BA (Hons) PHILOSOPHY AND HISTORY
BA (HONS) PHILOSOPHY AND HISTORY
What is History? How do we know about the past? What are causes? And what is it to explain events or changes or the decisions that altered the course of history? Many historical questions turn on issues that have important philosophical ramifications. If you love to enquire, not just into the past but into the ideas with which we approach the past, then this degree will allow you to do both and to bring the two together.
With a rich choice of modules in both subjects, our degree offers stimulating opportunities for you to develop as a historian and as a philosopher, exploring how these subjects interact with each other. In your philosophy modules, you will examine how philosophical thought and debate has developed over time, and how contemporary questions have emerged from a history of intellectual exchange. In your history modules, you will discover how philosophical ideas about politics, religion, ethics and science have changed the course of history in concrete ways. UEA is acknowledged to be at the forefront of History research in the UK, and in the Times Higher Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Analysis, UEA was ranked 3rd overall in the UK for research quality in History.
About
Questions about the human condition, and how we came into our current predicament, are among the puzzles you’ll try to unravel in a Philosophy and History degree. You’ll pursue your enquiries in a rigorous and stimulating intellectual environment, where you’ll discover the distinct and complementary contributions that philosophy and history make to our understanding of human life and experience.
Throughout your degree you’ll be invited to examine how history and philosophy interact with each other. In year 2 you’ll take our keystone module, Philosophy of History and Politics for Second Years. Here you will draw on the skills, methods and concepts that you have learnt as both a philosopher and a historian. You can choose to follow it up with the complementary module in the following year, Philosophy of History and Politics for Third Years.
In addition to any compulsory modules, you’ll be able to choose from our full range of History and Philosophy modules in your second and third years. All are designed to develop your skills as a thinker, as a historian, as an acute critic and writer, and simply as a person with views and a voice of your own.
During your time with us you’ll work with leading lecturers and professors in philosophy and history, whose work is discussed the world over. You’ll be listening to them as they develop new ideas, and helping them to identify new ways forward.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You can expand your horizons by choosing to spend a semester of your second year studying abroad at one of UEA’s partner universities. You spend the autumn semester completing three modules at UEA, then transfer overseas in the spring.
You will not only experience life in a different country and make international connections, you’ll also make yourself even more attractive to prospective employers, who value the skills of resourcefulness and resilience that studying abroad will bring you.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.

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After the Course
Our Philosophy and History graduates go on to do great things in a wide range of professions. The reasoning and research skills you’ll develop will prepare you for all kinds of roles in the professional sphere. They include:
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Precise and effective communication skills
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The ability to analyse data and information, and to correct faulty reasoning
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Listening carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
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Innovative and original ideas supported by reason
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Detailed and precise research and interpretation
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Law
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Journalism
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Civil service
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Cultural industries
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Teaching or lecturing
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Charity and environmental work

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Assessment for Year 1
Each of the modules you choose will have its own designated assessment method. Our modules employ a wide range of methods of assessment to suit diverse learning styles including essays, logbooks, shorter exercises, podcasts, and more. All modules provide feedback and guidance in advance to help you improve your work before the final submission. Most of our modules are assessed through coursework. In a small number of optional Spring modules in your first and second year, assessment will involve an exam.
In the final year, most modules are assessed by a larger piece of your own work or a number of more in-depth essays.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Assessment for Year 2
Each of the modules you choose will have its own designated assessment method. Our modules employ a wide range of methods of assessment to suit diverse learning styles including essays, logbooks, shorter exercises, podcasts, and more. All modules provide feedback and guidance in advance to help you improve your work before the final submission. Most of our modules are assessed through coursework. In a small number of optional Spring modules in your first and second year, assessment will involve an exam.
In the final year, most modules are assessed by a larger piece of your own work or a number of more in-depth essays.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Assessment for Year 3
Each of the modules you choose will have its own designated assessment method. Our modules employ a wide range of methods of assessment to suit diverse learning styles including essays, logbooks, shorter exercises, podcasts, and more. All modules provide feedback and guidance in advance to help you improve your work before the final submission. Most of our modules are assessed through coursework. In a small number of optional Spring modules in your first and second year, assessment will involve an exam.
In the final year, most modules are assessed by a larger piece of your own work or a number of more in-depth essays.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Assessment for Year 1
Each of the modules you choose will have its own designated assessment method. Our modules employ a wide range of methods of assessment to suit diverse learning styles including essays, logbooks, shorter exercises, podcasts, and more. All modules provide feedback and guidance in advance to help you improve your work before the final submission. Most of our modules are assessed through coursework. In a small number of optional Spring modules in your first and second year, assessment will involve an exam.
In the final year, most modules are assessed by a larger piece of your own work or a number of more in-depth essays.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
Each of the modules you choose will have its own designated assessment method. Our modules employ a wide range of methods of assessment to suit diverse learning styles including essays, logbooks, shorter exercises, podcasts, and more. All modules provide feedback and guidance in advance to help you improve your work before the final submission. Most of our modules are assessed through coursework. In a small number of optional Spring modules in your first and second year, assessment will involve an exam.
In the final year, most modules are assessed by a larger piece of your own work or a number of more in-depth essays.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students may take no more than one supervised dissertation module, but they may also take a special subject in Philosophy in addition to a dissertation. Students wishing to take the Philosophy dissertation or special subject module must complete the form circulated in advance of the enrolment fair. Students should aim to pick an even balance of credits in each semester. Students can take a maximum of 30 credits of level 5 modules in their final year of studies. Most students will choose four 30-credit modules at year three. It is also possible to take two 30-credit modules, and three 20-credit modules. Students taking the latter route will need to select two 20-credit modules from Range C plus the 20-credit module PPLP6147A .
Assessment for Year 3
Each of the modules you choose will have its own designated assessment method. Our modules employ a wide range of methods of assessment to suit diverse learning styles including essays, logbooks, shorter exercises, podcasts, and more. All modules provide feedback and guidance in advance to help you improve your work before the final submission. Most of our modules are assessed through coursework. In a small number of optional Spring modules in your first and second year, assessment will involve an exam.
In the final year, most modules are assessed by a larger piece of your own work or a number of more in-depth essays.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, English Literature or Sociology or BBB including History, Ancient History, History of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, English Literature or Sociology with an A in the Extended ProjectT Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.BTEC
DDM, alongside grade B in History A-Level (or equivalent qualification). Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAABB including HistoryScottish highers advanced
BCC including HistoryIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including HistoryAccess course
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway preferred. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in HistoryEuropean Baccalaureate
75% overall including 7 in HistoryInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including HL 5 History or Global PoliticsGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA Philosophy (with a Foundation Year).
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is an online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The application allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

We’re 3rd for research quality!

Are Some Risks Too Big To Take?

Study Philosophy at UEA

The Precautionary Principle

UEA Award

Ask a Student

We’re 3rd for research quality!
