Which degree is better, history or politics?

I'm in a position where I've already applied to study history, but I've started thinking politics might be more useful in terms of getting a good job in the future compared to history. I guess I'm concerned that although i enjoy the subject, I might have a better chance with politics, which also seems interesting. It'd be nice if someone could give insight to the pros and cons of each degree, or some advice!

I'm in a position where I've already applied to study history, but I've started thinking politics might be more useful in terms of getting a good job in the future compared to history. I guess I'm concerned that although i enjoy the subject, I might have a better chance with politics, which also seems interesting. It'd be nice if someone could give insight to the pros and cons of each degree, or some advice!

Hey @M'butt,

I am a little bit biased here as a Politics and IR student - but for me politics would slightly win it for me over history. Back in college when we were talking about applying for Universities I was initially thinking history over politics but I am glad I chose my course now.

Politics and International Relations is an incredibly broad topic and I would recommend choosing a course based on the modules. I have found during my time at Hull that there has been a lot of history in my modules, mostly 19th and 20th century with some Thucydides and some earlier periods referenced fun, but this is used to help illustrate political theories and discuss them rather than have exclusive looks in depth at the historical events themselves. Depending on where you go for politics and which strand of politics you do does add a great deal of difference in what you are studying, at Hull we have modules on the United Nations, Seapower, America, the EU, the global economy, electoral voting systems, political philosophy - just to name a few.

In terms of careers there can be some overlap between them - for instance a possible career choice afterwards is the Civil Service (usually via the Civil Service Fast Stream) but I know a history student who is also considering applying for this too. Graduates from Politics at Hull also tend to go into all sorts of careers from the Armed Forces, to the media and Hull has a very heavy presence in Westminster ranging from MPs and Lords to Civil Servants, aides and other staffers (the Hull Mafia it is formally known as).

I have included links to our School of Politics and History Department at Hull so you can check out our courses. At Hull we also have an option of doing History and Politics so you can get the best of both worlds (it also shows how close the two fields are):

History - https://www.hull.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/history-ba-hons
Politics - https://www.hull.ac.uk/faculties/subjects/politics-and-international-studies

Also if you would like further information about the courses and more information on career aspects and what studying that course is like here are the contact details for a current history student and myself if you have any further questions.

Politics and IR - https://api.unibuddy.co/og/university-of-hull/buddies/students/5ebdc316e5c56d101967b464?buddyPosition=share
History - https://api.unibuddy.co/og/university-of-hull/buddies/students/5fce593878c3e105489ec50e?buddyPosition=share

However to jump back on the fence I would recommend having a look at the module outlines, speaking to academics and students at the universities you are interested and if you can get a hold of any reading lists - those are fantastic indicators of what exactly they will be teaching you on that course. At the end of the day choose something you are interested in and are passionate about studying and a University that really appeals to you.

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions feel free to reach out to me on the unibuddy link above.

Isaac
Politics and International Relations Student (2nd Year)
University of Hull Student Representative

It depends on your employment ambitions, personal enthusiasm for the subject and sometimes which unis you are applying to for undergrad.

I'm in a position where I've already applied to study history, but I've started thinking politics might be more useful in terms of getting a good job in the future compared to history. I guess I'm concerned that although i enjoy the subject, I might have a better chance with politics, which also seems interesting. It'd be nice if someone could give insight to the pros and cons of each degree, or some advice!