COURSE CURRICULUM

The History and Philosophy BA is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human thought, behaviour, and historical context. In the first year, students build a solid foundation in both disciplines through core modules such as History Workshop, Thinking Historically, Writing Philosophy, and History of Philosophy, while optional modules offer opportunities to explore subjects like Mind and World, Religion, Reason and Reality, Death and Killing, and historical and philosophical perspectives on society, science, and medicine. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge with core modules such as History and the Public, and can select optional modules across history, including topics such as Trumpism, the Becket Affair, the 1926 General Strike, and global historical perspectives, alongside philosophy options such as Formal Logic, Feminism, Philosophy of AI and Robotics, and Philosophy of the Arts. The third year focuses on advanced study, including a short dissertation and modules such as Communicating Philosophy, while allowing students to specialize in History through modules on topics ranging from Permissive Britain and Italy in the Age of Dante to the Wars for Vietnam, and in Philosophy through modules such as Ethics and Belief, Philosophy of Psychology, and Utopia, Reform and Democracy. Throughout the degree, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research skills, and a nuanced understanding of historical and philosophical inquiry, preparing them for careers in academia, research, policy, and public engagement.