BSc History and Politics

This is a rigorous and challenging degree that examines the links between politics and historical and social change. You’ll delve into political concepts and theories, compare political phenomena in different cultures and countries, and address theoretical questions about the political landscape – both past and present.

You can choose from a huge range of courses covering virtually every region of the world and period in time. As a student, you’ll be taught by a team working at the forefront of research globally. The Government and International History departments are both world-renowned and placed 4th and 6th respectively in the QS World University Rankings 2023 by subject.

You’ll develop your analytical skills and learn how to analyse complex evidence from a variety of sources and present your findings effectively – all skills highly valued by employers. Our graduates go on to careers in government, the public sector, finance, IT, education, teaching, consulting and research.

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

History

• M Abbott History Skills (Routledge, 1996)
• A Best et al An International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond (Routledge, 2014)
• R Evans In Defence of History (Granta, 1997)
• L Jordanova, History in Practice (Bloomsbury, Third Edition, 2019)
• D Reynolds One World Divisible (Norton, 2000)
• D Stevenson 1914-1918: the history of the First World War (Allen Lane, 2004)
• O A Westad The Global Cold War: Third World interventions and the making of our times (Cambridge University Press, 2007)

The general character of politics

• J Colomer The Science of Politics: an introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011)
• R Goodin The Oxford Handbook of Political Science (Oxford University Press, 2009)
• I Katznelson and H Milner (eds.) Political Science: state of the discipline (New York: Wiley, 2002)
• David Runciman Politics – Ideas in Profile (2014)
• David Miller Political Philosophy – a very short introduction (2003)

Political thought

Many classic texts of political thought are readily available in a variety of editions:

• Machiavelli The Prince
• J S Mill Considerations on Representative Government
• M Wollstonecraft A Vindication of the Rights of Women
• For background: Q. Skinner Liberty before Liberalism (2012)
• Rachel Hammersley Republicanism – An Introduction (2020)

Political analysis and political institutions

• W R Clark, M Golder and S Nadenichek Golder Principles of Comparative Politics (CQ Press, 2009)
• P Dunleavy and J Dryzek Theories of the Democratic State (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)
• R Morton Analyzing Elections (Norton, 2006)
• E Ostrom, Governing the Commons: the evolution of institutions for collective action (Cambridge University Press, 1990/2015)

History is a wide ranging and challenging subject to study. It seeks to understand the past and to make sense of the present, adding an important dimension to the understanding of many aspects of human society. The department is world renowned in its field, offering a unique perspective on the history of relations between states, peoples and cultures. We pride ourselves on giving students the benefit of ground-breaking research throughout our teaching programmes.

Our degrees will give you a broad international perspective on the past. We give attention both to domestic and international issues and many of the courses we offer deal with major events in the history of international relations.

Since the behaviour of countries in the international arena cannot be understood without a knowledge of their distinct social, political, economic and cultural characteristics, we provide courses covering major aspects of the history of ideas and mentalities.

LSE was founded in 1895 originally as an institute of higher education for graduate students. The department reflects this tradition and takes its responsibility for undergraduate teaching and supervision very seriously. We admit nearly as many undergraduate students as master's students. We have one of the most cosmopolitan undergraduate communities in London and one of the most vibrant and dynamic.

Learn more about our programmes, research, public events and people.

Department of International History

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• an equal interest in history and politics
• an awareness of and genuine interest in current political issues
• a willingness to read extensively
• an ability to analyse data
• an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views
• initiative
• good communication skills
• excellent time-management skills
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment varies from course to course but it may involve a written examination, assessed essays, a dissertation or in-class assessment.

Please note that assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except for final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

See details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

Politics graduates have a range of skills and can fit into a variety of positions in modern life. Our former students have followed careers in business and banking, in law, in central and local government, in teaching and research, in public and university administration, and in journalism and television.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

We're committed to supporting students' options after graduation in the world of work or futher studies by organising a careers programme tailored specifically to International History students with the help of LSE Careers. Also, many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.

Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.