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History and Philosophy BA

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Explore human history and thought from its most ancient periods to the present day. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the relationship between historical context and philosophical thought.

Across each subject, you can explore the moral, social, political, religious, and scientific developments that have made human life possible, and which continue to challenge humanity today. Our geographical scope is wide and diverse, from Britain and Europe to Asia, North America and Africa.

You will gain the skills, understanding, and knowledge to describe and make sense of these ideas and events, and to argue for your own interpretations of them. These are the transferable skills needed for a wide range of exciting careers.

By combining Philosophy and History, this degree enables you to critically explore profound questions about human existence and society by analysing how historical events and philosophical ideas intertwine. It offers a broader perspective on the ways human life has been shaped over time, fostering a deeper appreciation of humanity’s intellectual and cultural achievements.

In developing skills such as reasoning, argumentation, and effective communication, you’ll acquire the tools needed to interpret complex concepts and present thoughtful interpretations. These capabilities not only enhance academic learning but also prepare you for diverse professional paths.

The program encourages intellectual curiosity and challenges you to consider how history and philosophy can address contemporary issues. With a global and interdisciplinary approach, you’ll gain insights into the diversity of human experiences and be equipped to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.

Engaged Arts

All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.

Why choose this course?

  • Tailor your degree to your interests – with our wide range of optional modules, you can study the periods, themes and events which interest you most

  • Career-ready skills - develop your presentation, organisation, teamwork and leadership skills

  • Confidence of thinking - build the skills and confidence to debate your views

  • Volunteering opportunities – gain valuable experience and share your passion for the subject through the Department of History and Department of Philosophy volunteering projects

  • Work experience -Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities.

  • Explore real-world challenges across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ optional modules

Some key statistics
Top 100 in the world for Philosophy (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Top 20 for History in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024)

You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the relevant Foundation Year course for further information.

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page - https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/History-and-Philosophy-BA-Jt-Hons-U6UHISPY.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
VV51
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
VV51
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

AAB - A*BB
Including A Level History. We can accept Ancient History, Medieval History or Classical Civilisation instead of History. General Studies or Critical Thinking not considered

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept this qualification on its own due to the subject specific requirements at A Level. RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD + B at History accepted.

Access to HE Diploma

D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit. 9 Level 3 credits must be from History and achieved at Distinction.

Scottish Higher

AAABB
This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades AA and above, including History

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus 1 A Level grade B at History

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades AB including History

Scottish Advanced Higher

AA
Including History, and including Scottish Highers AAABB.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32 points
including 5 in History at Higher Level OR 665 in 3 Higher Level certificates including History

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Accepted alongside A-Levels

Extended Project

A
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3, M1, M2
Including History

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4)

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

A
If you have already achieved your Core Maths Qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths Qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths Qualification. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

European Baccalaureate - 80% overall.

University of Nottingham’s Arts and Humanities Foundation Year Progression Options

Degree courses in the Faculty of Arts are also available as progression routes from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year (Y14F). This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the Foundation Year course for further information.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
EU£23000*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
International£23000*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202526/undergraduate.aspx

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