Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science BA

What is reality? How can we know it – and how do we know what we know? Can we trust what scientists say more than others, and is science ever truly objective?

A degree in Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science addresses important questions about how we see and understand the world around us. 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.

Core modules will introduce you to key approaches, thinkers and methods in each subject, as you learn to construct effective arguments and think about the nature of scientific evidence and ideas. You’ll then be able to expand your knowledge through a wide range of optional modules on topics like philosophy of biology, science and religion, metaphysics and aesthetics. You’ll engage with questions that have shaped the modern world.

Leeds has great facilities for students of philosophy, theology and religious studies. 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. Our other library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

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 modules in either subject or discovery modules from across the university.

With this grounding you’ll be in a good position to take advantage of the choice on offer over the next two years. In your second year you’ll choose from core modules exploring topics such as the philosophy of theory and evidence, 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 this choice in your final year, but you’ll also focus on a specialist topic of your choice when you undertake your independent research project. It will allow you to showcase the skills and knowledge 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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is home to expert tutors whose cutting-edge 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.

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

A-level: AAB

Other course specific tests:

When 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.

• 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.

• BTEC

  BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M1, M1.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  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, or AAAABB in Highers, or AAAABB 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. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.

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

School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

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.

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.

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. 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 at the Careers website.

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.