University of Reading United Kingdom

BA History and Philosophy

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a compelling intellectual journey with the BA History and Philosophy degree at the University of Reading. This undergraduate programme is designed for curious minds eager to explore the foundational questions of human existence and the complex narratives that have shaped our world. You will delve into diverse historical periods and philosophical traditions, developing critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding contemporary issues. By examining historiographies, methodologies, and key philosophical arguments, you will gain a profound appreciation for how societies and cultures evolve, preparing you for a world that demands nuanced understanding and informed perspectives.

This full-time, on-campus degree, studied over three years, offers a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with core modules such as "Perspectives in History" and "Reason and Argument," alongside a wide array of optional subjects ranging from "Medieval Magic" to "Radical Philosophy." Your studies will culminate in a significant dissertation or independent research project, allowing you to pursue your specific interests in depth. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, including advanced research, critical analysis, and persuasive communication, equipping you for diverse career paths in academia, policy, heritage, journalism, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA History and Philosophy program offers a comprehensive exploration of historical periods and philosophical concepts. Students will engage with diverse historical topics, from medieval England and South Asia to modern revolutions and cultural movements. The curriculum also delves into fundamental philosophical inquiries, including ethics, logic, the nature of mind, and the meaning of existence. The program culminates in independent research through dissertations in either history or philosophy.

1 YEAR 1

Perspectives in History
Making History and You: Practices and Possibilities
Reason and Argument
Great Works in Philosophy

2 YEAR 2

Going Public: Presenting the Past, Planning the Future
Preparing for your Dissertation
People, Power and Revolution: political culture in seventeenth-century England
Kingship and Crisis in England, c.1154–1330
‘The brightest jewel in the British crown’: The Making of Modern South Asia, 1757-1947
Europe in the Twentieth Century
Revolutionary Cities
American Century: United States history since 1898
Black Britain: Race and Migration in Post-war United Kingdom
Women and Medieval History
The Colonial Experience: Africa since 1879
Hollywood Histories: Film and Past
Rebel Girls: The Influence of Radical Women 1792-1919
Reform and Revolt in the Modern Middle East: Egypt from Ataturk to the ‘Arab Spring’
Encountering the Atlantic World, 1450-1850
Being British, Representations of the People: Democracy and Society in Britain 1838-1928
Noise Annoys: British Youth Culture, Popular Music and Social Change, 1950s-90s
'Apocalittici e integrati': Intellectuals and Society in Twentieth Century Italy
The Crusades, 1095-1291
Medieval Medicine
Ethical Argument
Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy
Meaning and the Mind
Global Philosophies
Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation in History
Dissertation in Philosophy
Independent Learning Module
Anarchy in the UK: Punk, Politics and Youth Culture in Britain, 1976-84
Becoming a Revolutionary: the Old Regime and the French Revolution, 1787-1794
Eugenics from 1865 to the Present Day
Heretics and Popes: Heresy and Persecution in the Medieval World
Slavery in America
History Education
Discovering Archives and Collections
Medieval Magic and the Origins of the Witch-Craze
Battleaxes and Benchwarmers': Early Female MPs 1919-1931
Axis at War: Life and Death in Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, 1936-45
Politics and Popular Culture: Post-Arab Spring Egypt
From Darwin to Death Camps? Evolution and eugenics in European society, 1859-1945
Ireland and the English in the Middle Ages
The United States and the Cold War
Modern Science and Empires, 1750-2000
The Romantic Revolution: Culture, Environment and Society in England, c.1790-c.1900
Sexual Politics: Gender, Sex, and Feminism in Britain after 1918
Utopia: The Quest for a Perfect World
Poor Law to Hostile Environment: Repatriation, Deportation and Exclusion from Britain, 1800-2016
The American Civil War
Philosophy of Language: Animals, Babies, Colours, and Language Death
Free Will and Responsibility
Gender in Africa: From Eighteenth Century ‘Amazons’ to Twentieth Century Child Soldiers
Pirates of the Caribbean: Empire, Slavery, and Society, 1550-1750
Fairness
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Society and State in Ancient Greece
The Scandal of Film
Hume and Wittgenstein
Speech Attacks: Bullshit, Lies, Propaganda
Paradoxes
Metaphysics

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,130.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,130.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,130.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 102,391.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 18,832.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on WhiteKnights Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising Finance & OperationsAerospace ManufacturingAirport Infrastructure & Aviation SecurityCreative & ContentDefense & Military AviationEvent & Experiential MarketingMedia Planning & BuyingPublic RelationsSpace Exploration & Satellite TechnologyUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Why Study BA History and Philosophy at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA History and Philosophy at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To apply, you'll need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like Duolingo (overall 135), TOEFL (overall 100), IELTS (overall 7.0), or PTE (overall 76). Ensure you meet the required scores to be eligible for admission.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as historians, philosophers, educators, or in roles within museums and cultural institutions.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course covers diverse topics such as the struggle for power in historical societies and moral philosophy. You'll explore intricate periods, from the Crusades to the Rwanda Crisis.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA History and Philosophy program begins in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to join this enriching course.
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