History and Politics

The History and Politics course aims to bring together complementary but separate disciplines to form a coherent and stimulating programme. The degree not only enables students to set contemporary political problems in their historical perspective, but also equips them to approach the study of the past with the conceptual rigour derived from political science.

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More about the course

The special feature of the Oxford course is the chance to choose subjects very broadly across the two disciplines, so that it is possible to combine medieval historical options with the analysis of contemporary political systems. The expertise of a number of Oxford’s political theorists and historians in the history of political thought, the thematic approach taken to the teaching of general history in the first year, and the emphasis placed on interdisciplinarity in a number of both politics and history papers strengthen the intellectual rigour of this course.

You will be expected to attend about five lectures a week during the first year, participate in regular meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in libraries, and write at least one essay a week. You will be required to submit a thesis which will enable you to do a piece of independent research during your second and third years. You are very much in charge of your own timetable, which means that if you are well organised you can easily fit in all the other activities for which Oxford students are renowned.

View a list of our academic teaching staff

Faculties websites:

www.history.ox.ac.uk

www.politics.ox.ac.uk

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Other related courses

You may be interested in other history and joint honours courses

Ancient and Modern History

This course enables students to study history from the Bronze Age Mediterranean and Near East, through the Roman Empire, middle ages, and early modern period, right up to British, European and world history in the present day.

Skyline in Rome showing ancient and modern architecture

History and Modern Languages

The study of History and Modern Languages develops students’ awareness of differing political, cultural, social and economic structures in past societies.

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH)

CAAH is the opportunity to study the history, archaeology and art of societies and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. The course lasts three years and involves work both in university classes led by an archaeologist and historian, and in tutorials.

History

History is about people and societies in the past – what made them tick, and why they did what they did. It helps us understand ourselves and others. Studying the past challenges our prejudices, broadens our outlook, and enables us to think for ourselves; writing about the past develops our analytical skills, and teaches us to organise clear and persuasive arguments.

Classics

The Oxford course lasts four years and spans authors and periods from the Greek ‘dark ages’ to the period when the Roman empire dominated the Mediterranean – almost a millennium.