Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad at University of Southampton - UCAS

University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Open days

15Nov

Winchester School of Art - Open Day

Undergraduate

Course summary

About this course Learn how we make sense of past events, ideas and problems with this dual 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 history of contemporary society. The study of politics encourages you to explore people’s organisation and behaviour. You'll 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 passion for History and Politics by studying topics from both areas in this Joint Honours Degree.

Access to the rich document collections of the University Special Collections, including the Wellington, Palmerston and Mountbatten papers and extensive collections on modern Jewish history.

Learn in our digital humanities facilities which will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technologies including virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.

Spend your third year at a partner university. You can choose from locations in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Australia.

Student Support You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. You’ll also have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community. Further information The BA Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad is a four-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. For details, visit our course page.

Modules

Over the three years of this course, you'll reflect on how modern history and politics complement, cut across, and underpin each other. You'll study compulsory and optional modules in each year. Year 1: Introduction to key concepts in history and politics. You’ll look at different periods in world history, how they have been defined, and how this affects the way that history is written and understood. You’ll also be introduced to political theory and international relations. Year 2: Deepen your understanding of specific regions, periods, or themes in history. You’ll also develop research skills in politics and international relations. Year 3: Year Abroad Year 4: Research and write your dissertation on a topic that interests you. This is a chance for you to practise your planning and analytical skills and engage with primary source materials. You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement. For a full list of modules available please visit the course page://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/modern-history-politics-with-year-abroad-degree-ba#modules

Assessment method

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own). You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as dissertations, essays, individual and group projects, teamwork and written and practical exams. You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: VL13

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

International applicants

Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Typical Offer: AAB 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: ABB 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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A 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.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. 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 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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A 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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA 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.

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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 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.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

AAB from 3 A levels Or AA 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.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 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.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D3, D3

D3 D3 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.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard. The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements. For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at [email protected]

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535*	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
Scotland	£9535*	Year 1
Wales	£9535*	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535*	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
EU	£25500	Year 1
International	£25500	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Arts and Humanities

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

View address on Google Maps

Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Main Site - Highfield Campus	BA (Hons) - Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)	Full-time with time abroad	4 years	21 September 2026	Available to Apply	Course option bb08da0f-d34f-433d-ac90-21d21d52f1f8