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History and Philosophy BA

Course details
  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
University Park Campus

Course summary

Explore human history and thought from its most ancient periods to the present day. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the relationship between historical context and philosophical thought.

Across each subject, you can explore the moral, social, political, religious, and scientific developments that have made human life possible, and which continue to challenge humanity today. Our geographical scope is wide and diverse, from Britain and Europe to Asia, North America and Africa.

You will gain the skills, understanding, and knowledge to describe and make sense of these ideas and events, and to argue for your own interpretations of them. These are the transferable skills needed for a wide range of exciting careers.

By combining philosophy and history, this degree enables you to critically explore profound questions about human existence and society by analysing how historical events and philosophical ideas intertwine. It offers a broader perspective on the ways human life has been shaped over time, fostering a deeper appreciation of humanity’s intellectual and cultural achievements.

In developing skills such as reasoning, argumentation, and effective communication, you’ll acquire the tools needed to interpret complex concepts and present thoughtful interpretations. These capabilities not only enhance academic learning but also prepare you for diverse professional paths.

The program encourages intellectual curiosity and challenges you to consider how history and philosophy can address contemporary issues. With a global and interdisciplinary approach, you’ll gain insights into the diversity of human experiences and be equipped to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.

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Your departments

For more information on what it's like to study with us, take a look at the Department of History and Department of Philosophy websites.

Course highlights

  • Study the periods, themes and events that interest you the most with our wide range of optional modules.

  • Gain valuable experience and share your passion for the subject through the Department of History and Department of Philosophy volunteering projects.

  • Build the skills and confidence to debate your views, as well as career-ready skills such as organisation, teamwork and leadership.

Proven results

  • We’re ranked 16th in the UK for history and 14th in the UK for philosophy (Daily Mail University Guide 2026).

  • The average starting salary for history undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £29,682. The average starting salary for philosophy and theology and religious studies undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £28,500 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Modules

Assessment method

For detailed information about the modules you will study , please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/History-and-Philosophy-BA-Jt-Hons.html

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
VV51
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB-A*BB

General Studies or Critical Thinking not considered

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AAABB

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades AA and above

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4)

Scottish Advanced Higher
AA

and including Scottish Highers AAABB.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus 1 A Level grade B

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

OR

665 in 3 Higher Level certificates

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Accepted alongside A-Levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades AB

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

  • Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.
    https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/applying/entry-requirements.html

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5(no less than 6.0 in any element) English language requirements As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details. For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

International entry requirements

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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