Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad BA (Hons)
Available for Clearing 2026
Course Overview - Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad BA (Hons)
Summary
History and politics are closely connected. Together, they help you understand how societies are shaped and how decisions are made.
Learn how we make sense of past events, ideas and problems with this combined honours modern history and politics degree.
History at Southampton challenges you to interpret history of past societies critically and imaginatively while developing critical thinking and communication skills for post-university life. You’ll study contemporary issues such as international security, migration and globalisati...
Summary
History and politics are closely connected. Together, they help you understand how societies are shaped and how decisions are made.
Learn how we make sense of past events, ideas and problems with this combined honours modern history and politics degree.
History at Southampton challenges you to interpret history of past societies critically and imaginatively while developing critical thinking and communication skills for post-university life. You’ll study contemporary issues such as international security, migration and globalisation. Modern History at Southampton challenges you to critically interpret the recent histories of contemporary society. The study of politics encourages you to explore people’s organisation and behaviour.
You will learn to interpret events, ideas and debates from different perspectives, developing the ability to question evidence and form your own arguments. By bringing history and politics together, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the world works.
Youll build a range of skills in research and communication, valued by employers. You’ll learn to absorb, analyse and assess a wide variety of viewpoints, and express arguments in oral and written form, thinking and working independently and in cooperation with others. These are highly valued by our graduates and reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 98% of our graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published in 2025)
Key features of the course
Join a department ranked 10th for History research quality in the Complete University Guide 2026.
Combine your interests through a joint honours degree, studying topics across both History and Politics.
Work with primary sources in our University Special Collections, including the Wellington, Palmerston and Mountbatten papers and collections on modern and contemporary Jewish history.
Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and printing.
Student support
You will be taught by experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your voice.
You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.
Further information
BA Modern History and Politics is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.
Find out more on our course page.
Why Choose University of Southampton During Clearing?
As a founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton is renowned for their research impact. You’ll have access to top-class teaching and lecturers. You’ll be taught by the people who are solving some of the world’s most complex problems.
You'll also be put in good stead for the future, as they’ll kick start your career with incredible opportunities. They’re targeted by the top employers, with industry placements and world-class research facilities.
And they're committed to making sure you have everything you need to reach your potential, from g...
As a founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton is renowned for their research impact. You’ll have access to top-class teaching and lecturers. You’ll be taught by the people who are solving some of the world’s most complex problems.
You'll also be put in good stead for the future, as they’ll kick start your career with incredible opportunities. They’re targeted by the top employers, with industry placements and world-class research facilities.
And they're committed to making sure you have everything you need to reach your potential, from guaranteed accommodation in Clearing to 24/7 wellbeing support, 365 days a year (*for accommodation apply by 17th August, see website).
Do you want to study in a buzzing city on the south coast? Join a dynamic global community of 26,000 students, including 9,000 international students from 140 countries.With over 370 clubs and societies to explore, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect and thrive.
Course Information
1 Clearing option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Apply for Clearing 2026
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
VL13
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit,
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in an A level subject. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level subject We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,M2,M2
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from 2 A level subjects. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
A level
A,B,B
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
ABB from 3 A levels Or AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £25,500 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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