This History and Philosophy degree will give you a broad understanding of forces that shape societies and cultures, and of the issues involved in critical philosophical thought.
Historians look to understand past societies and analyse processes of historical change. Philosophers dissect world views and understand the past in relation to the present. Combining these subjects will develop your skills in research, argument and critical thinking, equipping you for a wide variety of careers.
QS ranks our Department of History one of the best in the world. See for yourself.
You can choose to focus your studies on specific periods and geographical areas, different types of history (social, political, cultural or intellectual), or different branches of philosophy (from logic and metaphysics, to philosophy of mind, to moral or political philosophy).
You'll normally take about half of your modules in History and half in Philosophy. You have the option to write a historical dissertation in your third year on a particular topic that interests you.
Your first year develops your basic knowledge of argument, reason and ethics. You'll also dive into popular and important periods throughout history.
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module. This covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
You'll spend your second year exploring history through the context of the past and present. You'll take three modules from History:
You will also choose from a range of Philosophy modules which look in depth at some key issues in philosophy:
These will help you to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that you'll use in more specialised investigations in your third year.
In your final year of the History and Philosophy degree, you'll have the option of writing a dissertation based on a historical period, or taking an in-depth course based on the philosophy of history. You'll also take a number of optional Philosophy modules throughout the year.
You can apply to study abroad during your second year, for the whole year or just a term.
History at York has been ranked 2nd in the UK for the quality, significance and impact of our research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014
Research-led teaching here at York makes learning interactive and engaging. This includes lecturers, seminars, discussion groups, specialist workshops and field trips.
History and Philosophy degree assessments are varied, but often include research essays and collaborative projects. Most history modules will let you write a practice essay before assessment.
The analytical and communication skills you learn with a history and philosophy degree are the first steps to your successful career. Around 95 per cent of our graduates are employed or in further study six months after graduation.
All applications must be made through UCAS. You don't need to know a foreign language, but it may help for some third-year modules.
We encourage mature students to email the Admissions Tutor for consultation and advice. We also consider applications for deferred entry and requests, after taking up an offer, to take a gap year.
A levels
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDD
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2
Access to Higher Education
International Baccalaureate
35 points, including Grade 6 in History at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate
European Baccalaureate
80 per cent overall, including 85 per cent in History
IELTS
6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all units
Pearson (Academic PTE)
61 overall with 51 in all parts
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
Grade A
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
Grade C
