Philosophy and History (including Year Abroad)

The BA Philosophy and History programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that combines the critical thinking and analytical skills gained through philosophy with an understanding of historical processes and contexts. This degree is designed for students who are eager to explore fundamental questions about existence, morality, knowledge, and society, while also examining the development of human cultures, governments, and ideas over time. The programme provides a balanced curriculum that includes core modules in both disciplines, allowing students to develop a strong foundational knowledge in key philosophical theories and historical periods, alongside specialized options that reflect their interests and career aspirations.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage in rigorous academic inquiry, analytical debates, and independent research, fostering skills such as argument analysis, persuasive writing, and critical interpretation. The philosophy component covers areas such as moral philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy, ensuring students are equipped to tackle complex theoretical issues. The history element spans different regions and eras, offering perspectives from ancient civilizations to contemporary societies, with opportunities for comparative analysis and thematic studies.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, which allows students to spend a dedicated year studying at a partner university in a different country. This experience broadens cultural horizons, enhances language skills, and provides an international perspective on philosophy and history. Students gain firsthand insight into different academic traditions and social perspectives, enriching their learning and personal growth.

The course is delivered by experienced academics who are active researchers in their fields, providing students with up-to-date knowledge and mentorship. The programme prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including academia, law, journalism, Public Policy, cultural sectors, and international organizations, thanks to its emphasis on analytical skills, critical reasoning, and intercultural understanding. With flexible study options, including module choices and the possibility of combining disciplines creatively, the BA Philosophy and History at Essex is ideal for students passionate about understanding the past and questioning the fundamental aspects of human thought and society.

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

Year abroad

Year 4

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.

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 Philosophy and History programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of two fundamental disciplines that enhance critical thinking, analytical skills, and contextual understanding of human society and thought. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to give students a balanced education in philosophical theories, historical processes, and their interconnections, equipping them with intellectual skills applicable across numerous career paths. The programme typically encompasses core modules that introduce students to key philosophical ideas, ethical debates, and historical periods, alongside optional modules allowing specialization in areas such as ancient philosophy, modern philosophy, political philosophy, and the history of specific regions or periods. A distinctive feature of this programme is the inclusion of a Year Abroad component, providing students with the opportunity to study at partner institutions across the globe. This international experience fosters cultural awareness, language skills, and a broader perspective on philosophical and historical traditions that differ from those in the UK. Throughout their studies, students develop critical argumentation skills, research techniques, and the ability to analyze complex texts and historical sources. The programme encourages independent learning through essays, presentations, and research projects, preparing graduates for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, international relations, public policy, and beyond. The University of Essex supports students with dedicated academic staff, modern facilities, and extracurricular activities that enrich the educational experience. Employability is a key focus, with opportunities for internships, conferences, and collaborative research projects. Overall, this programme aims to foster thoughtful, well-rounded individuals who can critically engage with the world around them, applying philosophical reasoning and historical insight to contemporary issues.