
  • Business and marketing
  • Publishing and journalism

Not sure what to do next? We’re here to help you determine your direction and support you in getting there. We do this by offering subject-specific support from academic tutors and career advisers.

Each year a number of our students continue to study at postgraduate level with us, by taking one of our specialised Master’s programmes.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAB

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Distinction

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Optional

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Optional

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2025/26 home undergraduate entry fees have not yet been set.

Home International
TBC £24,700

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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