Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought BA
Year of entry 2023
- UCAS code
- V551
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Combining philosophy, psychology, and the history of science, this varied and interesting degree allows you to explore the most fundamental questions about our minds.
You’ll study these different yet closely related specialisms and how they relate to the nature of the mind. By utilising scientific, philosophical, and historical methods you'll understand what the mind is and how it works. Optional and core modules will allow you to examine the mechanisms of the brain, childhood development, mental illness, the history of psychology and the relationship between the mind and the brain.
You can develop your understanding of the world even further by choosing from a wide range of optional modules reflecting the diverse research interests across the University. This enables you to focus on wide-ranging topics that interest you such as ethics, the philosophy of art or religion.
Course details
Modules in your first year will introduce you to different aspects of philosophy, psychology, and history of science, such as biological and cognitive psychology, logic, and the scientific method.
You can also choose from optional modules on topics such as developmental and social psychology, ethics, knowledge and the self, the history of philosophy and the links between magic, science and religion.
From this foundation, over the next two years you’ll take further core modules in topics such as memory, language, history of psychiatry and mental illness, and philosophy of the mind, as well as choosing from a wide range of optional modules across philosophy, psychology and history of science.
You could study ancient philosophy, psychological disorders, metaphysics, learning theory, and the ethics of life and death.
Throughout your degree you’ll be developing a wide range of skills including research, interpretation and analysis, and in your final year you’ll have the opportunity to apply them to a final year project on a topic of your choice within philosophy or history of science.
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 |
|---|---|
| History of Psychology | 10 |
| Introduction to the History of Science | 10 |
| The Mind | 10 |
| How Science Works | 10 |
| How to Think Clearly and Argue Well | 20 |
| Cognitive Psychology | 10 |
| Perception | 10 |
| Biological Approaches to Psychology | 10 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Magic, Science and Religion | 10 |
| Darwin, Germs and the Bomb | 10 |
| History of Modern Medicine | 10 |
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion | 10 |
| The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong | 20 |
| Knowledge, Self and Reality | 20 |
| Developmental Psychology | 10 |
| Social Psychology | 10 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness | 20 |
| Memory and Language | 10 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Students Into Schools (Arts Humanities and Culture) | 20 |
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Language | 20 |
| Ancient Philosophy | 20 |
| Ethics of Life and Death | 10 |
| Moral Philosophy | 20 |
| Psychological Disorders | 10 |
| Individual Differences | 10 |
| Perception, Action and Cognition | 10 |
| Neuroscience | 20 |
Year 2 discovery modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Developing Your Professional Identity: Preparing for a Career in Within The Arts, Heritage and Creative Industries | 20 |
| Towards the Future: Skills in Context | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mind, Brain & Society | 20 |
| War, Terror and Justice | 20 |
| Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 |
| The Spatial World | 15 |
| Drug Addiction | 15 |
| One Brain, Two Hemispheres | 15 |
| Face Perception | 15 |
| Biopsychosocial Issues in Ageing | 15 |
| Feminist Social Psychology | 15 |
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
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science and the School of Psychology are home to tutors who are at the forefront of research in their fields.
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise, normally including lectures, seminars, tutorials and occasionally workshops. However, independent study is integral to the degree, since this is where you develop your skills in research, interpretation and analysis.
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
We also use various forms of assessment, usually combining exams and essays. However, some modules may also incorporate oral presentations and group work. We do offer plenty of support: for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique and public speaking throughout your time at Leeds.
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. 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, M2.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 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, 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.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.
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.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £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 the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
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.
This course is taught by
School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
School of Psychology
Contact us
School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Because this degree crosses so many disciplines, it will give you an impressive range of subject knowledge. You’ll also develop valuable transferable skills that really stand out to employers. You’ll have strong research skills and be able to interpret and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. You’ll also be confident working independently or within a team, and you’ll have the advanced communication skills necessary to present and defend your own arguments.
These are all valuable skills that have allowed graduates to pursue a wide range of careers in areas such as charity work, the civil service, politics, education, journalism, the media and management. They’d also be valuable in fields such as social work, marketing and consultancy. Many of our graduates go on to pursue postgraduate study or further training.
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 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.
Student profile: Otto Lyons
My course seemed to offer a combination of things that I had both studied and wanted to understand further, as well as a range of interesting topics I had never considered.Find out more about Otto Lyons's time at Leeds