History and Philosophy, BA (Hons)

Explore the BA in History and Philosophy at the University of Reading, where you can analyse beliefs, concepts, and the workings of past societies. This programme encourages questioning assumptions and tracing the origins of modern cultures, supported by the university's top 125 global ranking in Arts and Humanities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024). With expertise spanning Europe, Africa, America, South Asia, and the Middle East, students engage with diverse topics from the Crusades to Cold War Berlin and Medieval Magic to the Rwanda Crisis.Philosophy studies develop logical thinking, critical argument evaluation, and exploration of ideas, including non-Western traditions like Indian philosophy. Taught by experts in moral philosophy and the philosophy of mind, core modules include Perspectives in History, Making History and You, Reason and Argument, Great Works in Philosophy, and a dissertation or independent learning option. Modules are subject to final approval and potential changes for 2025/26; visit the programme page for updates.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules for this course: Perspectives in History; Making History and You: Practices and Possibilities; Reason and Argument; Great Works in Philosophy; Dissertation in History or Philosophy OR Independent Learning Module in Philosophy The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest that you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme. Check our website for more details about the course structure.