Experience culture. Uncover the past. Understand the world.
Year of entry: 2019
VV15
Y50
3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)
£9,250 per year (2018/19)
£17,120 per year (2019/20)
Get to know us better and find out what studying and living in York is really like.
Book nowThis 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.
You'll join two highly respected research intensive departments, and graduate with the expertise in the origins of contemporary society, as well as with the tools to analyse issues that arise in the modern world.
Both departments use small groups for seminar discussions to allow an in-depth understanding of subjects
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.
You can apply to study abroad during your second year, for the whole year or just a term.
You'll also choose one of the following modules:
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 module 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 study one core History module:
You'll choose one Histories and Contexts module (20 credits). You'll typically be able to choose from around eight options:
Finally, you'll also choose one Explorations module (30 credits). We usually offer around 18 options for you to choose from:
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 option Philosophy modules throughout the year.
You'll choose a Special Subject module (40 credits), typically from around 16 options. These are an advanced, source-based course on specific historical topic, taught through seminars.
You may choose to complete the History dissertation:
You'll study a core Philosophy/History bridge module (10 credits):
You'll choose one option module (20 credits) and one advanced option module (10 credits) in Philosophy.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
The fees and funding figures below are based on data from 2018 entry. If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.
| UK/EU | International |
|---|---|
| £9,250 | £17,120 |
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK, EU or international student.
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
We offer a number of scholarships to help cover tuition fees and living costs.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
“Students from all backgrounds achieve consistently outstanding outcomes”
The TEF Panel, Office for Students, June 2018
Our Gold Teaching Excellence Framework award demonstrates our commitment to the delivery of consistently outstanding teaching and learning for our students.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Research-led teaching here at York makes learning interactive and engaging. This includes lecturers, seminars, discussion groups, specialist workshops and field trips.
You'll be taught in small, interactive seminars of 10-20 students, in which you'll engage with the module content and explore any questions.
As a guide, students on this course typically spend their time as follows:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures and seminars | 204 hours | 156 hours | 96 hours |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
The rest of your time on the course will be spent on independent study. This may include preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours will vary from person to person. In UK higher education the expectation is that full-time students will spend 1200 hours a year learning.
You will be based in both the Department of History and the Department of Philosophy which are situated on Campus West.
Nearly half of your teaching will take place in the Spring Lane building. The rest of your contact hours will take place in other locations on Campus West.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Your first-year work doesn't contribute toward your final marks. We recognise that students are only beginning to develop over the course of their degree.
From Year 2 onward, formal assessments contribute toward your degree. Most History modules will let you write a practice essay before assessment.
You'll be assessed using a range of methods, including essays, research projects, written exams, group projects and presentations.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exams | 54% | 43% | 17% |
| Coursework | 46% | 57% | 83% |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
The analytical and communication skills you learn with a History and Philosophy degree are the first steps to your successful career. You'll be able to tackle complex problems with confidence and intellectual independence, as well as communicate your ideas clearly and make persuasive arguments.
Our graduates have gone on to work in sectors such as:
You'll graduate with invaluable transferable skills such as:
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| A levels | AAB (including History or Classical Civilisation) or ABB (including History or Classical Civilisation) and pass in EPQ (extended project qualification). There is no restriction on the topic for your EPQ. General Studies is typically excluded from conditional offers. |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher |
| BTEC | BTEC National Extended Diploma (QCF): DDD. We accept a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels. An additional A Level or equivalent qualification in either History or Classical Civilisation is required alongside any BTEC qualification. |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3, D3, M2 Including a D3 in History Accepted in conjunction with A levels |
| European Baccalaureate | 80 per cent overall, including 85 per cent in History |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points, including Grade 6 in History at Higher Level |
| Irish leaving Certificate | H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3, including H1 in History |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | AAAAB at Higher Level AB at Advanced Higher Level, including an A 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
To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
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.
Get in touch if you have any questions
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