History and Politics
The History and Politics at Oxford University offers students a unique opportunity to study two complementary disciplines side by side in a coherent and intellectually stimulating way. This joint honours degree allows students to place modern political issues within their historical background, while developing the analytical tools of political science. A particular strength of the programme is its flexibility, giving students the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects from medieval history to contemporary political systems. The course is enriched by Oxford University leading historians and political theorists, who provide thematic and interdisciplinary teaching across European and World history. Students also gain access to world-class resources including the Bodleian Library, the History Faculty Library, the Weston Library’s rare manuscripts and archives, and the Social Sciences Library, ensuring exceptional support for both historical and political study.
Course Overview
| UCAS Code | LV21 |
|---|---|
| Entrance Requirements | AAA |
| Course Duration | 3 years (BA) |
Subject Requirements
- Required Subjects: Not applicable
- Recommended Subjects: History
- Helpful Subjects: Sociology, Politics, Government and Politics
Other Course Requirements
- Admissions Tests: None in 2025
- Written Work: One piece (History)
Admissions Statistics
| Interviewed | 38% |
|---|---|
| Successful | 12% |
| Intake | 44 |
| Successful for a different course | 3% |
| Applicant intake for a different course | 13% |
A Typical Week
In the first year of the History and Politics course, students attend around five lectures each week and take part in regular tutorials where they discuss essays and ideas with tutors. Independent study is central to the programme, with at least one essay expected per week, alongside training in quantitative methods to support later social science study. In the second and third years, students choose from a wide range of history and politics options, combining lectures, tutorials, and faculty classes in both small groups and larger settings. By the final year, every student completes a thesis, an extended piece of independent research that develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and academic writing. Tutorials, usually with 2–4 students, provide detailed discussion and personalised feedback, while most classes remain under 20 students. Teaching is delivered by college tutors and university staff who are leading experts in their fields, with some postgraduate researchers contributing to specialist classes.
Course Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students take four examination papers along with one short piece of assessed coursework. The subjects studied are:
- History: Either one of the seven periods in the history of the British Isles, or one of the four periods of European/World history.
- Politics: Either Introduction to the Theory of Politics or Theories of the State.
- Optional subject: One option chosen from the following:
- Quantification in History
- Approaches to History
- Historiography: Tacitus to Weber
- Any of the other optional subjects offered in History (except Theories of the State)
- One of six foreign texts
- The Practice of Politics
- Quantitative Methods: Political Analysis – this is marked coursework but not part of the formal examination.
Assessment: Students sit the First University Examinations, which consist of four written papers.
Years 2 and 3
In the second and third years, the course is made up of seven main components. These include:
- A period of the history of the British Isles.
- A period of European or World history.
- Any two core subjects in Politics, chosen from the following:
- Comparative Government
- British Politics and Government since 1900
- Theory of Politics
- International Relations
- Political Sociology
- One of the following study combinations:
- A special subject in History (two papers) plus one optional subject in Politics (either a core paper not yet taken or a further subject).
- A further subject in History plus two optional subjects in Politics.
- A further subject in History, one optional subject in Politics, and one special subject in Politics.
- A thesis, written in either History or Politics, based on independent research.
Assessment: Students take the Final University Examinations, which may include:
- Either six written papers plus one thesis (in History or Politics),
- Or five written papers, one extended essay, and one thesis (in History or Politics).
Please note: The exact content and format of the course may change in certain circumstances. For the latest and most detailed information, students should check the History and Politics website.
Academic Requirements
Qualifications
- A-levels: AAA
- Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
- International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 points (including core) with 666 at Higher Level
- Other equivalent qualifications: See details on other UK and international qualifications.
Grades are always considered within the context in which they were achieved. Further details are available on how contextual data is used.
Subject
- Recommended: History at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in IB, or equivalent.
- Helpful (but not required): Sociology, Politics, or Government and Politics may support your studies.
For science A-levels that include a practical component, a pass in the practical is expected.
If English is not your first language, you may also need to meet the English language requirements.
Applying
All candidates must follow the application procedure outlined on the Applying to Oxford pages. The information below provides specific details for applicants to this course.
Admissions Test
- No written test is required for applications in 2025.
Written Work
Requirements:
- All candidates must submit one argument-driven essay on a historical topic, written as part of normal school or college work.
- Do not submit source analyses or commentaries that require the assessor to read additional materials.
- The essay must be a maximum of 2,000 words. Extracts from longer essays or projects are acceptable if they stand alone and demonstrate your ability to construct an argument.
- Always include the essay question being answered.
Guidance:
- Choose a piece of work that genuinely interested you and that you would feel comfortable discussing.
- It is fine if your views on the topic have changed since writing—the key is to show intellectual engagement.
- The essay must be accompanied by a signed certificate from your school or college confirming the circumstances under which it was written.
Deadline:
- 10 November 2025
Fees
For full-time Home undergraduate students, the University charges fees at the level of the government-set cap. For the academic year 2025/26, this cap is set at £9,535. This figure is shown below as the guide annual course fee for courses beginning in 2026. The page will be updated once the government confirms final course fee information.
For details on how fees may change each year, please see our guidance on likely increases to fees and charges.
Annual Course Fees
- Home: £9,535
- Overseas: £43,600
Further information about fee status eligibility is available on the fee status webpage.
Living Costs
Living costs at Oxford may be lower than expected, as our extensive college provision and resources help reduce expenses.
For students starting in 2026, estimated living costs are between £1,405 and £2,105 per month while in Oxford.
The History and Politics academic year consists of three eight-week terms, so students typically spend a little over six months in Oxford each year. However, you may wish to budget for a nine-month period to ensure you can cover essential expenses during the holidays.
Financial Support
Home Students
- A tuition fee loan is available from the UK government to cover course fees in full for eligible Home students (UK, Irish nationals, and others with UK citizens’ rights – see below*). This means you do not need to pay fees upfront.
- In 2026, Oxford will continue to offer one of the most generous bursary packages of any UK university.
- Support is available to Home students with a family income of around £50,000 or less.
- Additional opportunities are available for students from households with incomes of £32,500 or less.
- The UK government also provides living cost support for Home students who meet the residence requirements.
* From 1 August 2021, the UK government confirmed that EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are eligible for UK student finance if they have UK citizens’ rights (pre-settled or settled status, or Irish citizens covered by the Common Travel Area arrangement). The level of support depends on your residency status.
Islands Students
Islands students receive different financial support compared with the rest of the UK. Please refer to the following links for details from your local funding agency:
- [States of Jersey]
- [States of Guernsey]
- [Isle of Man]
Overseas Students
Overseas students can find relevant funding opportunities in the Other Scholarships section of Oxford University [Bursaries and Scholarships page].
Important Notes
- Previous study: If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, you will usually be classed as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student and will not be eligible for UK government or Oxford funding.
- Additional costs: There are no compulsory costs for this course beyond tuition fees and standard living expenses.
For further information, use Oxford’s Fees, Funding and Scholarship Search tool.
College Life
Colleges are at the heart of Oxford univeristy reputation as one of the world’s leading universities. Every student belongs to:
- Their college,
- Their academic department(s), and
- The wider University.
This gives you the benefits of both a large, prestigious institution and a small, supportive community.
What colleges provide:
- A staffed Porters’ Lodge (entrance and reception)
- Dining hall
- Lending library (often open 24/7 in term)
- Student accommodation
- Tutors’ teaching rooms
- Chapel and/or music rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Green spaces
- Common room (JCR) for undergraduates
Accommodation:
- All first-year students are guaranteed college accommodation, either on-site or in a nearby annexe.
- Neighbours are also freshers, making it easier to settle in.
- Many colleges provide accommodation for at least one more year, and some for the full duration of your degree.
- You can choose to live in college throughout your degree, or arrange private accommodation after your first year.
Support:
- College tutors guide your academic progress and can also advise on other matters.
- Welfare staff, peer supporters, and student mentors (sometimes through college “families”) provide pastoral support and practical help.
FAQ
What is the History and Politics BA at Oxford University?
The History and Politics BA is a joint honours degree at Oxford that allows students to study two complementary disciplines. The course combines historical analysis with political science to provide a coherent, intellectually stimulating programme.
What are the entrance requirements for the course?
Applicants are typically required to have AAA at A-level. While no specific subjects are mandatory, History is recommended. Helpful subjects include Sociology, Politics, and Government and Politics.
How long is the course?
The BA in History and Politics at Oxford University is a 3-year programme.
Are there any admissions tests or written work?
For 2025 entry, no admissions tests are required. Applicants are expected to submit one piece of written work in History.
What teaching methods are used?
Students participate in lectures, small tutorials, and faculty classes. Tutorials are typically 2–4 students and provide personalised feedback. Independent study and essay writing are also central to the programme.
What are the admissions statistics?
On average (2022–24), 38% of applicants are interviewed, 12% are successful, and the annual intake is around 44 students.
What are the career prospects after studying History and Politics?
Graduates gain skills in critical analysis, research, and communication, opening careers in government, public policy, academia, media, and international organisations.