You will study Irish, European, and world history, engaging with political, cultural, social, and economic aspects of history, and investigating historical change, from the impact of ideas to the role of class, gender, and race. You will also study International Relations and a variety of political issues including political conflict, development, human rights, and political economy, always with a focus on the role of government, public policy, and citizens.
Study Abroad
Scholarships Available
- Duration:
- 4 Year(s)
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 September
- General Entry Requirements (A-Level)
CCC
- General Entry Requirements (IB)
24
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Curricular information is subject to change.
History and Politics is a classic combination of subjects for students looking to investigate the workings of government and society in contemporary and historical perspectives. You will examine why society has changed and seek to understand the issues facing societies across the globe today. Through both subjects, the course will teach you the essential skills of writing, critical thinking, evaluating evidence, and assessing data. This course offers an excellent interdisciplinary preparation by combining historical research with political science and political theory.
About this Course
First Year
The core first year module is an interdisciplinary module fusing historical and political science approaches to a chosen case study. You will take foundational courses in both history and politics.
Second Year
In your second year, you will begin to deepen your knowledge by taking core and elective modules in History and Politics. In History, these modules will allow you to focus on particular countries, themes and periods, alongside the core module History Today. In Politics, you will study modules ranging from international relations to human rights, alongside a core Research Methods module.
Third Year
You will choose from a range of options that will enable you to broaden your horizons and enrich your academic experience:
- Apply for a competitive internship in an area that interests you and/or relates to your area of study.
- Study abroad for a trimester/year to develop your language skills and immerse yourself in a new culture.
- Deepen your knowledge by studying a dedicated range of History and Politics modules.
Fourth Year
Students take option modules in both subjects in fourth year. The culmination of the programme is a capstone project, where you will work closely with a supervisor to complete a dissertation in history, politics, or an interdisciplinary mix of both.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
Students may apply for study abroad opportunities in universities across Europe and worldwide. Both subjects have a network of exchange agreements with partner Universities including: France, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, United States, Italy.
Graduates of History and Politics have key skills in research, analysis and communication that are highly valued by employers. History & Politics graduates work across: International Organizations, Broadcasting and Journalism, Business, Civil Service, Law, NGOs, Publishing, Public Relations, Politics, Research, Teaching, Marketing, Policymaking, Tourism, Heritage.
Graduates are eligible to apply for UCD MA and MSc programmes in either History or Politics and International Relations. For more information see www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies.
Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.
UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.
“Studying history and politics in UCD has been a fantastic opportunity. The subjects combine extremely well together, making each module truly intriguing. They also form a positive balance so that you are not just focusing on one specific topic. What I have enjoyed most about this course so far is taking part in mock elections, which developed my growing passion to pursue a career in politics in the future.”
Sophie O’Leary, Student
BA Humanities History & Politics (DN530/HPS1)
Undergraduate (Level 8 NFQ, Credits 240)