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The University of Edinburgh

History and Politics

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom · UCAS LV21

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    Central area campus

  • Intl. Tuition

    Fee not confirmed

  • Intake

    September 2027

  • UCAS code

    LV21

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Course Overview

History and Politics at The University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Student life (indicative)

Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful student cities — a stunning historic centre, a buzzing festival scene, great pubs, and Highlands access on your doorstep. Compact, walkable and vibrant.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

39,015

Staff Ratio

13.0:1

International

42.0%

Career Prospects

Avg Starting Salary

£38,710

First-year earnings

Placement Year

✓ Available

Work experience option

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

City & Location

Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of History and Politics
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate History and Politics topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced History and Politics
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

Subjects

  • Politics
  • History

Source: UCAS course listing, 2027 entry (retrieved September 2026). Always confirm the current requirements with the university.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

39,015

Total students

Staff Ratio

13:1

Students per staff

International Students

42%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Large city (500k-1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Cool maritime

Safety Index (indicative)

7.8/10

Transport

Moderate (coach or indirect connections)

Social Scene

Friendly community | Global / diverse | Coastal lifestyle | Academic / intellectual

Student Life & City (indicative)

Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful student cities — a stunning historic centre, a buzzing festival scene, great pubs, and Highlands access on your doorstep. Compact, walkable and vibrant.

  • Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful student cities — a stunning historic centre, a buzzing festival scene, great pubs, and Highlands access on your doorstep.
  • Compact, walkable and vibrant.

What Students Love

  • Rich arts & cultural scene
  • Historic city & heritage
  • Active pub & club scene
  • Outdoor & nature activities

University Stats

Total Students39,015
Student-to-Staff Ratio13:1
International Students42%
Safety Index (indicative)7.8/10

Career & Outcomes

Avg Starting Salary

£38,710

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✓ Available

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

  • Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs.
  • Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Finance
  • Technology
  • Media

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£797/mo
Food & Groceries£280/mo
Transport£98/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,366
Annual living costs£16,400/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $1,730/month (housing $1,010, food $355, transport $125). Edinburgh costs more than most Scottish cities but delivers one of Europe's finest student experiences.

  • In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $1,730/month (housing $1,010, food $355, transport $125).
  • Edinburgh costs more than most Scottish cities but delivers one of Europe's finest student experiences.

Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.