History and Philosophy

Ideas can change the world and they remain the primary currency of success today. Understanding patterns of human thinking and behaviours is intrinsically important to shape these changes.

The need to understand the origins, character, significance and legacies of world-transforming ideas and human behaviours is central to BA (Hons) History and Philosophy. This course explores the history and communication of ideas across space and time. It will also develop your understanding of how patterns of human thinking and behaviours shape the trajectories of personal and professional life.

A key outcome of the course is understanding the intellectual, philosophical and historical processes that have shaped the contemporary world and the forms of human experience within it. In learning to understand and challenge key concepts and by thinking critically about problems based on evidence and past experience, our degree will enable you to explore societal challenges and the tensions between theory and practise, and understand the decision-making processes driving political, social, technological and cultural forces which affect us globally.

This course will equip you to both understand and critique existing ideological constructs and communicate ideas creatively, to understand the ethical and political challenges emerging in the 21st century, organise and navigate diverse and contradictory evidence in physical and digital forms. The course, and the diverse and inclusive assessments within it, has been shaped with the help of employers and students, ensuring that you develop a broad range of skills and competencies that are highly valued by employers.

It offers opportunities to connect in practise through projects, placements with external partners, and volunteering. Possible career destinations include project creation and management, data analysis, systems analysis and design, think-tank consultancy work, product branding, advertising, teaching and voluntary sector roles.

Why study History and Philosophy at NTU?

• 1st in the UK for teaching satisfaction on Philosophy courses (Guardian University Guide 2024).

• You will get the best preparation for your future career through work-like experiences that are embedded throughout the length of the course.

• The course will allow you to develop the knowledge and critical skills that are valued by employers and are required to become an expert practitioner across a range of future professions.

• You will have the opportunity to create your own pathway through the course, with a study abroad and extended placement modules available in the second year.

• Develop a deep understanding of the role played by ideas both in historic and contemporary societies and the influence this has on shaping the modern world and on personal and professional behaviours.