Program Overview

Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought BA

The Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought BA is a unique and interdisciplinary program that combines the study of philosophy, psychology, and the history of science. This degree allows students to explore fundamental questions about the mind, utilizing scientific, philosophical, and historical methods.

Course Overview

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the mind and its relationship to the brain, as well as the historical and philosophical context of scientific thought. Students will study a range of topics, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, ethics, and the nature of knowledge and reality.

Course Structure

The course consists of three years of full-time study, with a range of compulsory and optional modules. In the first year, students will study introductory modules in philosophy, psychology, and the history of science, as well as optional modules in topics such as ethics and the nature of knowledge and reality.

• Year 1 Compulsory Modules:
  • History of Psychology (10 credits)
  • Introduction to the History of Science (10 credits)
  • How Science Works (10 credits)
  • The Mind (10 credits)
  • Cognitive Psychology (20 credits)
  • One of: Developmental Psychology (20 credits) or Social and Health Psychology (20 credits)
  • One of: Knowledge, Self and Reality (20 credits) or The Good, The Bad, The Right, The Wrong (20 credits)
• Year 1 Optional Modules:
  • Thinking About Race (10 credits)
  • Magic, Science and Religion (10 credits)
  • Darwin, Germs and the Bomb (10 credits)
  • History of Modern Medicine (10 credits)

In the second year, students will study more advanced modules in each disciplinary area, as well as a bespoke research skills module in the history and philosophy of science.

• Year 2 Compulsory Modules:
  • Research in History and Philosophy of Science (20 credits)
  • History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness (20 credits)
  • Cognition and Perception (20 credits)
  • One of: Social Psychology of People in Context (20 credits) or Psychology Through the Lifespan (20 credits)
• Year 2 Optional Modules:
  • Global Challenges: The Long View
  • Why Trust Science?
  • How to Live Together: Topics in Political Philosophy
  • Do The Right Thing: Topics in Moral Philosophy
  • How Do You Know? Topics in Epistemology
  • Reality Check: Topics in Metaphysics

In the final year, students will complete a final year research project supervised by specialist academics, as well as choosing from a range of specialist modules in the philosophy of mind or the historically evolving connections between mind, brain, and society.

• Year 3 Compulsory Modules:
  • Final Year Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science (40 credits)
  • One of: Philosophy of Mind (20 credits) or Mind, Brain and Society (20 credits)
• Year 3 Optional Modules:
  • Philosophy of the Social Sciences
  • Bioethics
  • Feminist Philosophy
  • Science Communication
  • Philosophy of Sex and Relationships
  • Philosophy of Biology
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophical Issues in Technology
  • History and Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
  • Feminist Social Psychology
  • Applied Social Psychology
  • Development of Language and Literacy
  • Reasoning and Decision Making
  • Cognition and Emotion

Learning and Teaching

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science and the School of Psychology are home to tutors who are at the forefront of research in their fields. A range of teaching and learning methods are used, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. Independent study is integral to the degree, and students will develop skills in research, interpretation, and analysis.

Assessment

Assessment is designed to reflect the most valuable skills that the subjects can teach, including the ability to construct a well-developed argument, explain complicated ideas clearly, and critically evaluate and interpret philosophical texts and psychological research.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB
• Other course-specific tests:
  • EPQ in a relevant subject
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher
  • BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD
  • Cambridge Pre-U: D3, M1, M2
  • International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (higher level): H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
  • Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade
  • European Baccalaureate: 80%

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790
• International: Ł26,500 (per year)

Career Opportunities

This unique multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the mind will give students an impressive range of subject knowledge and transferable skills that really stand out to employers. Graduates will be supported to develop as critical thinking, independent learners, and global citizens, with skills from both science and the humanities.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France, and Spain. Practical work experience can help students decide on their career and improve their employability, with options to take a placement year module with organizations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas.