Politics or history: which should I study?
Neither subject is automatically better. Politics may suit you if you enjoy current affairs, institutions, public policy, debate and analysing how power operates. History may suit you if you prefer studying change over time, interpreting evidence and understanding past societies and events. Compare course modules, assessment methods and your longer-term interests before deciding.
Key points
- Politics may involve political theory, government, international relations or public policy, depending on the course.
- History may involve particular periods, regions or themes, with emphasis on source analysis and historical interpretation.
- Both can develop research, writing, critical-thinking and argumentation skills.
- Consider which subjects and assessment styles you find most engaging, and review official course information.
Things to check
- Course content, teaching methods and assessment can vary substantially between universities and countries.
- Career routes depend on your further study, skills, experience and goals; neither subject guarantees a particular outcome.