What will I learn?
About this courseLearn how we make sense of past events, ideas and problems with this dual honours modern history and politics degree. History at Southampton challenges you to interpret history of past societies critically and imaginatively while developing critical thinking and communication skills for post-university life. You’ll study contemporary issues such as international security, migration and globalisation. Modern History at Southampton challenges you to critically interpret the recent history of contemporary society. The study of politics encourages you to explore people’s organisation and behaviour.You'll build a range of skills in research and communication, valued by employers. You’ll learn to absorb, analyse and assess a wide variety of viewpoints, and express arguments in oral and written form, thinking and working independently and in cooperation with others. These are highly valued by our graduates and reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 98% of our graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published in 2025)Key features of the course- Join a department ranked 10th for History research quality in the Complete University Guide, 2026.- Combine your passion for History and Politics by studying topics from both areas in this Joint Honours Degree.- Access to the rich document collections of the University Special Collections, including the Wellington, Palmerston and Mountbatten papers and extensive collections on modern Jewish history.- Learn in our digital humanities facilities which will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technologies including virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.- Spend your third year at a partner university. You can choose from locations in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Australia.Student SupportYou’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. You’ll also have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.Further informationThe BA Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad is a four-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. For details, visit our course page.
Which department am I in?
History
Entry requirements
For international students
A-levels: AAB including an essay writing subject*. International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in an essay writing subject*; Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Essay writing subjects include History, English, Philosophy, Politics, Law, Criminology, Sociology, Geography, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Latin or other humanities based essay writing subjects. RQF BTEC: Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in an essay writing A level subject*; Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in an essay writing A level subject*; Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in an essay writing A level subject* and A in one further A level. QCF BTEC: Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in an essay writing subject*; Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in an essay writing A level subject*; Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in an essay writing A level subject* and A in one further A level. GCSE requirements: Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C).
