(Full time) 2021 start
Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science BA

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This degree addresses fundamental questions about how we come to understand the world around us.
What is reality? How can we know about it – and how do we know that we have such knowledge in the first place? Can we trust what scientists say, and is science ever truly objective? On this course you’ll engage with questions that have shaped the modern world.
As well as fundamental questions about knowledge, language, reality and moral and political life, you’ll learn about the ways in scientific theories and methods have developed over the years and the roles that science, technology and medicine play in society today.
Core modules introduce you to key approaches, thinkers and methods in each subject. You’ll learn to construct and defend effective arguments and think about the nature of scientific evidence and ideas. You’ll also expand your knowledge through a wide range of optional modules on topics like philosophy of biology, science and religion, metaphysics and aesthetics.
Take a look around our libraries:
Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library
Course content
In your first year you’ll study core modules that introduce you to the history, methods and central questions across philosophy and history and philosophy of science, such as How to Think Clearly and Argue Well and How Science Works. You’ll also be able to choose from optional or discovery modules from across the university.
With this subject grounding you’ll be able to take advantage of the wide assortment of options on offer over the next two years.
In your second year you’ll choose from core modules exploring topics such as theory of knowledge, the history of psychiatry, or the role of science in social change. Beyond this you’ll be able to pursue your interests in optional modules such as moral and political philosophy, logic or the philosophy of mind or religion.
You’ll continue to benefit from a wide range of modules in your final year, but you’ll also focus on a specialist topic of your choice as you undertake your final year project. It will allow you to showcase the skills, knowledge and experience that you’ve developed throughout the course of your degree.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Magic, Science and Religion 10 credits
- Introduction to the History of Science 10 credits
- Darwin, Germs and the Bomb 10 credits
- How Science Works 10 credits
- How to Think Clearly and Argue Well 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- History of Psychology 10 credits
- Living with Technology 10 credits
- History of Modern Medicine 10 credits
- The Mind 10 credits
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion 10 credits
- The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong 20 credits
- Knowledge, Self and Reality 20 credits
- Great Philosophical Thinkers 20 credits
Year 2
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Students Into Schools (Arts Humanities and Culture) 20 credits
- History of Science in 10 Objects 20 credits
- History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness 20 credits
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Language 20 credits
- Formal Logic 20 credits
- History of Modern Philosophy: Leibniz and Hume 20 credits
- Ancient Philosophy 20 credits
- Ethics of Life and Death 10 credits
- Political Philosophy 20 credits
- Moral Philosophy 20 credits
- Introduction to Epistemology 20 credits
- Philosophy of Religion 20 credits
- Introduction to Metaphysics 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Biology 20 credits
- How Biology Works 10 credits
- Thinking About Race 10 credits
- Augustine of Hippo: A Key Thinker in Philosophy and Theology 20 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Science Communication: History & Theory 20 credits
- History of the Body 20 credits
- Mind, Brain & Society 20 credits
- Kant 20 credits
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Philosophy of Biology 20 credits
- Metaethics 20 credits
- Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art 20 credits
- Philosophy of Mind 20 credits
- Feminist Philosophy 20 credits
- War, Terror and Justice 20 credits
- Introduction to Philosophy of Modern Physics 10 credits
- Philosophy of Modern Physics 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Technology 20 credits
- Philosophy of the Social Sciences 20 credits
- Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Existentialism and Phenomenology 20 credits
- Religion, Belief and Ethics 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding 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
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is home to expert tutors whose research informs their teaching. We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise including lectures, tutorials, seminars and occasionally workshops. However, independent study is vital to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis while forming your own ideas.
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
Exams and essays are among the types of assessment we normally use, but some modules may also incorporate group work or oral presentations as assessed components. We offer plenty of support throughout your time at Leeds to help you handle assessments, such as extra classes on public speaking and exam technique.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
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.
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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. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
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BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers
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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.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80%.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were 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. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.
You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.
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.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £20,250 (per year)
Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
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.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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
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.
Career opportunities
A degree in Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science will equip you with in-depth subject knowledge on a wide range of topics. It will also give you transferable skills that are very attractive to employers.
You’ll have strong research skills and be able to think critically about complex information from a range of sources. You’ll be able to construct effective arguments and present and defend your views clearly, whether verbally or in writing. You’ll also be able to work in a team or independently and have good organisational skills.
Graduates have gone on to succeed in a wide range of career paths as a result, including management, charity work, the civil service, politics, journalism, the media and education. Many also pursue postgraduate study.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats 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 at the Careers website.
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.
You’ll also have additional opportunities to gain work experience during the degree. For example, you can apply for our Philosophy Students into Schools module which allows you to spend time planning and delivering lessons, or you can get involved in the ongoing development of the Leeds Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine.