History BA
- Duration
- 3 Years (Full time)
- Typical A-level offer
- AAA
- UCAS code
- V100
History and Philosophy BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- VVC5
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
On this varied joint honours degree, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of human thought and action over time.
You’ll discover key concepts and topics such as logic and ethics, alongside modules that give you a firm foundation in historical skills and explore ways the past is researched. Then you’ll build on this knowledge base by choosing from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to focus on topics that interest you across periods and cultures.
Both the School of History and School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science are large enough to host an impressively diverse range of research interests. That means we can offer degrees with plenty of choice so you can shape your degree to suit you.
Philosophy of the mind, religion or science, medieval medicine, decolonisation, or histories of everyday life – whatever you’re looking for, the chances are you’ll find it at Leeds. You’ll also develop a range of skills that really stand out to employers.
The University of Leeds has great facilities for students of philosophy and history. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research.
The University Library's Special Collections include the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society records, dating from 1819 which played an important role in science education, and the Liddle Collection of personal papers from thousands of people who lived through the First and Second World Wars.
Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
The University Library offers full training to help you make the most of our resources.
Take a look around our libraries:
Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library
Course details
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.
In your first year you’ll study modules in both subjects, which will lay the groundwork for your degree. Our modules will provide you with opportunities to develop and broaden your historical skills, as well as exploring different approaches to the past, and explore key issues in philosophy. You’ll also build key skills in each subject, such as constructing effective arguments. You’ll also have the chance to take optional modules on topics such as philosophy of the mind or science, or key periods of global history, or you can study discovery modules from across the University.
You’ll build on these foundations in the following year, when you’ll choose from optional modules in each subject. You’ll maintain a balance across earlier and more recent history, such as medieval and early modern societies, African or American history, and communism, as well as key areas in philosophy such as logic and language, mind and knowledge or value philosophy.
In your final year you’ll continue to take a balanced approach to your choice of philosophical topics while focusing on a specific aspect of history in your special subject. The choices on offer reflect the research interests of our diverse School from the medieval period to the present day, and cut across historical approaches and geographies.
You’ll also have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in research, interpretation and analysis when you undertake an independently researched dissertation.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring History | 20 |
| How to Think Clearly and Argue Well | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Faith, Knowledge and Power, 1500-1750 | 20 |
| The Medieval World in Ten Objects | 20 |
| Medieval Lives: Identities, Cultures and Beliefs | 20 |
| Global Empires | 20 |
| Global Decolonization | 20 |
| The Making of the Twentieth Century | 20 |
| The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong | 20 |
| Knowledge, Self and Reality | 20 |
| Introduction to the History of Western Philosophy | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Students Into Schools (Arts Humanities and Culture) | 20 |
| Small Change and Big Changes: Money and Power in Europe, 284-1000 | 20 |
| Australia and the World | 20 |
| The Crusades and the Crusader States in the 12th Century | 20 |
| The Crusades and Medieval Christendom | 20 |
| Ancient Philosophy | 20 |
| History of Modern Philosophy: Locke and Berkeley | 20 |
| Ethics of Life and Death | 10 |
| Political Philosophy | 20 |
| Moral Philosophy | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 |
| Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 |
| History Dissertation | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Thinking about History | 20 |
| History on the High Street | 20 |
| Histories of Black Britain | 20 |
| Conquest, Convivencia and Conflict: Christian and Muslim Spain, 711-1212 | 40 |
| The Age of Chivalry: The Idea of Knighthood in Medieval Europe, 1050-1450 | 20 |
| Philosophy of Biology | 20 |
| Metaethics | 20 |
| Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art | 20 |
| Religion, Belief and Ethics | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors in the School of History and the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year research project on a topic of your own choice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Academic staff have bookable office hours for advice and feedback, and you’ll also benefit from working closely with your tutors during one-to-one supervision sessions, our personal tutoring schemes, on field trips (such as archive and museum visits).
The University offers a variety of tailored support for historians and philosophers; the University Library runs free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment methods may vary, depending on the modules you choose. Exams and essays are the most common, but some modules may also include group work, oral presentations, source commentaries, annotated bibliographies, book/literature/historiographical reviews, blog postings, Wikis, podcasts, and other methods as part of the mix. We offer plenty of support, including the chance to attend extra classes on issues such as exam technique, public speaking and structuring an essay if you need them.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Contact the Admissions Office for more information. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80%
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
School of History
Contact us
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
You’ll gain a broad base of skills from a joint honours degree in History and Philosophy.
As well as in-depth subject knowledge, you’ll have good research skills and be able to analyse complex information from a range of sources. You’ll be able to construct clear and persuasive arguments, and present and defend them using your advanced communication skills. You’ll also have good organisational skills from juggling two different subjects.
Recent graduates have gone into careers in business, the Civil Service, education, finance, heritage, teaching, publishing, fashion, journalism, law, local government, media, marketing and politics to name just a few.
Read more about Graduate destinations.
We do everything we can to help prepare you for your career. Student-run career groups allow you to get together with other students who share your career goals, while you could also become a peer mentor or apply for one of our paid internships. Or you could take one of our career-related modules to develop your employability or explore your options.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.
Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.