Humanities
Get to the heart of humanities at City of Portsmouth College
Humanities students experience history, law, and politics where they happen — from touring the US Supreme Court and Congress in Washington D.C. to exploring New York City’s global institutions. In the UK, they visit Parliament and local courts, take part in mock trials and debates, and work with University of Portsmouth mentors. With a focus on global citizenship and critical thinking, the programme turns classroom learning into real-world experience and opportunity.
HUMANITIES
Subject overview
What's on offer
Curious about where we came from? What shapes our societies, our laws, and influences our everyday lives? At City of Portsmouth College you’ll discover all of this and more on our humanities courses.
Humanities means being able to view the world through a critical lens, and it’s a skill employers love. It enables you to understand the world around you today, as well as in the past. It helps you challenge views, debate the facts and research your sources.
These skills are ideal if university is your aim – you’ll be theorising, debating and researching throughout. And, with an impressive percentage of our students progressing to top universities, we think we’ve got the winning formula.
Subject highlights
- take part in realistic courtroom drama through trials in our mock courtroom
- develop public speaking skills in debates and mock elections with local MPs
- trips to destinations ranging from the UK Parliament to Washington DC, USA
- explore the legal world with our Law Society, run with the University of Portsmouth.

Course: A Level Classical Civilisation
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100083
Course: A Level Geography
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100087
Course: A Level History
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100088
Course: A Level Law
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100090
Course: A Level Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100093
Course: A Level Politics
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100091
Course: Level 3 BTEC Certificate/Extended Certificate in Applied Law
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100080
Our facilities
At City of Portsmouth College, you’ll discover an environment that’s tailor-made to help you achieve academically. We’re built for you to grow.
Key facilities include:
- modern, well-equipped classrooms for comfortable and focused learning
- dedicated space for mentoring sessions with university students
- quiet self-study areas across the campus, to enhance your personal learning journey
- one of the only mock courtrooms at a UK college, where you can take part in simulated trials.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“My lecturer goes into so much detail. I sometimes struggle to process information and my politics teacher breaks it down for me so well.”Georgina Dunthorne
Studying: A Level Politics
Careers within the humanities industry
Archivist
Archivists manage and preserve historical and cultural records.
Main responsibilities:
- Protect and preserve valuable materials for future generations
- Use specialist software to organise and catalogue documents and collections
- Help researchers, students and the public access and understand the archive
- Create digital copies of records to make archives more widely available
- Plan exhibitions and displays that bring history and culture to life for the public
Salary range:
£23,000 - £45,000
Barrister
Barristers represent people in disagreements, investigations and in court.
Main responsibilities:
- Represent clients by presenting legal arguments to judges and juries
- Research past cases and legal rules to develop strong arguments
- Offer expert legal advice and help clients understand their options
- Question witnesses and challenge evidence during trials
- Negotiate settlements to resolve cases outside of the courtroom
Salary range:
£21,000 - £200,000
Civil Service Manager
Civil Service Managers lead teams in government departments.
Main responsibilities:
- Manage teams to develop public services, policies or government projects
- Make sure work follows legal and ethical standards
- Prepare briefings and updates for government ministers
- Manage relationships with other departments and partner organisations
- Oversee budgets, contracts and communications
Salary range:
£35,000 - £72,000
International Relations Officer
International relations officers work with global organisations, governments or charities to manage partnerships and address global issues.
Main responsibilities:
- Coordinating international projects
- Liaising with global partners
- Researching political and social issues
- Preparing reports and briefings
- Supporting diplomatic or organisational activity
Salary range:
£30,000 - £65,000
Journalist
Journalists research, investigate and report on news, current affairs and human interest stories across print, digital and broadcast media.
Main responsibilities:
- Researching stories and current events
- Interviewing sources
- Writing and editing articles
- Fact checking information
- Meeting tight publication deadlines
Salary range:
£22,000 - £45,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
The Solent is a hotspot for legal career opportunities
Right now is an excellent time to be studying law at college or university in areas around Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. The Solent area has identified a skills shortage of legal professionals. Yet, of course, justice always needs to be served – so the skills gap must be filled. This means people qualifying in legal subjects, and who are able to work in organisations across The Solent, will find themselves in the perfect place to build a rewarding career.
Lecturer Spotlight
Ian Fitzgerald
Politics Lecturer
Want to study something that changes by the week? Or even by the hour?
Ian Fitzgerald explains why Politics at City of Portsmouth College is immersive, and never predictable. There’s no single right answer here. Lessons are built on debate, and discussion, because understanding how laws are made and governments run starts with asking difficult questions.
We host live hustings events, inviting local candidates to face student questions in a Question Time-style panel. We also travel to Washington, D.C. and New York City, visiting iconic landmarks that bring global politics to life.
Frequently asked questions
Our Humanities courses cover a broad range of subjects that explore history, geography, culture, belief systems, politics, law and more.
These courses allow you to investigate how societies have developed, how people understand the world around them and how systems of power, justice and belief shape communities today.
These subjects explore how societies develop, how people think and believe, how laws shape communities and how global systems influence our lives. Through discussion, research and analysis, you will develop the ability to question ideas, interpret evidence and build confident arguments.
Studying Humanities encourages curiosity about the world and helps you discover your strengths as a critical thinker, communicator and problem solver.
Each Humanities subject explores the world from a different perspective.
Some subjects focus on the past, helping you understand how historical events and civilisations continue to influence modern life. Others examine the relationship between people, places and the environment, exploring global challenges and how societies respond to them.
You may also study subjects that explore belief systems, philosophy and ethical questions, encouraging thoughtful debate about morality, identity and human experience. Other areas focus on political systems and the structures that shape societies, or examine how laws are created, interpreted and applied.
Together, these subjects help you develop a broad understanding of how the world works and how different ideas and systems influence our lives.
Assessment methods vary depending on the qualification but typically include written examinations, extended essays and research-based assignments.
You will learn how to analyse information, evaluate evidence and construct well-structured arguments. Many courses also develop independent research skills, preparing you for the expectations of university level study.
Regular feedback from tutors helps you refine your analytical writing, strengthen your reasoning and build confidence in presenting complex ideas clearly.
Humanities subjects develop a wide range of transferable skills that are valued by universities and employers.
You will strengthen your ability to research information, evaluate different perspectives, construct logical arguments and communicate ideas clearly in both written and spoken form.
Studying Humanities also encourages curiosity, empathy and cultural awareness, helping you understand the complexities of society and global issues.
These skills support success across many professional sectors where analysis, communication and informed decision making are essential.
Humanities study can support progression into a wide range of careers including law, government, journalism, education, public services, heritage, research and many other professional fields.
They are also widely respected by universities and support progression into many degree pathways across the humanities, social sciences and related fields. Beyond specific careers, Humanities study develops intellectual confidence and the ability to understand complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Yes. Humanities subjects are well regarded by universities and provide strong preparation for higher education.
Through essay writing, independent research and critical analysis, you will build the academic skills required for degree level study. Many students progress to university to continue studying humanities and social science subjects or to specialise in areas that match their interests and career ambitions.
By studying Humanities at City of Portsmouth College, you develop the confidence to question ideas, explore new perspectives and continue your journey towards finding your brilliance.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
