University of Exeter United Kingdom

BA Philosophy and History

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 intellectually stimulating journey with the BA Philosophy and History undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter. This programme is crafted for curious minds eager to explore the fundamental questions of human existence through the lenses of philosophical inquiry and historical analysis. You will delve into core concepts of knowledge, reality, and morality, while simultaneously investigating diverse historical periods and global events. This degree is ideal for students who seek to understand the intricate connections between ideas, societies, and the passage of time, developing critical thinking and analytical skills essential for navigating complex global challenges.

This full-time, on-campus degree is structured over three years, allowing you to build a robust understanding of both disciplines. Your first year establishes foundational knowledge in both philosophy and history, with compulsory modules and introductory options. As you progress, you will specialise through a wide array of optional modules, potentially including "Doing History in the Digital Age" or exploring specific philosophical areas like "Metaphysics" or "Philosophy of Mind." In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a significant dissertation, either in History or Philosophy, culminating in a deep dive into a research question of your choice. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, prepared for diverse careers in research, education, policy, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of both philosophy and history, covering foundational concepts in knowledge, reality, and morality alongside the development of historical inquiry. Students will engage with core philosophical topics and gain an understanding of historical periods and methodologies, with opportunities to delve into specialized areas of historical study. The curriculum culminates in a dissertation, allowing for in-depth research in either discipline.

1 Year 1

Knowledge and Reality 1 Compulsory
Knowledge and Reality 2 Compulsory
Evidence and Argument 1 Compulsory
Introduction to Philosophical Analysis Compulsory
Philosophy of Morality Compulsory
Becoming a Historian: Core Compulsory
Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History Compulsory
Understanding Modern History Compulsory
Britain, America, and the Global Order, 1846-1946 Optional
Body, Border, Partition: Understanding Violence in South Asia Optional
Confinement, Care, Cure: Psychiatric Institutions in the Twentieth Century Optional
Early Modern Magic and Witchcraft Optional
Environment and Industry, 1750-1950: Global Perspectives Optional
Gender and Sexuality in the Middle Ages Optional
Images of Stalinism Optional
Ladies of the Night: Prostitution in the Victorian World Optional
JFK Optional
Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: Britain Since 1945 Optional
Murder in Early Modern England Optional
From Wigan Pier to Piccadilly: Britain between the Wars Optional
The Viking Phenomenon Optional
The First Day of the Somme Optional
The History of Strategic Thinking Optional
The Good War? The United States in World War II Optional
Renaissance Florence 1350-1550 Optional

2 Year 2

Philosophy of Mind 1 Compulsory
Philosophical Research Compulsory
Body and Mind Compulsory
Metaphysics Compulsory
Philosophy of Language Compulsory
Moral agency in social context Compulsory
Albion's Fatal Tree: Capital Punishment in England, 1688-1965 Optional
American Frontiers: The West in U.S. History and Mythology Optional
The First Welfare State? England's Poor Law, 1520-1835 Optional
Living Through the Global: Colonial Migrants and the British Empire from the Eighteenth Century to the Present Optional
Inventing Modern Man: Constructions of Mind, Body, and the Individual, 1400-1800 Optional
History of Development: Ideologies, Politics, and Projects Optional
Spain from Absolutism to Democracy Optional
Medieval Paris Optional
The Russian Empire, 1689-1917 Optional
Religion, Society and Culture in Tudor England Optional
Slavery, Revolution, Independence: Saint-Domingue and Haiti, 1685-1838 Optional
Rise and Demise of Communism in Global Perspective Optional
The Other Renaissance: Religion, Knowledge, and Power in the Twelfth Century Optional
An Age of Iron? Europe in the Tenth Century Optional
Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 Optional
Europe in the Era of the Great War, 1908-1923: Crisis, Conflict and Collapse Optional

3 Final year

Philosophy Dissertation Compulsory
General Third-Year Dissertation Compulsory
Research Project Dissertation Compulsory
Everyday Stalinism: Life in the Soviet Union, 1928-53 Optional
Critics of Empire Optional
The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914 Optional
Street Protest and Social Movements in the Modern Era Optional
Health and its Politics in the 20th Century Optional
From the Grand Tour to Gladiator: Modern encounters with the ancient world Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,724.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,174.00

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

Living Costs

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 Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesCreative Production & Project ManagementDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringEdTech & E-LearningFilm & Television ProductionMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsPerformance & Growth MarketingProduct Management & UXSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

EXPOSE

University of Exeter

Why Study BA Philosophy and History at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter 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 Philosophy and History at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you'll need to meet specific scores: Duolingo overall score of 120, IELTS overall score of 6.5, or TOEFL overall score of 90. Make sure to check other specific section requirements for the test you choose.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as historians, philosophers, teachers, researchers, or media analysts.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree combines the study of philosophy and history, enhancing your analytical skills and understanding of various time periods. You'll have the opportunity to tailor your studies through optional modules and engage with student societies.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Philosophy and History program has an intake in September. Be prepared to start your academic journey during this month.
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