University of Southampton

Modern History and Politics (BA)

University of SouthamptonAvenue, Southampton

Course overview

Learn how we make sense of past events, ideas and problems with this dual honours modern history and politics degree. You'll understand how society organises itself and makes decisions. You’ll study contemporary issues such as international security, migration and globalisation.

The skills you gain will prepare you for a wide range of career options. Modern History at Southampton challenges you to critically interpret histories of societies. The study of politics encourages you to explore people’s organisation and behaviour.

On this course you can: study the modern history of an extraordinary range of places, from Western Europe and the Americas, to Africa and South Asia learn about rare artefacts from the University’s own collections, as well as take part in guided visits to other museums and galleries learn about democracy, the modern state, comparative politics and international relations spend time at a university abroad in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea o

Key highlights

  • Dual honours combining modern history with politics
  • Study contemporary issues including international security, migration and globalisation
  • Modern history spanning Western Europe, the Americas, Africa and South Asia
  • Work with rare artefacts from the university's own collections
  • Guided visits to other museums and galleries
  • Option to study abroad in Europe, the United States or Asia

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — ABB Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
  • A-level: BBB — with EPQ; and grade A in the EPQ
  • A-level: BBC — Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is: BBC from 3 A levels.
  • BTEC: DD — BTEC National Extended Diploma; combined with A levels; BTEC National Diploma; combined with A levels
  • A-level: AB — combined with BTEC

Scholarships

  • Biological Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Business School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Economic, Social and Political Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Education School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Engineering Global Talent Scholarship

    Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering.

    Up to £2,000

  • Geography and Environmental Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Health Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Law School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Ocean and Earth Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Psychology Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • School of Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

    Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

    If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship

    There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship

    The scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study (subject to continuing academic performance) for up to £20,000 total. There are 10 stipend scholarships of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Civil servant
  • Policy analyst
  • Political researcher
  • Journalist
  • Heritage officer
  • Public affairs consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £25,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2025 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide