Philosophy and History

Description: The BA Philosophy and History program at the University of Essex offers students a unique opportunity to explore two profound disciplines that have shaped human thought and societies throughout history. This interdisciplinary course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical ideas and historical developments across different periods and cultures. Students will engage with fundamental questions about existence, morality, knowledge, and reality through the study of philosophy, while simultaneously examining key events, movements, and figures that have influenced world history. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a diverse range of topics, including ethical theories, political philosophy, ancient and modern history, social transformations, and cultural contexts. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects, students will learn to evaluate complex arguments, interpret historical sources, and articulate their ideas effectively. The course also emphasizes the importance of empirical and theoretical approaches, encouraging students to develop a nuanced perspective on contemporary issues rooted in historical and philosophical contexts. Practical skills such as critical analysis, research methodology, and effective communication are integral to the program, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, journalism, public policy, or further postgraduate study. The university’s vibrant academic environment, with access to extensive resources, dedicated research centers, and a diverse community of scholars, enhances the learning experience. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad opportunities, and extracurricular activities that complement their academic pursuits. Overall, the Philosophy and History program at Essex aims to foster intellectually curious graduates equipped with a broad, critical understanding of human ideas and societal changes, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully to contemporary debates and challenges.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Philosophy;
The Making of the Modern World 1789-1989 or Society, Culture and Politics in Europe 1500-1750;and
two first-year options (Death, God and the Meaning of Life is recommended)

Year 2

Making Histories: Concepts, Themes and Sources;
one history half-option;
Nineteenth-Century Continental Philosophy;
one philosophy half-option or one philosophy option;and
one history option(s)

Year 3

Two philosophy options;
one history option or an independent research project; and
one history option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and History at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in two fundamental disciplines that explore the development of human thought, society, and culture. This joint honours program provides an opportunity to examine philosophical ideas and historical contexts from ancient times to the present, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human experience.

Students enrolled in this program will engage with a wide range of modules that cover core topics in both philosophy and history. In philosophy, the curriculum typically explores areas such as ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy from early thinkers to contemporary debates. The history component may include modules on different periods and regions, such as medieval Europe, modern history, ancient civilizations, and more thematic studies like social movements and intellectual history.

The program is designed to develop essential skills including analytical reasoning, argumentation, research, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to think critically about complex issues, evaluate evidence, and develop well-structured arguments. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the degree allows for the integration of philosophical insights with historical analysis, encouraging students to consider ethical dimensions and societal impacts.

Teaching methods at Essex typically combine lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research. The university’s resources include access to extensive archives, online databases, and libraries, supporting students in their learning and research pursuits. Assessment methods may consist of essays, presentations, exams, and dissertations, providing varied opportunities to demonstrate understanding and analytical abilities.

Graduates of the Philosophy and History program are well-equipped for careers in education, research, public service, journalism, international relations, and other fields requiring critical thinking and cultural awareness. Many students also choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level, pursuing advanced degrees in either philosophy, history, or related disciplines.

The university emphasizes a supportive academic environment with dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields, committed to guiding students through their academic journey. The campus facilities provide modern learning spaces, and the university’s location offers access to a vibrant city life and cultural opportunities, enriching the educational experience.

Overall, the Philosophy and History degree at the University of Essex aims to cultivate knowledgeable, reflective, and engaged individuals prepared to contribute thoughtfully to society and their respective professions.