Program Overview

History and Philosophy and Ethics

BA (Hons)

Overview

Our History and Philosophy degree combines the academic study of history with skill-based modules that develop critical thinking. You could learn how to write a funding application in one module and how to pitch ideas to partner organisations in another.

What you'll learn

• Learn how to use evidence and analyse information to solve problems and question traditional beliefs.
• Develop critical thinking skills and apply them to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.
• Combine professional skills and opportunities with subject knowledge in an innovative combination of subjects.

Course structure

Year one

• Introductions and foundations: develop your critical thinking skills and follow a broad curriculum which allows you to ask questions, challenge your own assumptions, interrogate evidence, data and opinions.

Year two

• Practical, applied, relevant: this year combines academic study with the acquisition of professional skills and the application of your knowledge and understanding to a defined problem or idea.

Year three

• Achievement, consolidation, creativity: your final project in the third year brings all this together. You’ll identify your own questions and area of study, develop your proposal and put it into practice. This might be an extended piece of academic writing, an exhibition, community project, or the creation of digital resources.

Facilities and resources

• Our campus is a historic resource in its own right. Our campus buildings – which include a period manor house, gatehouse, keep, and state-of-the-art learning and performance facilities – are set in an eighteenth-century landscape complete with lake and pavilions.
• You'll have access to a range of excellent Virtual Learning Environment, including:
  • facilities with its state-of-the-art classrooms, study spaces and cafe
  • Digital labs (Mac rooms) for students learning new media
  • Commons building to support you in your modules.

Opportunities

• Study abroad: As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.
• Fieldwork: Fieldwork and visits are an integral part of the course. We visit religious communities, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and churches.
• Work placements, industry links and internships: Placement modules prepare you for the world of work. We have excellent links with third sector organisations, working with environmental and educational charities, as well as others.

Careers

• If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a History degree, the answer may surprise you. Yes, you could become a historian or a teacher, but we prepare you for so much more.
• The transferable skills you’ll gain on this course will prepare you for a career that demands confident communication at all levels. This could include curation for museums and heritage organisations, or work in the public and social services, the charitable sector, or the NHS.

Professional placement year

• The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
• By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Fees

• 2025 entry
  • UK full time: £9,535
  • UK part time: £4,768
  • International full time: £16,460
• Professional Placement Year
  • During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee.
    • UK: £1,905
    • International: £3,292

Entry requirements

• We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below.
  • A Level - grades BBB-BCC including a Grade B in History or a related subject.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in any subject. Applicants will need to demonstrate a strong interest in History in their personal statement.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of grade 5 in History at Higher Level.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher in a relevant subject.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

• IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.