Why Pembroke?

History and Politics combines two complementary but distinct disciplines, guaranteeing you an academically stimulating degree programme. The course equips you to approach the study of the past with the conceptual rigour derived from political science and enables you to set contemporary political problems in their historical perspective.

Like with many of our joint schools, which we work hard to emphasise, there is a strong team of academics in both disciplines, with many overlapping areas of interest to deliver the best experience. The Senior History Tutors are Stephen Tuck, an expert on the history of America, and Adrian Gregory, a specialist in First World War history and the writing of historical memory. Professor Stephen Whitefield, Fellow and Tutor in Politics, tutors our undergraduates, with his specialities mainly centring on Comparative Government and Political Sociology, with a special interest in Russia and Eastern Europe.

A unique feature of History and Politics at Oxford is the option to choose from a broad range of subjects across the two disciplines, making it possible to create unique combinations of Historical and Political areas of interest. Our vibrant community of Historians and Political Scientists at Pembroke and key focus on integration of teaching with regards to the two subjects make us a well-established choice for students.

What extra activities do we offer?

The history society at Pembroke is one of the most active subject groups, and regularly arranges dinners and other social occasions such as quizzes and film nights throughout the year, in addition to regularly held academic presentations and talks.

There is also a politics colloquium in the College involving both undergraduate and graduate students, which meets once per term for a distinguished lecture and subsequent reception.

Could you become a History and Politics student at Pembroke?

For the history modules, candidates should possess analytical skills, be flexible and able to communicate clearly. All history applicants (including joint schools) are also required to take the History Aptitude Test (HAT).

For The Politics side of the course, strong reasoning skills and a technical command of literature are key.

If you are considering this course, please attend an open day where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Looking for Just History?

Have you considered our other joint courses?

Both of these disciplines form part of several joint honours courses, including History and English, History and Modern Languages, History and Economics and Philosophy, Politics and Economics.