Philosophy and History with Year Abroad

Summary

Philosophy and history together help you understand how ideas and events shape the world we live in.

On this course, you will explore major philosophical questions alongside the study of key historical moments. You will examine how ways of thinking have developed over time, and how they connect to events from the ancient world to the present day.

As you progress, you will develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication, learning to interpret complex arguments and build your own informed perspectives. A Philosophy and History degree at Southampton provides you with an opportunity to explore the events and ideas which have shaped, and continue to shape, the world around us.

You’ll explore some of the biggest questions of philosophy, and combine study of the foundations of intellectual thought with the examination of pivotal historical events and ideas. You'll be able to develop your own interpretations of disputed ideas and narratives across a wide range of periods, from the Ancient Greeks to New World slavery, the Space Age, and Climate Change. There is an exceptional diversity of options in both history and philosophy, including close explorations of Western and non-Western traditions, and analysis of modern issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, race, and gender.

Key features of the course

Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules across Philosophy, History and other disciplines.

Learn in small groups, with opportunities to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.

Study diverse topics, including areas less commonly taught in the UK such as South East Asian history and philosophy.

Develop career focused skills throughout your studies, embedded across the course.

Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.

Student support

You will be taught by experts with a wide range of interests. Through small group teaching and one to one support, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and build confidence in your work.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information

BA Philosophy and History is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

The programme is designed to ensure that your learning is progressive. You will move from developing foundational skills in the first year, to pursuing your own self-directed research project in the final year.

Year 1: Develop foundational skills in critical thinking and historical analysis, through modules such as: Reason and Argument and History Matters.
Year 2: Deepen your understanding of Philosophy, History, and the links between them, with core modules in the history of philosophy and public history.
Year 3: Year Abroad
Year 4: Personalise your degree through a self-directed dissertation project on a topic of your choice, and will choose from a range of specialist modules, each led by active researchers in the field.

You will also have the option of further tailoring your degree by choosing optional modules outside of Philosophy and History, with subjects including digital humanities and modern languages.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as debates, essays, oral presentations, dissertations, individual and group projects, written exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.