Program Overview

The Politics and Modern History degree at Aberystwyth University is a perfect pairing for students interested in understanding both political theory and the recent past. This degree combines the expertise of political scientists and historians in an integrated course structure that allows you to choose from a range of history and politics modules. Teaching will be shared between the Department of International Politics and the Department of History and Welsh History.

As part of this degree you will explore key themes such as power, violence, economics and society as well as how these forces have shaped the modern world. You will also learn about the development of political thought and international relations and the impact of ideas in forming the political structures we live in.

Why study Politics and Modern History at Aberystwyth?

• You will be taught in two departments with long and prestigious histories. History has been taught at Aberystwyth since 1872, and the Department of International Politics was the world's first when it was founded in 1919.
• You will be guided and mentored by lecturers who are enthusiastic and committed to providing you with an innovative and dynamic learning environment.
• We have one of the biggest libraries in the world, the National Library of Wales, on our doorstep. This copyright institution receives a copy of every book published in the UK.
• You will have the opportunity to take part in numerous extra-curricular activities during your degree. In the History department, you will have the chance to join the Aberystwyth University History Society and take part in social events and trips to museums and galleries and other history-rich venues. In the International Politics department, you will have the opportunity to take part in the prestigious Parliamentary Placement scheme alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) and be active contributors to ‘Interstate’ - the oldest student-run international Politics journal in the UK.